Dog Bite Attorneys

A Law Firm That Bites Back

A dog bite can leave behind everlasting physical and emotional scars for the victim.  Many times plastic surgery is necessary due to the severity of the wounds.  Children are the most vulnerable because of their size and naivety of the animal’s primal predisposition to protect its territory.  Parents should teach young children to approach dogs with caution, and all animals should be treated with respect and kindness. If you are unfamiliar with a dog, it is best not to approach it.  If you or a loved one is the innocent victim of a dog attack, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys to get help today.

We Have Won Claims Against:

• Dog owners 
• Landlords
• Pet sitters 
• Kennels
• Home day facilities
• Other caretakers

Unprovoked Bites Can Occur When:

• Dogs run loose or unleashed 
• Dogs are not properly restrained
• Owners fail to maintain control of their dog
• Dogs escape from inadequate or unmaintained fences and gates 
• Dogs are unfamiliar with persons invited on the property
• Dogs are overly protective of their master and territory 
• Dogs misperceive threats

Dogs and Ohio Law

• Ohio law makes “owners, keepers, and harborers” of dogs strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, with some exceptions.
• Vicious dogs must be kept on a leash or locked in a pen if kept outside.
• Teasing or provoking the animal can be asserted as a defense to an injury claim. 
• A dog owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten before. 
• If the dog has caused injury before or is considered “vicious,” the owner may be liable for punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills and scarring.   
• Serious bites often leave permanent scarring, disfiguration, and discoloration. Excess scar tissue can result in the formation of smooth, hard growths called keloids.   
• Homeowner’s insurance or renters insurance most often provides coverage for the injuries caused by the attack. 

Contact the Law Firm That Bites Back

At Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead LLP, we take special care to see that our youngest dog bite clients have the proper medical attention, including consultations with plastic surgeons to address long-term scarring. Facial lacerations are often the most physically and emotionally traumatic, especially for children who may be ridiculed or feel self-conscious about their appearance. 

We have recovered significant compensation for people injured by dogs. Contact our dog bite attorneys today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the lasting effects of an attack. We care about you, our client as if you were family.