Dog Bites

Dog Bites

Dog Bite Attorneys Columbus OH

Dog Bite Attorneys Columbus OH

Dog bites can result in serious injuries, both physical and emotional. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, with nearly one in five requiring medical attention.

Injuries can range from minor wounds and bruises to severe lacerations, fractures, and even psychological trauma. Understanding the nature of dog bites is essential for victims seeking justice and compensation.

  • From my first meeting with Mark Kitrick, I had total confidence in him and trusted him to guide me through this unfamiliar process of litigation. Because I am a woman of faith, it was incredibly important to me to have a person of integrity and character represent me. I found that with Mark. Until you go through something like this, you may not understand how important it is to be guided in the right direction. Mark Kitrick’s manner is so gentle, yet highly professional. He is approachable, and very sensitive to what you’re experiencing. You think of him as a friend who is looking out for you and will always keep your best interests in mind.
    Patti E.

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Ohio Is a Strict Liability State for Dog Bites

Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28(B), the owner, keeper, or harboring of a dog is liable for injuries, death, or loss caused by the dog. You don’t need to prove that the dog bit someone or that the owner was careless before.

Many other states still follow some version of the “one-bite rule”. Ohio doesn’t follow it.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

Depending on the facts, a claim may be brought against:

  • The owner: the person the dog legally belongs to.
  • A keeper, such as a dog walker or pet sitter who had control of the dog when the bite happened.
  • A harborer. Usually whoever controls the property where the dog lives (sometimes a landlord)

When an Owner May Avoid Liability

There are a few exceptions to this rule. The responsible party is generally not liable if the injured person:

  • Committed or attempted criminal trespass or another offense more serious than a minor misdemeanor on the property of the owner.
  • Committed a criminal offense against another person.
  • Teased, tormented, or abused the dog on the property of the owner.

Invited guests, mail carriers and delivery drivers do not fall into these categories. The law even protects door-to-door salespeople.

Understanding Liability in Dog Bite Cases

In many cases, the owner of a dog may be held responsible for injuries caused by their pet. However, determining liability can be complicated and depends on several factors, including:

  • The owner’s knowledge: If the owner was aware that their dog had a history of aggressive behavior or biting incidents, they may be found at fault. Ohio’s laws do not require this proof, but it could support a separate claim for negligence.
  • The circumstances of the incident: The context in which the incident occurred can play a significant role in determining liability. Under Ohio law, responsibility may shift if the victim was provoking, tormenting, or harassing the dog on the owner’s property.
  • Local laws: Leash regulations and dangerous dog status can also be relevant. Violations of these laws can strengthen your case.

What Avery’s Law Changed in 2026

House Bill 247, also known as Avery’s Law, went into effect in March of 2026. The law was named after a young woman from Reynoldsburg who was severely injured in an attack in 2024. Some of the key changes included:

  • Rewritten definitions for terms such as “nuisance”, “dangerous”, and “vicious” dogs.
  • Criminal penalties for owners who negligently fail to stop an attack by their dogs, even if there is no prior record of such an incident.
  • Required liability insurance for owners of dogs that are designated as dangerous or vicious.

The civil strict liability rule has not changed, but if a dog has already been designated as dangerous, its history can play a significant role in determining liability.

Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Victims of dog bites can experience a variety of injuries, including:

  • Lacerations and puncture wounds, which can cause significant bleeding and require stitches or surgery to treat.
  • Fractures, especially in children, or when a dog pulls the victim down, can result in broken bones.
  • Nerve and tendon damage, which can leave the hand or arm numb or weak.
  • Infections, which can be serious if the dog’s vaccination status is not known and doctors may recommend treatment for rabies as a precaution.
  • Scarring and disfigurement, especially with facial bites in young children.
  • Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, following a dog bite incident.

Children Face the Greatest Risk

According to the CDC, children are more likely to be bitten than adults, and their injuries are usually more severe. Most of these bites involve a familiar dog.

That puts many families in an awkward situation. Usually, however, compensation comes from homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, not from their savings.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Columbus

The first few days can shape your entire case.

  1. Get medical care right away. Even a small puncture can become infected.
  2. Report the bite within 24 hours. Ohio Administrative Code 3701-3-28 requires bites to be reported to the local health commissioner. In Columbus, reports go to Columbus Public Health.
  3. Get the owner’s information. Name, address, phone number, and the dog’s rabies vaccination details.
  4. Take photos of your wounds, torn clothing, and the scene. Keep photographing as you heal.
  5. Collect witness names.
  6. Be careful with insurance adjusters. Don’t give a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer.

Compensation You May Recover

A successful Ohio dog bite case can cover:

  • Medical expenses, including surgery and future treatments
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma
  • Scarring and disfigurement

Ohio Revised Code 2315.18 limits non-economic damages in many injury cases. The cap doesn’t apply to permanent and substantial physical deformities, which can lead to serious facial scarring.

About Our Firm

Mark Kitrick founded Kitrick, Lewis & Staley-Sladek, L.P.A. in 1986 after working as a senior litigator for a larger injury firm for five years. His goal was simple: to help those who had been injured or killed due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. In 1997, Mark Lewis joined the firm as a partner.

Our firm is focused solely on cases involving serious personal injury and wrongful death claims, defective products, malpractice claims, and class actions for consumers.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to suffer a serious injury or tragic death, and then navigate the confusing legal system. We are here for you from the start, working hard to ensure that you receive close personal attention. This kind of service sets us apart from other law firms.

  • From the moment I walked into Mark Kitrick’s office until the day my case was settled, I was impressed by the high degree of professionalism he demonstrated and grateful for the compassion he showed. The way he managed my case was simply outstanding. Mark Kitrick was able to successfully handle a complex situation that involved litigation in two states. In the process, he made a heartbreaking situation more bearable.
    Jean W.

How Kitrick, Lewis, & Staley-Sladek Can Help

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite, it’s crucial to understand your rights. At Kitrick, Lewis, & Staley-Sladek, we specialize in personal injury law and are committed to helping victims navigate the complexities of their cases. Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Free Consultation: We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options.
  • Investigation: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and reports from animal control.
  • Establishing Liability: We will help determine whether the dog owner is liable for your injuries, considering all relevant laws and circumstances.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
  • Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.

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Talk to a Columbus Dog Bite Attorney

At Kitrick, Lewis & Staley-Sladek Co., L.P.A., our team of four highly respected attorneys bring a combined 96 years of experience in personal injury law. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate counsel and delivering remarkable results.

If a dog attack leaves you or your child with medical bills, scars, or lasting fear, please let us review what happened and explain your options. You can contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Common Dog Bites FAQs

No, Ohio’s strict liability statute does not require proof of prior aggression. However, a known history can still be helpful.

You can still file a claim. Liability under R.C. 955.28 is not limited to the owner’s property.

Yes. These claims are usually covered by the owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.

Under the strict liability statute, the key question is whether one of the narrow exceptions applies. In a negligence claim, Ohio’s comparative fault rule reduces your recovery by your share of fault and bars recovery if you were more than 50% responsible.

Sometimes, a landlord who controls shared areas where a dog is kept, such as a common yard, may be considered a harbinger. One who rents the entire property out to a tenant usually does not.

Two years for a negligence claim, and potentially longer for a strict liability claim. Consult an attorney well in advance of two years passing.

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