Dogs are among the most popular pets in Ohio. Many individuals and families have dogs as companion animals or working animals. Some people even have multiple dogs living in their homes. Most dogs enrich people’s lives by motivating them to exercise, providing them with companionship and rounding out their families. They can also assist people with medical challenges or those raising livestock.
Unfortunately, some dogs may become aggressive toward humans. Dog bite incidents can lead to physical and mental trauma. Those attacked by dogs may have lacerations, infections, disfiguring scars, broken bones and mental health issues to address. Dog bite attacks can also cause significant property damage in some circumstances.
How can the victims of a dog bite attack cover their losses?
Dog owners face strict liability
Under current state statutes, dog owners are almost always responsible for the injuries that their animals inflict on others. The person attacked does not need to show that the dog had a history of violence.
The only real defense to dog bite liability involves allegations that the person attacked provoked the animal either by intentionally antagonizing it or by breaking the law immediately prior to the incident. Those trespassing on private property or assaulting an animal’s owner cannot typically demand compensation when the dog becomes aggressive.
In almost any other circumstance, including scenarios where previously kind dogs display unexpectedly aggressive behavior, owners have liability for the harm that they cause. Thankfully, dog owners don’t always have to pay for bite-related expenses out of pocket.
If they have homeowners insurance or renters insurance, their policies can help cover expenses related to dog bite injuries. Premises liability insurance can pay for losses caused by a dog or other household animal, at least up to the established policy limits.
In some cases, it may still be necessary to file a civil lawsuit to obtain a reasonable settlement from the insurance company. Injured people may be able to recoup current and future medical expenses, lost wages and property damage expenses.
Reviewing the circumstances of a dog bite incident with a skilled legal team can help people pursue a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim as necessary. When dogs injure humans, those affected typically should not have to absorb those expenses.