Ohio Dog Bites Lawyer

Last updated on July 31, 2025

Dog attacks can devastate lives in a matter of seconds. Ohio law holds dog owners strictly liable when their pets harm others, meaning owners are responsible regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or their awareness of aggressive tendencies. However, navigating these cases requires skilled legal guidance to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Leeseberg Tuttle‘s legal team brings over 75 years of combined experience fighting for dog bite victims in Columbus and across Ohio. We have secured some of the state’s largest personal injury verdicts, including a record-breaking $44.5 million recovery. Our board-certified trial advocates know what it takes to build compelling cases that insurance companies cannot ignore. Our lawyers will evaluate your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws

Ohio uses strict liability for dog bites. That means a dog owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the animal had never bitten or shown aggression before. This removes the need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. If you were legally on the property and did not provoke the dog, you may be entitled to compensation.

In addition, some situations also involve negligence claims, especially when an owner fails to leash their dog or violates local animal control laws.

The Role Of Insurance In Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite claims are typically handled through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. These policies often cover injuries caused by pets on the insured property and, in some cases, off the property as well. However, coverage is not guaranteed; some policies exclude specific dog breeds or deny coverage if the dog has a history of aggression.

It is common for insurance companies to offer low settlements early on. These offers often fall short of covering future treatment or lasting emotional harm. Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, let our team step in.

Liability And Responsibility In Dog Bite Cases

While the dog’s owner is the most obvious party to hold responsible, others may also be liable depending on the circumstances. These can include:

• A landlord who allowed a known dangerous dog to stay on their property
• A caretaker (a dog walker) who failed to maintain control
• A property owner who invited guests while knowing a dog posed a threat

We dig into the facts to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case.

Common Defenses In Dog Bite Cases

Dog owners and their insurers may try to avoid responsibility by blaming the victim. Common defenses include:

• Provocation: Claiming the dog was teased, hit or otherwise provoked
• Trespassing: Alleging the victim entered the property without permission
• Assumption of risk: Suggesting the victim knew the dog was dangerous and ignored warnings
• Lack of injury severity: Downplaying the physical or emotional damage

Our firm prepares for these tactics from the start.

Critical Steps After A Dog Attack

Taking proper action immediately after a bite can significantly impact your legal case. In that case:

• Document everything about the incident to help create a clear record that strengthens your claim for compensation.
• Seek immediate medical care to establish the exact extent of your injuries formally.
• Report the attack by notifying local animal control and law enforcement to have their official reports act as crucial evidence for your case.

Dog attacks often lead to lasting physical and emotional trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment, time away from work and ongoing therapy. While these steps are essential, pursuing a claim without legal guidance may jeopardize your ability to recover full compensation. Our litigation team will thoroughly document all current and future damages to fight for maximum compensation.

Pursuing Compensation With An Experienced Lawyer

Ohio law allows dog bite victims to pursue compensation for:

• All medical expenses, including future surgeries and treatments
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Property damage

Having secured numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries, we know exactly how to value your claim and present compelling evidence that can clearly demonstrate the full impact of your injuries.

Contact Our Trusted Ohio Dog Bite Attorneys

If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, do not face the legal challenges alone. Contact Leeseberg Tuttle today through 855-445-6266 or reach out online for a free consultation. Our Columbus office serves dog bite victims throughout Ohio. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building a robust case. Remember, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.