Ohio Dog Bite Lawsuit Guide [2025 Legal Guide]

Ohio follows a strict liability standard when it comes to dog bites.

This means that a dog owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before or whether the owner was negligent.

Victims do not need to prove that the owner did anything wrong or that the dog had a history of biting.

Under Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B), an owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable for damages if their dog bites, injures, or causes harm to another person.

This comes with the condition that the victim was not trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the dog.

This dog bite statute provides critical protection to victims, simplifying the path to compensation.

However, while the law may appear straightforward, insurance companies often fight hard to limit payouts.

That’s why having experienced legal representation is essential when pursuing your claim under Ohio law.

We make sure your voice is heard and your injuries are fully valued.

Dog Classifications in Ohio

Ohio law classifies dogs into three categories based on behavior and past incidents: nuisance, dangerous, and vicious.

• A nuisance dog is one that behaves aggressively without causing injury, such as frequent lunging or growling.
• A dangerous dog has injured a person, killed another dog, or prompted multiple aggressive incidents.
• A vicious dog is one that has seriously injured or killed a person without provocation.

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Ohio, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation for your injuries.

This includes not only dog bites but also injuries caused by a dog knocking you down, scratching, or otherwise causing harm.

Victims can pursue compensation through two main legal avenues:

1. A civil lawsuit based on the strict liability rule (as outlined above).
2. A negligence claim, which may apply if the dog owner failed to use reasonable care in preventing the attack.

You may also have rights under local ordinances that enforce leash laws or impose additional requirements on dog owners.

Whether your case falls under state law or a local regulation, we will investigate every angle to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, your actions in the moments and days that follow can have a major impact, both on your health and any future legal claim.

Here’s what to do after a dog bite to protect yourself medically, legally, and financially.

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even a dog bite injury that seems minor can result in serious infection, nerve damage, or long-term complications.

Dogs carry bacteria like Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga in their mouths, and the risk of infection increases if the wound isn’t promptly cleaned and treated.

Seek emergency care or visit an urgent care center right away.

You may need the following treatments if you’ve suffered a dog bite:

• Tetanus shots
• Antibiotics
• Stitches or wound care
• Rabies prophylaxis, depending on the dog’s vaccination history

Take photos of your injuries before and after treatment to help document the physical damage.

2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information.

If the attack happened on someone else’s property, ask whether they rent or own the property, as landlords may sometimes be liable under certain conditions.

Also, ask about the dog’s vaccination history, especially for rabies.

If there were witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.

Witness statements may be vital in confirming how the attack occurred.

3. Report the Incident to Local Authorities

In Ohio, dog bites should be reported to the local health department or animal control within 24 hours.

This ensures the following.

• The incident is officially documented
• Rabies risk is assessed
• The dog may be quarantined or evaluated

Failure to report the bite could delay or complicate a future claim.

Be as detailed as possible when providing your report.

4. Document Everything

Begin keeping a record of all events and losses related to the bite.

This includes the following.

• Medical bills and doctor’s notes
• Time missed from work
• Daily pain levels or emotional distress
• Communications with the dog owner or their insurance company

Photos of the wound progression, treatment, scarring, or disfigurement can provide compelling evidence if your dog bite case goes to trial or settlement negotiations.

5. Avoid Direct Negotiations with the Dog Owner or Insurer

While it may be tempting to resolve things informally, anything you say could be used against you.

Dog owners (and their insurers) may downplay the severity of your injuries or pressure you into a low settlement.

Dog bite injuries range from mild to catastrophic, and the severity often depends on the size and breed of the dog, the victim’s age, and the location of the bite.

Beyond the physical damage, these injuries can lead to long-term emotional and psychological effects that are just as debilitating.

1. Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

Most dog bites result in deep puncture wounds that can tear through skin, muscle, and even bone.

Larger dogs often cause tearing injuries or crush wounds, especially when they latch on and shake.

These wounds carry a high risk of infection and often require stitches or surgical repair.

2. Infections

Roughly one in five dog bites becomes infected.

Aside from Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga, dogs carry infectious bacteria like Staphylococcus in their mouths.

In some cases, infections from a bite can spread quickly and lead to sepsis, cellulitis, or other serious complications.

Prompt medical treatment is critical.

3. Facial Injuries

Children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries during a dog attack, as their faces are often at the same height as the animal’s head.

Bites to the nose, lips, and eyes may result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or even vision loss.

Reconstructive surgeries may be necessary, sometimes over several years.

4. Nerve and Tendon Damage

If a bite severs nerves or tendons, especially in the hands or arms, it can cause permanent loss of sensation, limited mobility, or chronic pain.

Victims may need extensive physical therapy and, in severe cases, may never regain full function.

5. Psychological Trauma

The trauma from a dog attack can last long after physical wounds have healed.

Many victims, especially children, suffer from anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The emotional toll can interfere with daily life, relationships, and the ability to work or go outside.

6. Unusual Circumstances Leading to Injury

Injuries can happen in less expected scenarios, too, such as when a pet sitter is attacked while caring for someone else’s animal or when a tenant’s dog bites a visitor in an apartment building.

Ohio’s dog bite liability laws can apply in these situations, especially when the dog was previously known to be aggressive or classified as a vicious dog under state law.

Whether your injuries are minor or severe, dog bite claims can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and emotional suffering.

Ohio law allows multiple parties to be held liable for a dog bite, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

While the most obvious party is the dog owner, liability isn’t always limited to them.

Primary Liable Parties in Dog Bite Cases

• Dog Owners: The person who owns the dog is typically the first party held responsible under Ohio’s strict liability statute.
• Keepers or Harborers: Someone who temporarily controls or cares for the dog (such as a roommate, relative, or friend) may also be liable if they allowed the dog to interact with others or failed to prevent the attack.
• Landlords: In certain cases, a landlord could be held responsible if they knew a tenant was keeping a dangerous animal on the premises, especially if the dog had shown prior aggression and the landlord failed to act.

In short, liability may extend beyond just ownership.

Courts will evaluate who had control over the dog and whether they had reason to know it posed a threat.

When serious animal-related incidents occur, especially those involving prior warnings or aggressive behavior, determining liability is a critical step toward holding the right parties accountable.

Ohio’s dog bite laws are among the more victim-friendly in the country, due largely to the state’s strict liability approach.

Still, liability isn’t absolute.

There are important legal nuances that can impact a case.

Dog Owner Responsibility

Dog owners are liable when their dog injures someone, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.

This means that even if the dog has never bitten anyone or shown aggression before, the owner is still responsible for the harm caused.

This rule also applies to individuals considered harborers or keepers, broadening the scope of responsibility to those who may not legally own the dog but exercise control over it.

Legal Exceptions to Liability

There are specific circumstances under which a dog owner or harborer may not be held liable.

• If the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of the attack.
• If the victim was committing a criminal offense (other than a minor misdemeanor).
• If the victim was provoking the dog.

Provocation can include hitting, teasing, or otherwise threatening the dog in a way that would reasonably cause it to defend itself.

Dangerous Dogs and Enhanced Liability

As mentioned, Ohio classifies certain animals as nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dogs based on prior attacks or aggressive behavior.

Owners of these dogs are subject to stricter regulations, such as required muzzling, confinement, or liability insurance.

If they fail to comply and another person is bitten, their liability increases significantly and may even involve criminal penalties.

Understanding these nuances is essential for dog bite victims pursuing a claim.

While the law is designed to protect the injured, defenses like provocation or trespassing must be addressed to build a solid case.

A dog bite won’t be limited to just physical pain.

You may be facing weeks or months of medical treatment, lost wages, emotional trauma, and long-term effects.

State law entitles victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

1. Medical Expenses

You can recover the full cost of all medical care related to the bite, including the following expenses and treatments.

The following medical expenses may be recovered in a dog bite settlement:

• Emergency room treatment
• Ambulance fees
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling for trauma or PTSD

Some injuries require long-term treatment, especially when the attack results in infection, nerve damage, or scarring.

2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If the injury causes you to miss work or prevents you from returning to your prior job, you can claim compensation for current and future lost income.

3. Pain and Suffering

This includes both physical discomfort and the emotional distress following a dog attack.

Anxiety, nightmares, depression, and fear of dogs are common among victims, especially children.

4. Disfigurement and Scarring

Permanent marks from dog bites, particularly on visible areas like the face or hands, can have lasting effects on your self-esteem and personal life.

Compensation reflects both the physical impact and emotional toll.

5. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If the bite affects your ability to engage in hobbies, exercise, or social interactions, you may be entitled to damages for this loss.

These damages are typically pursued through a personal injury claim rather than relying on older legal doctrines like the one-bite rule, which Ohio has largely replaced with strict liability laws that favor victim recovery.

Filing a dog bite claim in Ohio is a multi-step process that begins the moment the attack happens.

Understanding the legal pathway helps victims take the right actions and build a strong foundation for recovery.

Step 1: Get Medical Treatment and Report the Bite

Your health comes first. Seek immediate medical attention, even if the wound appears minor.

Once you’re safe, report the bite to your local Dog Warden or health department.

This step not only documents the event but may also trigger an investigation into the dog’s vaccination history or prior aggressive behavior.

Step 2: Collect and Preserve Evidence

Effective dog bite claims rely on thorough documentation.

Be sure to do the following:

• Take photos of injuries at every stage of healing
• Keep all medical records, prescriptions, and bills
• Document the time missed from work
• Record daily physical pain and emotional distress
• Save communications with the dog’s owner or their insurance company

If possible, identify witnesses and gather their contact information.

Step 3: Determine Who’s Legally Responsible

As mentioned, the owner, harborer, or keeper of the dog is generally responsible.

However, defenses do exist.

If a victim provoked the animal or attempted to commit criminal trespass, compensation may be reduced or denied.

If the dog was previously designated as a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious, liability may be easier to prove, and penalties may be more severe for the owner.

Step 4: Submit an Insurance Claim or Demand Letter

We often start by filing a claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

A detailed demand letter will outline your injuries, medical expenses, and requested compensation.

Step 5: File a Lawsuit if Necessary

If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, the next step is litigation.

We will file a formal lawsuit, conduct discovery, and prepare to present your case in court.

While many dog bite cases settle before trial, going to court is sometimes necessary to obtain full and fair compensation for serious animal-related incidents.

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is six years from the date of the injury.

This means you must initiate legal action within that time frame or risk losing your right to seek compensation.

The clock starts ticking on the day the bite or attack occurs, regardless of the severity of the injury.

While six years may seem like plenty of time, gathering evidence, obtaining medical records, and negotiating with insurance companies can take months.

Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and strengthens your case under Ohio’s rules for personal injury claims.

Pursuing a dog bite claim without legal representation can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with pain, trauma, and financial stress.

A skilled dog bite attorney understands the nuances of Ohio’s strict liability law and how to build a case that maximizes your compensation.

At The Piscitelli Law Firm, we begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, including the dog’s history, witness statements, and the extent of your injuries.

We handle all communications with insurance companies, protect your legal rights, and push back against any attempts to undervalue your claim.

We also ensure you receive appropriate medical documentation and expert evaluations that demonstrate the long-term effects of the bite.

For victims with serious injuries, such as facial disfigurement, nerve damage, or psychological trauma, this documentation can be critical in securing the full compensation you deserve.

Most importantly, we level the playing field.

Insurers are trained to minimize payouts.

With us on your side, you’ll have a committed legal team advocating for your recovery every step of the way.

Time is not on your side after a dog bite. Insurance companies often move quickly to limit their liability, and they may try to contact you for statements or offer lowball settlements before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

Speaking directly with insurers without legal guidance can harm your claim.

You might unknowingly downplay your pain, admit fault, or agree to a settlement that doesn’t cover future medical needs.

By acting quickly, you give your legal team the best chance to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and document your injuries accurately.

The sooner you reach out, the stronger your claim will be.

At The Piscitelli Law Firm, we offer a free consultation so you can understand your legal options before speaking to any insurance representatives.

Don’t pursue this alone.

Let us help you protect your rights from the very beginning.

A dog bite can turn your life upside down in seconds.

Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Ohio law protects victims, and with the right legal team, you can pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries.

At The Piscitelli Law Firm, we offer direct, ethical, and aggressive representation for dog bite victims throughout Mentor, Cleveland, and the surrounding areas.

We fight hard so you don’t have to settle for less.

Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.