Were you or your child bitten by a dog in Celina, OH? If so, you could be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical bills and other losses. The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis can help you understand your rights. Call (419) 404-4444 to schedule a free consultation with a Celina dog bite lawyer.
We have 150 years of combined experience handling dog bites and personal injury claims. Our legal team has recovered tens of millions for injured clients like you. Allow us to handle your case while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Why Choose the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to Help With My Dog Bite Case in Celina, Ohio?
Dog bite claims can be complex. They may be covered by the owner’s home or renter’s insurance, but the insurer may try to blame you for the attack or diminish the nature of your injuries. Our Celina dog bite attorneys can help you sort out liability and pursue the money you deserve.
Clients across Celina, Ohio, choose the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis because we have:
- Over a century and a half of combined legal experience
- Recognition from The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- 100+ five-star reviews on Google, showing our strong history of client satisfaction
Reach out to our Celina personal injury lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you seek maximum compensation. We offer a free consultation.
Overview of Ohio’s Dog Bite Laws
Ohio law provides important protections for dog bite victims. Dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries their animals cause. That means you do not necessarily have to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Rather, if a dog bit you and you were lawfully on the property, the owner may be legally responsible for your damages.
Here are some factors that will determine whether you have a legitimate claim:
- Whether you had a legal right to be where the attack occurred
- Whether any alleged provocation is supported by evidence
- Whether local leash or containment laws were violated
- Whether the dog had a documented history of aggression
Get in touch with us today for help evaluating whether you have a case.
What Is My Celina Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a claim depends on several key factors:
- The severity of your physical injuries
- Whether surgery or hospitalization was required
- Whether your case settles or goes to trial
- Your degree of fault for the incident
- Available insurance coverage
Children and elderly persons, in particular, are extremely vulnerable to severe injuries, which can result in a higher settlement or jury verdict.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in an Ohio Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bites can lead to reconstructive surgery, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. Children, in particular, may require ongoing counseling to address fear, anxiety, or trauma related to the incident. These costs add up.
Under Ohio law, dog bite victims may be entitled to several categories of damages.
Economic damages address the financial losses connected to the attack. These may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Counseling or psychological treatment
Non-economic damages compensate for the personal, non-monetary losses you’ve experienced. These may cover:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety or post-traumatic stress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available. These are intended to punish extremely reckless or intentional behavior. Examples might include encouraging a dog to attack or knowingly ignoring repeated warnings about a dangerous animal.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Celina Dog Bite Lawyer?
Most dog bite attorneys in Celina work on a contingency fee basis. With this fee structure, you will not owe any up-front costs for legal representation.
Rather, your attorney will charge fees for their legal representation at the end of your case — if they recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. In this scenario, you will pay a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your award to your attorney as payment. However, if they do not recover any money for you, you generally won’t owe any attorney fees.
What if I Was Partly at Fault for My Dog Bite Incident in Ohio?
In negligence-based dog bite claims, Ohio follows a modified comparative fault statute. If you share fault, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of blame. If you are mostly at fault, meaning you share 51% or more of the blame, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
Insurance companies may suggest that you somehow contributed to the incident. Ohio law does allow certain defenses in dog bite cases, including provocation of the animal. However, not all claims of shared fault are true, and many are a shameless ploy to reduce what the insurer owes.
Our personal injury attorneys in Celina can help you push back if you are being blamed for the attack. We’ll ensure you receive the full damages you deserve and that liability stays where it belongs.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks vary widely in severity. Some involve a single bite. Others escalate into prolonged maulings that cause extensive trauma.
We regularly represent clients who have suffered:
- Deep puncture wounds that damage muscle and soft tissue
- Facial lacerations requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery
- Hand and wrist injuries sustained while trying to block an attack
- Nerve damage resulting in numbness or weakness
- Permanent scarring
- Serious infections such as cellulitis or MRSA
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and recurring nightmares
- Wrongful death
We will make sure that all your injuries are accounted for in your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Ohio?
In Ohio, most dog bite lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. In general, this means you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you fail to file within that time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
There are limited exceptions that can affect the deadline. For example, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be paused until the child turns 18.
If you are unsure of the deadlines in your case, it is best to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Protecting your right to file a lawsuit should be a top priority.
How Can an Attorney Help With My Dog Bite Case?
Dog bite claims may seem straightforward, but insurance companies will still blame you and employ other tactics designed to minimize your compensation award. An experienced attorney can help level the playing field and ensure your case is taken seriously.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Explaining how Ohio’s strict liability dog bite law applies to your situation
- Determining whether any defenses, such as provocation or trespassing, are legally valid
- Investigating the dog’s history, including prior bites or complaints
- Gathering medical records, photographs, and expert opinions to document your injuries
- Calculating your losses
- Communicating directly with insurance adjusters so you are not pressured into a quick settlement
- Negotiating aggressively for full and fair compensation
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, having experienced legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and your ability to move forward.
Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Celina Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. You should not have to carry the financial burden of someone else’s failure to control their animal.
The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis is here to fight for justice. We’re ready to put our significant legal experience behind your case and pursue the financial award you need to rebuild your life.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a Celina dog bite attorney. Let us help you protect your rights and take the next step toward a recovery.
