The #1 Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyer | Call (216) 931-7000

When a dog bite happens, the physical wounds are only part of the harm—it’s the significant emotional distress, fear, and long-term consequences that often go unseen.

Animal attacks can occur suddenly and without warning, in everyday places like sidewalks, parks, or even a friend’s backyard.

Children are especially vulnerable, but anyone bitten by a dog may face infections, nerve damage, or even permanent disfigurement.

Ohio follows a strict liability standard in many dog bite cases, which means a dog owner can be held responsible for the attack, regardless of whether the dog was previously deemed dangerous or had bitten before.

However, many negligent owners try to shift blame, downplay the incident, or avoid responsibility entirely—especially when their insurance company is involved.

Holding these individuals accountable is critical not just for your recovery, but to prevent future attacks on others.

Dog bites can cause lifelong physical pain and suffering, and victims deserve answers, justice, and compensation when the owner’s negligence leads to serious harm.

If you’ve been attacked, follow these steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention to treat the wound and reduce the risk of infection or complications.
2. Report the incident to your local animal control or health department to begin an official record.
3. Identify the dog and its owner, including contact information and any details about the dog’s vaccination status.
4. Document your injuries by taking photographs and keeping a written log of your physical and emotional symptoms.
5. Preserve any clothing or evidence from the attack, including torn garments or blood-stained items.
6. Avoid speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
7. Contact a dog bite lawyer to evaluate your case, explain your rights under Ohio’s strict liability law, and begin pursuing compensation.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

Dog attacks often result in severe trauma due to the force and tearing nature of a dog’s teeth, especially when the bite involves the face, hands, or legs.

Victims may suffer deep puncture wounds, tissue damage, and broken bones, depending on the size and aggression of the dog.

Facial injuries are particularly common in children and can lead to permanent scarring and emotional distress.

In many cases, infections follow the initial wound, especially if the bite is not treated immediately or involves multiple lacerations.

Compared to other animal attacks, a bite from a dangerous dog often causes extensive and lasting harm.

Common physical injuries include:

• Deep puncture wounds
• Facial injuries and disfigurement
• Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
• Broken bones or fractures
• Infections such as cellulitis or sepsis
• Nerve damage
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD
• Scarring and permanent tissue damage

How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

The value of a dog bite case depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, whether there is permanent disfigurement, and the impact on your daily life.

Cases involving minor wounds and short-term treatment may be worth around $10,000 to $25,000, while more serious injuries—such as facial injuries, nerve damage, or long-term trauma—can result in settlements or verdicts exceeding $100,000.

In extreme cases involving life-changing injuries or wrongful death, compensation can surpass $200,000 or more.

Additional factors such as lost wages, emotional distress, and whether the dog was previously classified as a dangerous dog may also affect the outcome.

Each case is unique, and Ohio’s strict liability laws ensure that dog owners are held accountable, but the specific details will shape the final value.

These figures are based on outcomes in past dog bite cases and are meant to provide a general idea—not a guarantee of what you will recover.

A qualified dog bite lawyer can review the facts of your situation and help estimate what your case may be worth.

Under Ohio law, dog bite victims have robust legal protections designed to hold negligent dog owners accountable and ensure injured individuals receive fair compensation.

Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B) establishes a strict liability standard, meaning a dog owner, keeper, or harborer is liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior.

This law applies as long as the injured person was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.

Unlike states that follow the “one-bite rule,” Ohio does not require proof that the dog had previously bitten someone or exhibited aggressive behavior.

This strict liability approach simplifies the process for victims seeking compensation, as they need only demonstrate that the dog caused their injury and that they were not trespassing or provoking the animal at the time.

Victims can pursue claims for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

In many cases, compensation is sought through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy.

It’s important to note that while strict liability applies, there are exceptions; for instance, if the victim was trespassing, committing a criminal offense, or provoking the dog, the owner may not be held liable.

Here’s a step-by-step outlook on dog bite cases in Ohio:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, dog bites can lead to serious infections or complications.
2. Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or the health department about the bite. This creates an official record and can help identify if the dog has a history of aggression.
3. Gather Information: Collect details about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses. Take photographs of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred.
4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney experienced in dog bite cases can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
5. File a Claim: Your attorney will help you file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or directly against the owner, depending on the circumstances.
6. Negotiate a Settlement: Often, cases are resolved through negotiations, aiming for a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
7. Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the court system.

Pursuing a dog bite case involves understanding your rights under Ohio law and taking timely action to protect those rights.

Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Gathering Evidence for Your Dog Bite Case

Strong evidence is essential to prove your claim and make sure the dog owner is held strictly liable under Ohio law.

Documenting the aftermath of a canine attack helps demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the circumstances in which the bite occurred.

Evidence may also reveal patterns of past incidents or show that the dog was previously aggressive—especially if the attack happened in a neighbor’s yard or another area where the dog should have been under control.

Your attorney will use this documentation to support your case and negotiate with the insurance company or present your claim in court.

Important evidence in a dog bite case includes:

• Medical records detailing treatment, diagnosis, and recovery
• Photographs of your injuries, the scene, and the dog
• Witness statements from people who saw the attack
• Animal control or police reports documenting the incident
• Veterinary or licensing records showing prior complaints or designations of a dangerous dog
• Surveillance footage or doorbell camera video of the bite or the moments leading up to it
• Documentation of the dog’s location at the time (e.g., loose in a neighbor’s yard)
• Records of past incidents involving the same dog or owner
• Proof of lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Common Damages in Dog Attack Cases

In a dog bite lawsuit, damages refer to the financial and personal losses that dog bite victims suffer as a result of the dog attack.

These damages are intended to compensate the injured person for both the measurable costs—like medical costs—and the harder-to-quantify harm, such as pain, trauma, or lost quality of life.

Experienced attorneys work to identify all forms of harm so victims can pursue full and fair compensation from the dog owner or their insurance company.

In cases involving serious injuries, long recovery times, or permanent effects, damages may also account for future medical needs and the emotional distress caused by the attack.

Common damages in dog bite cases include:

• Medical costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and medication
• Future medical needs, including rehabilitation, scar revision, or psychological treatment
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Reduced earning capacity if the injury impacts long-term employment
• Pain and suffering caused by the physical injuries
• Emotional distress caused by trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life or limitations on daily activities
• Property damage

Frank E. Piscitelli, Jr. has spent more than 30 years representing injury victims throughout Ohio, including those harmed in serious dog bite cases.

As the founder of Piscitelli Law Firm, Frank brings a focused, hands-on approach to every case he takes, offering strategic guidance and strong advocacy for his clients.

He has extensive experience holding negligent dog owners accountable and pursuing full compensation for dog bite victims suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Frank is known for his trial readiness, detailed case preparation, and ability to stand up to insurance companies on behalf of injured individuals and their families.

He intentionally limits his caseload to provide personalized attention and meaningful results for each client.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog in Cleveland or anywhere in Ohio, Frank Piscitelli is the attorney you want fighting for your recovery.

Frank Piscitelli Has Secured Significant Results for Dog Bite Victims

Frank Piscitelli has recovered meaningful compensation for individuals injured in preventable dog attacks across Ohio.

He investigates each case thoroughly, negotiates aggressively, and takes action when dog owners and insurers attempt to avoid accountability.

Below are just a few recent examples of successful outcomes Frank has achieved for dog bite victims:

• $63,000 – Older man bitten while visiting a business; large dog attacked without warning (2022)
• $35,000 – Dog bite settlement for individual injured by a neighbor’s dog (2025)
• $23,000 – UPS driver bitten while delivering mail to a residence (2024)

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Ohio, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation from the dog’s owner or their insurance provider.

Ohio’s strict liability law means the injured party does not need to prove prior aggression or negligence—only that the bite occurred and you were lawfully on the property at the time.

Victims may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma caused by the attack.

Incidents reported to local agencies, such as the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, often support the legitimacy of a claim.

Each case is unique, and eligibility depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the harm you’ve suffered.

Consulting with a Dog Bite Attorney can help determine whether your case meets the legal standards for compensation.

Our firm offers a no-obligation consultation to review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your options.

With experienced legal representation, you can protect your rights and take meaningful steps toward financial recovery.

A dog bite can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

At Piscitelli Law Firm, we fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable and help victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering.

Whether you were bitten in a public space, on private property, or in a neighbor’s yard, Ohio law gives you the right to pursue justice.

With over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases across Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, Frank Piscitelli delivers personalized, strategic representation every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, we’re here to help.

Contact Piscitelli Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Cleveland dog bite attorney who will listen, investigate, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a dog bite claim instantly.