Dog bites can cause more than just physical wounds–they often lead to long-term emotional and financial strain. If you or a loved one was injured by a dog in Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. At Chester Law, our experienced Ohio dog bite attorneys understand the seriousness of these incidents and are here to help you hold negligent owners accountable. Whether the bite occurred in a public space or on private property, we’ll help you understand your rights and take the right steps forward.
Why Choose Chester Law as Your Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer
- Chester Law brings decades of serious injury experience to every case
- We focus exclusively on serious injury claims, including dog bites
- We’ve handled dog bite cases ranging from puncture wounds to serious lacerations requiring plastic surgery
- We walk clients through every step of the legal process with empathy and clarity
- You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you
- Our team only takes on cases where we believe we can make a difference
- We work to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
“Our job is to be that calm voice after the storm. When someone’s been bitten by a dog, they’re often overwhelmed–especially if it involves a child. We’re here to step in, take that weight off their shoulders, and make sure they’re not navigating this process alone.”
–David Chester
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer in Ohio Cost?
You don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully resolve your case. If you’re not sure whether you have a valid claim, contact us for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Ohio: 5 Steps to Get Started
- Seek medical care immediately, even for minor injuries–dog bites carry a high risk of infection
- Report the attack to your local health department or animal control agency to start the paper trail needed for a legal claim
- Document the scene by taking photos of the injuries, the dog, and the location where the bite occurred
- Gather information from the dog’s owner, including contact details and vaccination history
- Contact us for a free consultation and to discuss critical next steps
How We Help You Succeed: Our 5-Step Legal Process
- We investigate the incident and verify whether the dog had a history of aggression
- We gather medical records and work with doctors to show the full extent of your injuries
- We determine liability and build a case against the dog owner or other responsible party
- We negotiate with insurers to secure a fair settlement or prepare to take the case to trial as your dog bite lawyer in Ohio
- We keep you informed every step of the way so you’re never left wondering what’s next
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites and the Law in Ohio
Ohio follows strict liability laws, meaning a dog owner is typically responsible for a bite, even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Ohio Revised Code 955.28(B) states that a dog owner, keeper, or a harborer of a dog is liable for any injury caused by a dog within their control. This is Ohio’s “strict liability” law regarding dog attacks which means that you do not need evidence of prior attacks by a dog to make the owner liable. A traditional “negligence” claim is still available but requires that the owner was aware of prior attacks by the dog. Note that you DO NOT have to be bitten by a dog to present a claim. Injuries, sometimes serious, may be sustained by a dog attack without an actual bite. For example, the dog may push you to the ground causing broken bones, brain injury, etc. At Chester Law, we help victims navigate these protections and hold negligent parties accountable.
The damages available if you are injured in a dog attack are similar to damages in other personal injury claims. The dog owner would be responsible for your medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering. Note that the owner is also responsible for any future damages if the injuries are permanent in nature. A “negligence” claim allows the pursuit of punitive damages if the owner was reckless. As an experienced dog bite attorney in Ohio, Chester Law will pursue any or all of these claims on your behalf.
Yes. The Ohio Administrative Code requires that anyone with knowledge of a dog bite report the incident to the local health commissioner within 24 hours. The primary reason is to determine if the animal in question has been inoculated or is a potential carrier of rabies. The dog may have to be quarantined for a period of time to make that determination. As a victim, you would want to determine the owner of the dog immediately and file the report to determine whether your attack has the potential to expose you to rabies. Reporting is not just a legal step–it also creates documentation that helps support your claim. We’ll walk you through this process if you haven’t done it already.
All dog bites should be evaluated by a medical professional due to the risk of infection and the risk of rabies. If the authorities cannot determine if the dog is or is not a potential carrier of rabies, you may need to undergo a series of injections. In addition, any personal injury claim, including dog attacks, must be supported by documented medical evidence. In other words, timely proper medical care will protect you both medically and legally. We help ensure your current and future medical needs are fully documented and included in your claim.
No. We strongly recommend speaking with an experienced attorney before making any statements. Insurance adjusters are trained to limit their liability. Let Chester Law act as your Ohio dog bite lawyer and handle the communications.
An experienced attorney will help you recover the compensation you and your family need to recover after a dog attack by building a strong case. For example, medical experts are often needed when the injuries are more serious and permanent. A common injury in dog bites and attacks, especially with minor children, is some type of scarring. The victim may need future cosmetic surgeries or skin grafts. A competent medical expert can provide both the medical prognosis and future costs of treatment. We will help seek out these experts on behalf of the client to make sure a full picture of the damages is presented to the responsible party.
Experts on future economic damages may also be needed. If a victim of a dog attack is left disabled or facing years of medical treatment and expenses, an economist or financial expert may be required to present a comprehensive report on future wage loss, medical expenses or a life plan. These experts can be critical to obtaining proper compensation for the victim. It can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to litigate a claim. Chester Law has the financial assets to hire the appropriate experts and take your claim to court.
In Ohio, you typically have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Minors have until they reach age 20. But the sooner you contact an experienced dog bite attorney, the easier it is to gather evidence and protect your rights.