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Even domesticated dogs can be unpredictable. If you’ve been injured due to the actions of someone else’s canine, it’s important that someone is held accountable and your needs are properly cared for.
For a dog bite lawyer in Hamilton, Greater Cincinatti, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky, The Richards Firm is here to help.
We love animals at The Richards Firm, especially dogs. It’s difficult to imagine that these cute furry creatures can cause harm to anyone. The truth is, there are over 4.5 million dog bites that occur in the US every year. Of these, 800,000 require medical attention. A dog may bite someone for a number of reasons: improper training, defense, fear, excitement, and more. Whatever the reason, you should ultimately be compensated for the damages caused.
Because of the close relationship pet owners typically share with their dogs, dog bite incidents can get very complicated. Even if you’re unsure about pressing charges, it’s a good idea to speak to an experienced dog bite lawyer. They can answer questions, discuss your options, and help you decide how to best move forward. For a trustworthy dog bite lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio, you can trust in The Richards Firm. We’ve helped countless Ohio and Northern Kentucky residents take control of their situations and earn the compensation they are legally owed.
Whether you’re ready to move forward with legal action, or you simply want to ask a few questions, we’re here for you.
Suffering from a dog bite in Ohio or Kentucky? Unsure of what to do next? We’re here to help. The Richards Firm offers FREE case reviews for anyone in need. Just fill out the form here, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Here’s what you can expect from your free dog bite case review:
Get your questions answered and discover your options.
We listen to your needs.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, dog bites account for approximately 75% of all bites suffered by people in Ohio each year. These attacks can be much more dangerous than people realize, as the full extent of injuries isn’t always immediately apparent. In addition to the physical wound, tissue damage, and potential for scarring, there’s a high risk of infection due to the bacteria found in dogs’ mouths. This includes the bacteria known as Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which can be life-threatening to people who are immunocompromised.
Dogs can also transmit other diseases such as rabies. In fact, dogs are the most common domestic animal to transmit rabies to people in the world.
If you have been attacked by a dog, you should contact your local health department to report the bite. You should also consult with your family physician or seek treatment at your local hospital. At a bare minimum, you need to disinfect the wound and seek medical advice regarding how to keep the wound clean as it heals.
The Ohio Revised Code § 955.28 provides that the owner, harborer, or keeper is strictly liable for damages caused by a dog attack that causes any injury, death, or loss to a person or property. While Ohio courts have interpreted the statute to not apply when the victim was an owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog, there can be exceptions. Contact The Richards Firm today to discuss the nuances of Ohio court decisions relative to the statute.
Ohio law also permits a dog bite victim to recover compensation on the ground of negligence, which is defined as a lack of ordinary care or the absence of care a reasonably prudent and careful person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under common law, a dog bite victim must prove that the defendant harbored the dog with knowledge of its vicious propensities. The victim must show that the defendant owned or harbored the dog, the dog was vicious, the defendant knew of those vicious tendencies, and the defendant was negligent in keeping the dog. In short, a dog bite victim must satisfy more requirements to prevail under a common law theory of liability.
In many dog bite cases, a dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance will be implicated by a dog attack. While you may have difficulty determining what your next step should be after a dog attack, you should consider contacting the local police and/or animal control department.
If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. You might think that the consequences of such a bite would be minor, but those wounds can develop into an infection if not properly treated and monitored. Keeping all evidence associated with the attack, such as pictures of the area and any clothing that was torn or damaged in the attack can prove important when you file an injury claim. It can be difficult to deal with the owner of the dog who may be refusing liability or acting as though you are blowing the situation out of proportion.
This is why it’s very helpful to have an experienced dog bite lawyer representing your needs.
Even if the damage doesn’t appear to be severe, it’s helpful to speak to a lawyer familiar with dog bite cases. They can help you navigate how to best proceed so that you can get back to living your life as quickly as possible. At The Richards Firm, there are no upfront fees for our legal guidance. We’re only paid if you win your case. Don’t wait and let your situation grow worse. Contact a Hamilton dog bite lawyer at The Richards Firm today.
We handle cases across Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky.
The Richards Firm is available to meet in person, virtually, or by phone. For in person meetings, you can visit our offices in downtown Hamilton, Ohio, or we will happily travel to you.
If it is currently outside of office hours, don’t hesitate to send us an email or leave us a message at 513-341-5413.
Appointments can be scheduled for any time, day or night.
Dog bite accidents can be complicated and confusing. We’re here to help simplify your situation.
Just fill out the form below, and we’ll follow up. The longer you wait to ask for help, the more difficult your case becomes.
Dog bite situations can be complicated, especially if you know the owner of the dog. We create and share free resources to help answer common questions and provide general guidance for those in need*. Click one of the articles below to learn more. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
A dog bite can leave you with medical bills, lasting injuries, and a lot of questions about what happens next. Learn when a dog bite lawsuit may be necessary, what the process can involve, and what you should know before deciding how to move forward.
Dog bites can happen quickly. Maybe your normally friendly dog suddenly snaps at you. Maybe a friend’s dog gets a little too protective. Maybe a
Accidents that lead to injuries can be difficult situations, but it can be uniquely unpleasant if someone’s dog bit you. After all, dogs are supposed
Dogs have been affectionately referred to as “man’s best friend” for a reason. Their loyal and compassionate spirits make them wonderful companions for families and
*The information provided on this website is created from the perspective of Ohio law at the time of writing. Laws may change over time and between states. Additional, these resources are provided for informative purposes and not legal guidance. If you are interested in establishing an attorney-client relationship, please click here to contact a dog bite lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio.
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