Dog and Animal Bites

Dog and Animal Bites

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend. However, man's best friend can quickly turn. Vicious attacks by dogs or other dangerous animals can cause serious injury or even death, especially when the victim is a small child. Dog attacks as well as other animal attacks can cause serious lacerations, permanent scarring, rabies, and serious infections. If a dog you do not own bit or injured you or a family member, you may have a right to compensation. Most states have specific statutes relating to dog bites and vicious animals. These statutes are often known as Strict Liabilty statutes.
Kentucky Dog Bites
Kentucky is a strict liability state. The law of this state is favorable for anyone who was injured in any way by a dog. The dog owner is strictly liable for all damage to a person, livestock and other property, including the victim's pet. Furthermore, any person may kill or seize any dog that is observed attacking a person, and a dog that is declared to be dangerous has to be kept securely away from people. However, "Strict Liability" means "almost strict liability." Kentucky applies principles of comparative negligence meaning if you contributed to causing the dog to bite, you may not completely recover for your injuries.

Recoverable Damages

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Past, Present and Future medical bills and care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of society and consortium
  • Property damage
  • Emotional injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Punitive Damages
Ohio Dog Bites Ohio Revised Code 955.28 relates to dog bites and is different than the common law. Under Ohio law, the owner, harborer, or keeper is almost always liable for injuries caused by their dog due to the theory of strict liability. When a person owns, keeps, harbors or cares for a dog, and the dog bites another person, they are liable for the injuries sustained from the dog bite. It does not matter if the owner or person in control knew the dog was outside, beyond its fence, or off its leash when it should have been inside or contained. Under Ohio law, an injured person may also seek a Negligence or Gross Negligence Claim against the owner, harborer, or keeper of a dog that bites another.
Insurance Companies will often write policies in a way that will exclude certain breeds of dogs. Thus, it is extremely important to speak to an attorney before giving an insurance adjuster a statement. Chip has represented many men, women, and children regarding injuries they sustained from dog bites. If you have been bitten by a dog, contact the Law Office of Milton S. Goff, III for a FREE Consultation.

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The information contained in these web pages are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or a contractual agreement to represent any potential client. The information represents the most current trends in the law and may change at any given period of time. To assure the most accurate information is obtained you should contact an attorney. For most personal injury cases, there is NO FEE unless we receive a recovery through settlement or a Plaintiff's verdict.
(ALTHOUGH COURT COSTS AND CASE EXPENSES MAY BE FRONTED, THEY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT)
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