Downtown Hamilton has seen a revival in recent years. With parks like Marcum Park and Rivers Edge Amphitheater, plus new residential developments and public events, the city feels more alive than ever. A big part of that energy is the sight of people walking their dogs, enjoying the community, and taking in everything Hamilton has to offer. At The Richards Firm, we see it every day: dogs out with their families, joggers passing by with a leashed companion, children stopping to ask if they can say hello.
We love that image, and nothing about this post is meant to diminish it. But as a dog bite lawyer who have helped local families after serious dog bites, Rhys Richards also knows that even the most picturesque scenes can quickly change.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Of those, 800,000 people require medical attention. That means 1 in every 73 people in the country is bitten by a dog annually. A statistic that may surprise those who think of dog bites as rare or unlikely events.
Dog bites don’t just lead to surface wounds. They can result in torn skin, muscle damage, permanent scarring, infection, emotional trauma, and even disability, particularly when children are involved. In fact, children are some of the most common victims of serious dog bites due to their smaller size and lack of awareness around animal behavior.
So while dogs are often gentle, loving companions, the truth is this: any dog can bite, and when they do, the consequences can be life-changing.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs bite for a wide range of reasons. Sometimes it’s a reaction to fear or anxiety. Other times it’s triggered by stress, overstimulation, or a desire to protect territory or their owner. Even playful behavior can escalate into something more dangerous if the dog becomes too excited or isn’t properly trained.
Additional risk factors include:
- Lack of socialization
- Poor training or neglect
- Protective behavior over food, toys, or people
- Startling the dog during rest
- Being injured or sick
- Not being neutered or spayed (as some studies have suggested)
Understanding these risk factors doesn’t prevent every bite, but it helps highlight just how unpredictable a dog’s behavior can be, even in familiar settings.
Tips to Help Prevent Dog Bites
Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have offered valuable, research-backed advice to help prevent dog bites—especially around unfamiliar dogs or in public areas.
What the AKC Recommends:
- Always ask the owner before approaching a dog.
- Let the dog sniff the back of your hand first.
- Don’t run toward or away from a dog.
- Never bark or growl at a dog (yes, people do this for fun—not a good idea).
- Don’t assume a dog won’t bite just because it seems friendly.
- Never leave young children unattended with any dog.
- Teach respectful behavior around animals.
- Stand still like a tree if approached by an off-leash or unknown dog.
- Leave service dogs alone—they are working.
- Remember: A dog is not a person, and their reactions differ from ours.
What the AVMA Advises You to Avoid:
- Interacting with a dog whose owner isn’t present or hasn’t given permission.
- Reaching through fences or barriers to touch a dog.
- Approaching a dog that’s eating, sleeping, or injured.
- Getting too close to a dog with puppies or one that seems anxious.
- Playing with a dog that is guarding a toy.
- Touching a dog that is growling, barking, or trying to hide.
- Interrupting a dog that has gone to its “safe space.”
- Treating service dogs as pets.
These tips may seem simple, but they’re often forgotten in the moment. Especially for children, the excitement of petting a dog can override caution. That’s why education and supervision are so important.
What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog
Dog bites must be taken seriously, especially when they lead to injury. The moments after the bite are important for your safety and any legal action that may follow.
Take These Steps:
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Infections can develop quickly.
- Report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement so it can be documented.
- Identify the dog and owner if possible. Exchange contact and insurance information.
- Take photos of the injuries and where the incident occurred.
- Speak to a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options for compensation.
You should also be aware that liability for dog bites is often covered by the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or a specific dog liability policy. In fact, dog bite claims make up nearly one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims nationwide.
The Richards Firm Can Help
At The Richards Firm, we’ve handled many dog bite cases throughout Hamilton and the surrounding communities. We know how overwhelming it can feel in the aftermath of a bite, especially when it involves a child. You may be facing hospital bills, missed work, lingering emotional trauma, or pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly.
We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you navigate dog bite laws in Ohio. When you work with us, you won’t be passed off to an assistant or made to feel like just another case number. You’ll speak directly with an experienced attorney who understands your situation and will work to ensure you’re treated fairly.
Call us today at 513-461-0084 or contact us here to schedule your free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Hamilton, Butler County, Greater Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky. If a dog bite has impacted your life or the life of your child, we’re ready to help you find resolution.
[1] See Prevent Dog Bites- 10 Tips from AKC Canine Ambassadors, available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/10-tips-prevent-dog-bites/
[2] See Dog Bite Prevention: Top Ten Scenarios to Avoid, available at https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention-top-ten-scenarios-avoid.