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 to be man’s best friend. As loving and adorable as dogs can be, they are also instinctive creatures that can become confused and triggered. Even the gentlest dog can react violently under the right conditions, causing pain, injury, and emotional distress.
A playful nibble may be overlooked, but any actual bite from a dog should be taken seriously. Any dog is capable of breaking the skin, causing nerve damage, spreading infectious bacteria, and more.
If you’re facing the situation of “Someone’s dog bit me, what should I do now?” you’re not alone. Dog bites are a common occurrence. It’s important to understand how they happen, what the implications can be, and what actions you should take immediately. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing both physical and financial hardships.
The Prevalence of Dog Ownership and Bites in the U.S.
Dog ownership is more popular than ever in the United States, with approximately 45% of households owning at least one dog. Most dog owners consider their canine to be a true member of their family, and we understand the sentiment. Our founder, Rhys Richards is a proud dog owner who has fostered and adopted numerous dogs over the years.
As revered as dogs are in American culture, we can easily forget just how dangerous a dog can be. The sad truth is many dogs don’t receive the proper training, attention, and care that they need. Some are even abused, which can cause them to be more aggressive and unpredictable.
Even seemingly friendly dogs can bite when they feel scared, threatened, or protective. Studies show that 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, with children being the most frequent victims. If you or a loved one has been bit by someone else’s dog, it’s important to act quickly.
Why You Should Take Dog Bites Seriously
No matter the size of the dog, any bite should be treated seriously. Dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws that can easily break skin, cause nerve damage, or even lead to infections. Even if the bite seems minor at first, the bacteria in a dog’s mouth can result in serious health complications if not addressed. If someone’s dog bit you, the first step is always to seek medical attention.
Many make the mistake of thinking a small bite isn’t a big deal. A quick Google search can bring up countless horror stories of people who experienced a supposedly “minor” dog bite, only to go into a coma, lose a limb, or even die. Infections can develop quickly, leading to serious issues like cellulitis, septic arthritis, or even more dangerous outcomes like blood poisoning.
Rabies is another concern, although it’s rare in domesticated dogs that are properly vaccinated.
Don’t worry about scheduling an appointment, and don’t wait to see how it feels in a few days. When a dog bite happens, head to an urgent care center or emergency room to get the wound properly cleaned and checked.
Someone’s Dog Bit Me – What Do I Do First?
Getting attacked and bitten by a dog can be very overwhelming, making it difficult to think straight. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure to take the appropriate actions.
Ensure Your Safety
If the dog is still nearby, make sure you’re in a safe place. If the dog’s owner is present, they should secure the animal immediately. You want to avoid any further injury or escalation.
Assess the Injury
Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to assess the wound. Clean the area with soap and water as soon as possible to prevent infection. If you have access to hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, use that to disinfect the wound. Once it’s clean, apply a bandage to bitten area.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think the bite isn’t serious, it’s always better to see a doctor. You may need a tetanus shot or antibiotics to prevent infection. Plus, a medical record of the injury will be critical if you later decide to pursue legal action.
Document the Incident
If someone’s dog bit you, gather as much information as possible. Get the owner’s contact details, the dog’s vaccination history, and take pictures of your injuries. If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information too. This will help if you decide to file a claim later.
Legal Responsibility in Dog Bite Cases
After the immediate concerns about your health are taken care of, you might be wondering, “Who’s responsible if someone’s dog bit me?” In most states, including Ohio, the owner of the dog is typically held responsible for the injuries caused by their pet. Ohio follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites, meaning that if someone’s dog bites you, the owner is liable, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before.
Ohio Code § 955.28 states 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. Ohio common law also provides a cause of action. You may recover for medical expenses, but it may extend to other expenses as well. For example, if a dog bite affects your ability to work, you may be owed additional compensation. You may also recover for pain and suffering.
The specifics can be complicated, which is why you should consider speaking to an attorney after experiencing a dog bite.
Should I Contact a Lawyer if Someone’s Dog Bit Me?
Contacting an attorney about a dog bite can seem extreme to some people, but as we’ve said, dog bites can be very serious. Speaking to a dog bite attorney doesn’t necessarily mean that you will need to file a lawsuit, attend court room hearings, or the like. Many dog bite cases, even severe ones, are settled out of court.
Speaking to an attorney is simply the best way to understand your options and decide on the best path forward. Dog bite cases can be complicated, especially if the owner of the dog is a friend or family member. An experienced attorney can help you take the appropriate actions, while also ensuring that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Even if you don’t think the bite is serious now, complications can arise later. If you don’t take the right actions now, you could face further problems in the future.
An experienced dog bite attorney will guide you through the process, handle communication with insurance companies, help collection evidence, and give you the best chance at a successful resolution.
What Happens to the Dog That Bit Me?
Some people don’t take action after a dog bite because they’re afraid of what will happen to the dog. This is especially true if the dog belongs to a friend or family member. It’s important to know that a dog who bites a stranger is not automatically put to sleep. There is a process that is followed, and there are circumstances to be considered.
In the state of Ohio, when a dog bites someone, either the person bitten can make a report or the ER/ urgent care will report the incident. Any dog that bites someone will first be checked for rabies. A state official may interview the victim, owner, and any witnesses and investigate whether the dog is dangerous, vicious, or a nuisance.
If a dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, the dog may be quarantined for 10 days. Dogs without vaccinations could be quarantined for up to four months. The quarantine can take place in a home, kennel, or animal shelter. Unfortunately, if the dog does have rabies, the victim will need to be treated and the dog may be put down.
If a dog is determined to be dangerous, it must be registered with the county auditor, kept on a leash shorter than 6 feet, and kept in a locked cage or yard. It must also wear a tag indicating that it is dangerous.
Putting a dog down is generally considered a last resort that only applies if the dog is a repeated offender or if it poses an immediate threat to the public. Sadly, some dogs do not receive proper training, which can make them an ongoing danger to people, especially children. Their own owners could even be unsafe. The last thing we want to see is a dog put to sleep, but in some cases, there is no other option.
Getting Legal Help After a Dog Bite
The aftermath of a dog bite can be painful, confusing, and expensive, but help is available. The Richards Firm provides legal consultation and representation to those who have suffered due to the actions or negligence of others. If you’re in need of a dog bite attorney in Hamilton or the Greater Cincinnati area, we’re here for you.
We can discuss your case on the phone, virtually, or in person at a place of your choosing. Your initial consultation is free. Should you move forward with us as your legal representative, nothing is owed unless we win your case.
Give us a call at 513-341-5413 or visit our contact page here to get started.