Damages in Columbus Dog Bite Cases 

Sustaining injuries from an aggressive dog causes more than physical pain. It can cause severe emotional trauma and require ongoing treatment that can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, state law allows people to claim various damages in Columbus dog bite cases as compensation for the attack.

If you were recently injured because of a violent canine encounter, you may wish to discuss your case with a local attorney. Our experienced legal representatives can tell you what, if any, damages you can expect after reviewing your case.

Types of Compensation in Columbus Canine Attack Suits

Depending on the circumstances of the dog attack, and the severity of the injuries, you could potentially recover economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate a person for their out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses related to the aggressive dog attack. Common economic compensation in Columbus dog attack cases include past, current, and ongoing medical care. A plaintiff may require casts for broken bones, stitches for lacerations and puncture wounds, treatment for torn muscles and ligaments, and medication for bacterial infections among other medical services. Physical therapy may also be necessary depending on the extent of nerve and muscle damage.

Other economic losses include lost wages from missed time at work while in recovery. Disability damages might be requested as well if the injuries rendered the plaintiff unable to work.

Non-Economic Damages

Since dog attacks can leave emotional and psychological scars, Columbus-based plaintiffs frequently request non-economic damages. Pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and mental anguish damages provide compensation for the emotional distress a plaintiff has undergone following a canine attack. For example, if the individual has become afraid of dogs, has nightmares about the attack, or does not want to leave the house during certain times, our team can cite these reasons as grounds for a non-economic damages award. While these damages are typically harder to prove than economic damages, the severity of many dog bite cases makes them reasonable requests.

Strict Liability and Negligence Laws in Ohio

For a plaintiff to obtain damages after a dog bite in Columbus, they must first file a claim under the state’s strict liability and/or negligence laws. A strict liability for a dog attack case does not involve proving owner negligence. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B), the plaintiff and their attorney must show that the plaintiff:

• Sustained severe injuries due to the dog’s behavior
• Was not trying to torment or otherwise provoke the dog
• Was not trespassing or committing other illegal actions

If the plaintiff wishes to file a negligence lawsuit, they must prove the dog owner failed to provide a duty of care. The individual and their attorney must show the owner did not restrain the dog or otherwise keep it from causing harm. For example, if a pet owner allowed an aggressive dog to wander the neighborhood and did not fence it in despite numerous warnings from neighbors, they could be held liable. They can also spend six months in jail for not containing a dangerous animal.

Learn More About Dog Bite Damages from a Columbus Attorney

Call our team of skilled lawyers today to discuss damages in Columbus dog bite cases if you sustained injuries from a canine attack. Due to the severity of the injuries often suffered in these attacks, you could potentially recover a substantial damage award. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about dog bite laws.