What To Do After a Dog Attack in Ohio [2025 Legal Guide]

Before you even consider legal action, know that your health and safety should come first.

Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, and other serious complications that require urgent medical care.

Getting treated right away also helps create a clear record of the injuries inflicted in the incident.

Once your condition is stable, it’s important to report the bite and make sure the dog is identified and under control.

These early steps can protect both your well-being and your ability to pursue compensation later.

Steps to take include:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Report the incident to the police, animal control and local authorities
3. Identify the dog owners
4. Document what happened and gather evidence
5. Contact a dog bite lawyer

Get Medical Care Without Delay

Bite wounds can lead to infection, especially rabies and tetanus.

Dog bites can also result in local damage to nerves, muscles, or bones.

To prevent further damage and infection, see a medical professional as soon as you can — preferably on the same day as your dog bite.

Prompt care can also reduce the risk of permanent scarring or complications.

Medical records from this visit will help link the injuries to the dog bite, which is crucial if you pursue a legal claim.

If the wound is deep, uncontrolled bleeding, or near a sensitive area like the face or hands, emergency care is especially important.

Even if the injury seems minor, internal damage or infection can develop over time and should not be ignored.

Typical treatments for dog bite injuries may include:

• Wound cleaning and disinfection
• Rabies vaccinations or tetanus shots
• Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
• Stitches or wound closure for deep cuts
• Plastic surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes
• Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy for damage to nerves or muscles

Report the Incident to Local Authorities

Reporting a dog bite is a critical step for both public safety and legal documentation.

Local authorities will begin an investigation, determine whether the dog has a history of aggression, and assess whether it poses a continued threat.

These reports also serve as vital evidence if the injured person chooses to pursue a legal claim.

In Ohio, several agencies may be involved depending on where the incident occurred.

Agencies you may need to contact include:

• Local police department – for immediate response and documentation of the incident
• County animal control office – to investigate the dog’s history and quarantine the animal if necessary
• County health department – especially if there’s a risk of rabies or other public health concerns
• Ohio Department of Agriculture – if the incident involves a licensed breeder, kennel, or rescue organization
• Local dog warden – for enforcement of leash laws, dangerous dog designations, and other animal control regulations

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Identifying the dog and its owner is crucial after a bite, especially when building a case for the owner’s liability.

Knowing where the dog lives and who had physical control over it at the time of the attack helps establish responsibility.

If the same dog has shown similar behavior in the past, it may strengthen the injured party’s claim under Ohio law.

Whether the dog belongs to a neighbor or a visiting family member, proper identification ensures that legal accountability can be pursued.

Start Documenting What Happened and Gather Evidence

After a dog bite, documenting everything thoroughly can make a major difference in your ability to seek compensation.

The more evidence you have of the dog’s behavior and the victim’s injuries, the stronger your claim will be.

Photos and videos taken shortly after the incident can help disprove the so-called innocence of a dog with a history of aggression.

Witness statements can also back up your account and support your version of what happened.

Evidence to gather includes:

• Photos and videos of the victim’s injuries
• Photos of the dog, location, and anything at the scene
• Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack or knows the dog’s behavior
• Medical records and bills
• Notes about the dog’s behavior before, during, and after the bite
• Any prior complaints or records involving the same dog or dog owners

Contact an Experienced Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer

Contacting an experienced Ohio dog bite lawyer as soon as possible can help you protect your rights and begin building a strong claim.

These cases often involve complex issues related to the dog’s past behavior, the defendant’s knowledge of that behavior, and what legal duties the defendant owed to others.

In some cases, victims may be able to recover punitive damages if the dog owner acted with extreme negligence or willful disregard for public safety.

An attorney will investigate whether the dog had shown similar behavior in the past and whether the owner failed to exercise proper physical control.

Legal representation also helps ensure that injured victims aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies or pressured into unfair settlements.

Your lawyer can handle communications, gather evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Ohio has clear rules that protect people who are injured by dogs.

These laws explain when a dog owner may be held strictly liable for your injuries, what defenses they might use, and how compensation is determined.

Knowing the basics of the Ohio dog bite statute gives you a stronger position when dealing with insurance companies or considering legal action.

How the Strict Liability Rule Works in Ohio

Ohio is considered a strict liability state for dog bites.

Under Ohio law, the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is automatically responsible for injuries caused by that dog.

Ohio also follows a one-bite rule, meaning that the owner or someone caring for the dog can still be liable, regardless of whether the animal has shown aggression before.

You do not need to prove that the owner was careless or knew the animal might attack to impose liability.

All that matters is:

• The dog caused your injury
• You were legally on the property where it occurred.

Who Can Be Held Accountable in Ohio Dog Bite Claims?

In Ohio, several parties may be held legally responsible for a dog bite under Ohio’s strict liability statute and related legal principles.

Dog bite liability is not limited to the dog’s owner.

Others in control of the animal at the time of the attack may also be held accountable depending on the circumstances.

The court may consider who had custody, knowledge of the dog’s viciousness, and responsibility for maintaining control.

Potentially liable parties in Ohio dog bite claims include:

• The dog’s legal owner
• A landlord who knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on the property (potentially including a tenant’s dog)
• A pet sitter or dog walker in physical control of the dog when the attack occurred
• A property owner who harbored a dangerous dog
• A business that allowed a dog with a history of aggression on the premises
• A family member who was keeping the dog at the time of the incident

When Dog Owners May Avoid Responsibility (Provocation and Trespass)

Dog owners in Ohio may attempt to avoid liability by claiming the victim provoked the dog or was unlawfully on the property at the time of the attack.

Under Ohio’s dog bite statute, owners are not held strictly liable if they can prove the injured person was committing or attempting to commit criminal trespass, or intentionally provoked the dog.

While provocation is a common defense, it can be difficult to prove without clear evidence, and courts often scrutinize such claims closely, especially when the injuries inflicted are severe or the dog had a known history of similar behavior.

“Provoking” can include:

• Hitting
• Teasing
• Otherwise threatening the animal

In these cases, proving what actually happened becomes critical, and witness statements or video evidence can make a difference.

Dog bites often cause more than visible wounds.

Bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, emotional trauma, or permanent scarring.

Some dog bite injuries take weeks to heal, other injuries can cause issues for years.

The impact varies depending on the force of the bite, the part of the body affected, and how quickly you receive treatment.

Common injuries caused by dog attacks include:

• Skin, muscle, and bone damage
• Infection and disease
• Disfigurement and scarring
• PTSD and other psychological impacts
• Traumatic brain injuries (especially to children)
• Wrongful death

Damage to Skin, Muscle, and Bone

Dog bites can cause significant physical trauma, especially when a strong or aggressive dog targets vulnerable areas of the body.

Damage often extends beyond the surface, with deep puncture wounds and crushing injuries that affect muscle tissue, tendons, and even bone.

In severe cases, victims require reconstructive surgery or skin grafts to repair the affected areas.

The risk of infection increases dramatically with deeper wounds, especially if they are not cleaned and treated quickly.

These types of injuries can lead to long-term complications, including reduced mobility and permanent disfigurement.

Common injuries include:

• Deep puncture wounds
• Torn or lacerated skin
• Crushed muscle or soft tissue
• Broken or fractured bones
• Nerve damage in the affected area
• Scarring that may require cosmetic surgery

Risk of Infection and Disease

Beyond physical trauma, one of the most serious risks after a dog bite is the potential for infection and disease.

Even a bite that seems minor can introduce harmful bacteria deep into the tissue, requiring immediate medical intervention such as antibiotics, wound cleaning, and in some cases, hospitalization.

Untreated infections can spread quickly and cause systemic complications, including sepsis.

In rare but serious situations, dog bites can also transmit deadly diseases that demand emergency treatment.

Understanding the risk of infection reinforces the importance of rapid, professional medical care after any dog attack.

Infections and diseases that may result from a dog bite include:

• Rabies – a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear
• Tetanus – a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and can lead to serious complications
• Pasteurella – a common bacteria in dog saliva that causes redness, swelling, and pus in wounds
• MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) – a drug-resistant staph infection that can spread to the bloodstream
• Capnocytophaga – a rare but dangerous bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals
• Cellulitis – a bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and fever, and may require IV antibiotics

Disfigurement and Scarring

One of the most devastating consequences of a dog bite (especially for children) is permanent disfigurement.

Bites to the face, neck, and hands are common due to the height and proximity of children during attacks.

Facial disfigurement can result in long-term physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, including the need for multiple reconstructive surgeries and ongoing trauma therapy.

Scarring may impair function, especially around the eyes, mouth, or joints, and often serves as a constant reminder of the attack.

Children in particular may suffer from developmental setbacks, bullying, and self-esteem issues related to their appearance, making early intervention and support critical.

Common injuries that can result in disfigurement include:

• Deep facial lacerations requiring sutures or plastic surgery
• Avulsions, where skin and tissue are torn away from the body
• Puncture wounds that cause internal tissue damage and irregular scarring
• Ear and nose injuries that may involve cartilage loss
• Eye area trauma leading to functional or cosmetic damage
• Keloid or hypertrophic scars that become raised, painful, or discolored over time

Psychological Effects of an Attack

The psychological effects of a dog attack can last long after the physical wounds have healed.

Many victims, especially children, develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or phobias related to dogs or even leaving the house.

Sleep disturbances, nightmares, and flashbacks are also common symptoms in the aftermath of a violent bite.

These emotional injuries often require therapy, medication, and long-term mental health support.

In some cases, the trauma can impact relationships, school or work performance, and overall quality of life.

Not all dog bites result in criminal charges, but some do — particularly when a dangerous dog injures someone and the owner failed to follow Ohio’s control laws.

Whether a dog bite is treated as a criminal offense depends on the dog’s history, the severity of the injuries, and whether the owner broke the law.

When a Dog Bite Leads to Criminal Charges

Ohio’s leash laws require owners of dangerous or vicious dogs to follow specific safety rules, including:

• Using a leash
• Keeping the dog in a secure enclosure
• Maintaining control in public.

If owners ignore these rules and the dog injures someone, they may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the outcome.

A first-time bite from a dog with no known aggression history is usually handled as a civil matter.

But if the dog has a record of past attacks or the owner allowed it to run loose, prosecutors may file charges under Ohio Revised Code § 955.22.

The Difference Between Civil and Criminal Cases

A criminal case focuses on punishing the dog owner for violating the law.

It doesn’t provide financial compensation to the person who was hurt.

To recover costs like medical bills or lost wages, you need to pursue a civil claim.

Both cases can move forward at the same time, but they have separate goals and different outcomes.

Why the Difference Matters

When charges are filed, the investigation may reveal evidence that supports your civil case.

A conviction can also show the owner acted recklessly, which may strengthen your claim.

In some situations, the court may order limited restitution, but that usually won’t cover your full losses.

If no charges are filed, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Most dog bite cases are handled through civil law.

The key is whether the owner is legally responsible and whether the full impact of your injuries is documented and pursued.

The costs after a dog attack can add up quickly and may include emergency care, follow-up treatment, and missed work.

There may also be long-term changes to your daily life, especially if your dog bite injury leads to disfigurement or disability.

Ohio law gives you the right to seek compensation when someone else’s dog causes harm.

But to recover fully, every part of the impact needs to be documented and supported with evidence.

Medical Expenses Aren’t Always Limited to the First Visit

The initial hospital or urgent care bill is just the beginning for many people.

Some injuries need ongoing wound care, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Infections can require hospital stays.

Facial injuries or deep bites may lead to consultations with specialists.

And psychological care is also part of recovery for many people, especially if anxiety or trauma begins to interfere with sleep, relationships, or work.

Your claim can account for these expenses, but only if they’re supported by medical records, doctors’ notes, and treatment plans that establish the full cost of care.

Income Loss Can Stretch Beyond Missed Paychecks

Many dog bite victims miss work during recovery.

Some return to limited duties or reduced hours.

Others change jobs altogether if the injury affects movement, mobility, or appearance.

If you’re self-employed, the disruption may affect long-term business or client relationships.

Any time away from work, or a change in your ability to earn a living, can be factored into a claim.

That includes wages already lost and income you’re likely to miss in the future because of permanent limitations.

Pain, Disfigurement, and Emotional Harm Are Compensable

Scars, stiffness, or reduced range of motion may not appear on a spreadsheet, but they matter in court.

So does the emotional effect of the attack, especially when it changes how you move through the world.

Fear of dogs, panic in public, and social withdrawal are common in both children and adults.

Some people also deal with embarrassment or shame, especially if scarring is visible.

These losses fall under non-economic damages and require detailed descriptions and supporting records, but can significantly increase the value of a case.

If you’ve been bitten, reporting the incident and building a clear record are essential.

These steps create the foundation for any insurance claim or legal action.

Reporting the Bite Starts the Legal Paper Trail

Contact your county’s health department or local animal control as soon as possible.

These professionals can create a written report, investigate the situation, and confirm whether the dog poses a continuing threat.

This step matters as it establishes the date, time, and location of the incident.

It also creates an official record that can’t be dismissed or altered later.

If the dog is unknown or running loose, give a full description and explain where the attack happened.

If someone saw the event or identified the dog, include their statements when you make the report.

What To Document for a Stronger Dog Bite Case

Solid documentation strengthens your claim and limits room for dispute.

Focus on the facts: what happened, what was said, and how your injuries developed over time.

These details will be used to prove the seriousness of the bite and connect it directly to the dog involved.

Make sure to document the following:

• A written account of the incident, including location, time, and sequence of events
• Names and contact information of any witnesses
• Photographs of injuries, taken both immediately and during the healing process
• All medical records, prescriptions, and aftercare instructions
• Any clothing, personal items, or gear damaged during the attack

Keep everything together and organized.

The more complete your records, the easier it becomes to demonstrate the full impact of the attack.

Dog bite cases often look straightforward at first.

There’s an injury, a dog, and usually an owner.

But once insurance companies get involved or the owner begins to deny fault, the process can shift quickly.

Having a dog bite lawyer on board early helps you avoid mistakes that are hard to fix later.

Early Legal Support Helps Preserve the Right Evidence

The days and weeks after a bite are when the most useful evidence exists, but without an attorney’s involvement, key details may be lost or overlooked.

Your lawyer can document how the injury is affecting your daily life, detailing what tasks you’re missing, what treatments you’re undergoing, and what conversations are happening between you and the dog’s owner.

You Avoid Missteps With Insurance and Communication

Insurance companies will likely contact you early, sometimes before you’ve fully understood your injury or recovery needs.

The company may ask for statements, medical records, or signed releases.

What seems like a simple request can lead to problems if it’s handled without legal review.

Once a lawyer is involved, all communication can go through them, which prevents you from saying something that might later be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Legal Timelines and Requirements Are Easier To Manage

Ohio has a statute of limitations that gives dog bite victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.

This time can pass faster than expected, especially if your recovery is complicated or the dog’s ownership is disputed.

A lawyer tracks deadlines, gathers records, and handles filings on your behalf.

They also make sure your claim meets Ohio’s legal standards and is supported by the right documentation.

Even if you don’t plan to sue, the early steps matter.

A well-prepared claim puts pressure on insurers to settle fairly.

After a dog attack, you’re left dealing with medical costs, lost time, and stress from a situation you didn’t cause.

You shouldn’t have to navigate that alone.

Frank Piscitelli has spent over 30 years helping injured people across Ohio.

He keeps his caseload small and handles every case himself.

When you work with us, you get clear advice, steady communication, and legal action built around your situation.

We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Reach out today and get a consultation on us.