Introduction

Dogs are often cherished companions, referred to as “man’s best friend.” However, there’s another bitter side to this relationship. Dog attacks are a significant concern in many cities in the US, where medical expenditures and emotional distress affect millions of Americans each year due to dog attacks. As the Ohio Department of Health reported over 15,000 dog bites in 2020, a major portion of all reported mammal bites in the state, Ohio, like many other states, struggle with dog bites.

This blog will look into the legal framework for dog bite liability and compensation procedures in Ohio.

Ohio Legislation

In Ohio, specific regulations apply when a dog has bitten or harmed another person, necessitating its classification as a “dangerous dog” under Ohio Revised Code § 955.22.

For dogs labeled as dangerous in Ohio, a series of strict restrictions come into play. These dogs must be leashed under 6 feet except when hunting. They must also be locked in a cage or yard. It is mandatory to have registration with the county auditor, and dangerous dogs must consistently wear a designated tag that signifies their dangerous status. In cases where a dangerous dog is sold, the seller must inform the buyer about the dog’s dangerous classification and also notify the county auditor within 10 days of the sale, as outlined by Ohio Revised Code § 955.

In addition to these regulations, if an individual is convicted three times for failing to control their dangerous dog, they will be obliged to obtain liability insurance, which is intended to cover potential harm caused by the dog. Ohio law also explicitly prohibits the debarking or surgical silencing of dangerous dogs, disqualifying convicted felons from owning such dogs.

Types of Compensation

Now, in a situation like – If you’ve been bitten at work, you have several legal options for seeking compensation under the variousCompensation ways as follows – :

1. File a Homeowner’s Claim: If the bite occurred on someone else’s property, you can file a homeowner’s insurance claim against the dog owner or custodian. Typically, homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite incidents, with coverage ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the policy.
2. Filing a Formal Lawsuit: You can sue the individual responsible for your injuries, the dog’s owner, keeper, or harborer. Taking your case to court can potentially result in higher damages. The Ohio law allows two years after a dog bite to initiate a personal injury case. In the case of Minors, it is six years from their 18th birthday to sue for bites.
3. File for Workers’ Compensation: If the dog bite happened at work, you can get workers’ compensation. The employer must provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover lost pay and medical expenses from job-related accidents. One must have been working when the dog bit them. If it occurs off-duty, you may not qualify for workers’ compensation.

Recoverable Damages under the Workmen Compensation:

If a dog bit you, you may be entitled to damages like:

Compensation can be on both sides for the losses that reflect genuine losses.

1. Economic damages such as Lost wages, diminished earning ability, and medical bills can be considered.
2. Pain, suffering, mental anguish, deformity, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are non-economic damages that can be availed through compensation.

Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite under Workmen Compensation:

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, here are important steps to take:

1. Seek Medical Treatment: After a dog bite, prioritize your health and seek immediate medical treatment. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so prompt medical attention is crucial.
2. Report the Incident to Your Employer: Notify your employer about the dog bite incident and fill out an accident report to document the injury. This is important for establishing a record of the incident.
3. Gather Evidence: Start building your case by collecting relevant evidence, if possible. This may include:

• Information from the dog’s tags.
• Photos of the dog.
• Photos of your injuries.
• Photos of the location where the bite occurred, including any nearby intersections or landmarks.
• Names and contact information for any witnesses, as they may be needed to testify in the future.

Conclusion

A dog bite at work can be a frightening experience, and knowing your legal alternatives is critical. You can seek compensation in Ohio by submitting a homeowner’s claim, pursuing a formal lawsuit, or seeking workers’ compensation. It is essential to quickly contact your employer, seek medical attention, and gather evidence to support your claims. If you’re unsure what to do, our firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you with all the procedures of these cases. They can offer useful advice throughout. If you have been injured, you deserve fair compensation, and your recovery should be stress-free.