Dog Bites
Columbus Injury Victims Need a Compassionate Central Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs sometimes attack people, including children, and cause severe injuries. Dog bites can result in pain and suffering and permanent scarring. Medical bills can skyrocket. With so much at stake, it's important to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. For a free consultation, call 614-874-1056. Columbus dog bite attorney Scott Elliot Smith is ready to listen to your circumstances and discuss your legal options.
Ohio is a strict liability state, which means that a dog's owner is responsible for your damages and injuries if you are bitten. In some other states, the dog must be declared dangerous first and might be allowed one "free bite" before it is declared dangerous. Fortunately for those who are bitten and their loved ones, this is not the case in Ohio. Each dog bite case is different, so it's wise to speak with an attorney about your specific circumstances and how the law might apply to your situation. Talk to Scott Elliot Smith today.
Dog Bite Injuries and Insurance Companies
Millions of people nationwide sustain serious injuries after being bitten by dogs every year. Children are especially at risk, especially youngsters between 5 and 9 years old. Unlike other animal attacks, the injured party may know the dog and its owner.
We know that a personal relationship with the dog owner can create a difficult situation when you or your child is injured. Keep in mind that when seeking compensation in a dog bite case, you are usually pursuing a settlement from the insurance company, not your friend or neighbor.
Typically, we pursue a dog bite claim through the homeowner's insurance company. Dealing with insurance companies is our business. We understand how to apply appropriate discretion when handling dog bite cases to avoid conflict between friends and neighbors.
Can I file a dog bite lawsuit?
Filing a dog bite lawsuit is your right in Ohio. If you or a loved one was bitten by someone else’s dog, you can take legal action seeking damages, the legal term for financial compensation awarded to injury victims in injury cases.
Often, this involves filing a dog bite lawsuit against the owner or harborer of the dog, in which their interests will be represented by their insurance company. There are many reasons why people decide to take legal action, including:
- The dog owner’s insurance company makes a lowball settlement offer than doesn’t cover all your injury-related expenses.
- The dog owner’s insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith and will not increase their settlement offer.
- The dog owner’s insurance company denies your injury claim.
Whatever the circumstances, make sure you fully understand your legal rights. Make sure you talk to an experienced Columbus dog bite lawyer who knows how to handle such cases throughout Ohio.
How much time do I have to take legal action?
Under Ohio law, victims of dog bite or attack generally have up to six (6) years to file a lawsuit or take other legal action, according to Ohio Revised Code, Section 955.261, which concerns “duties after dog bites person.” This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
Six years might seem like a long time. But if you wait that long to file a dog bite lawsuit, you might have a hard time winning your case. Different deadlines apply in different circumstances. Moreover, the evidence you need to build a strong case might no longer exist. In particular, the dog that bit you might no longer be alive or the dog’s owner may have moved and can’t be reached.
This is why it’s critical that you talk to an Ohio attorney as soon as possible after your dog bite. Your lawyer can investigate your dog attack and gather evidence in support of your injury claim or lawsuit.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your injury-related expenses due to your dog attack. What you might not realize is just how many expenses are covered by your dog bite claim or lawsuit. Such expenses can include:
- All past, present and future anticipated medical expenses related to your dog bite, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgical procedures, including plastic surgery due to scars caused by a vicious animal attack.
- Follow-up doctor’s appointments to monitor your health progress.
- Physical therapy
- Replacement income if you cannot work while you’re recovering from your dog bite or caring for a loved one attacked by a dog.
The stakes are high when it comes to many dog bite claims or lawsuit. You may be eligible to receive thousands of dollars or significantly more. Demand the money you rightfully deserve. Talk to an experienced Columbus dog bite attorney right away.
Contact the Columbus Law Offices of Personal Injury Lawyer Scott Elliot Smith, LPA
At the Smith Law Office, we want to help you recover and pick up the pieces. We know it's not just about getting money. Your case is about getting closure and getting back to the way it was. Let Ohio personal injury lawyer Scott Smith work for you.
Protect your rights - and your future. Call Scott Elliot Smith for a free consultation at 614-874-1056 or contact us online. Because he works on a contingency fee basis, you don't pay any fees until he obtains a favorable result for you.
