My wife and I have spent a large portion of the last few months training and spending time with our new Siberian Husky puppy, Gus. He is mischievous and energetic but also sweet (particularly when he is tired from a day of hard play).
Getting a new puppy has brought a lot of joy into our lives, but it was also a good reminder that the responsibilities of dog ownership not only mean caring for the dog itself, but also the community around us.
Dog Bite Statute: Dog Owners are Generally Strictly Liable for Injury or Death Caused by their Dog
Ohio imposes strict liability on dog owners for “any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog.” R.C. 955.28(B). This means that if a dog hurts someone, the owner is automatically responsible for the injuries caused by the dog regardless of whether the dog had a history of biting or other aggressive tendencies. This also means that someone who has been bitten by a dog does not need to show that the dog owner was negligent - the statute makes the owner liable regardless of whether they were negligent. Ohio’s dog bite statute also extends strict liability to anyone who provides some measure of care, custody, or control over the dog (called “keepers” and “harborers” in the statute).
There are only two exceptions that relieve Ohio dog owners of strict liability:
- A dog owner is not strictly liable if the person injured by the dog was criminally trespassing or committing some other crime other than a minor misdemeanor on the owner’s property.
- A dog owner is not strictly liable if the person injured by the dog was “teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog” on the owner’s property.
Considering the high responsibility that Ohio places on them, it is important that all dog owners check their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to ensure that it covers any potential injuries that could be caused by a dog.
Plakas Mannos’ Lawyers Have Experience in Handling Dog Bite and Dog Attack Cases
When dog attacks do happen, they can be devastating to the persons who are oftentimes seriously injured and their families. Plakas Mannos has litigated numerous cases with families that have been harmed by dog attacks, including wrongful deaths due to dog attacks throughout Ohio, including in Canton, Massillon, Akron and surrounding areas in Stark Summit, and Tuscarawas Counties in Ohio.
Plakas Mannos has represented clients ranging from elderly people who have been knocked over by dogs, children and adults who have been bitten by dogs at apartment complexes and residences, and other injuries caused by dogs. Many times, our representation includes identifying and interviewing witnesses or others who have interacted with the dog. This can be especially important in cases where it is not obvious who is “keeping” or “harboring” the dog, such as in instances involving apartment complexes.
Here When You Need Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
Our team of dog bite lawyers are here to help you or your family. If you or a family member have been seriously injured or suffered a wrongful death as a result of a dog bite or dog attack, please do not hesitate to contact us.
About the Author
Brandon McHugh is an associate attorney at Plakas Mannos. His practice includes wrongful death & personal injury, business litigation, and more.
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