Were you bitten by a dog in Findlay, OH? If so, the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis can help. Call (419) 404-4444 to arrange a free consultation with a Findlay dog bite lawyer. We will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team brings 150 years of combined experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims across Ohio. We can explain your legal options and handle the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery from your injuries.
Why Choose the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to Help Me After a Dog Bite in Findlay, OH?
After a dog bite in Findlay, Ohio, you want a law firm that knows personal injury law and understands the local community. The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis has established a strong reputation for assisting individuals who have been injured in getting back on their feet.
Our firm has earned 100+ five-star Google reviews. Additionally, members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Best Lawyers. With more than a century of combined experience, our Findlay personal injury attorneys know how to handle dog bite claims from start to finish.
When you work with our firm, you receive clear answers, personalized attention, and strong legal advocacy. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Findlay dog bite attorney.
What Are Ohio’s Dog Bite Laws?
Ohio has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. The state follows a strict liability rule. This means a dog owner is usually responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
In most cases, you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You only need to show that the dog bit you and caused injuries. An attorney can review the facts and explain how the law applies to your situation.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is different. The value of a claim depends on how the bite has affected your life. Some cases involve minor injuries, while others lead to permanent damage.
Factors that often influence the value of a dog bite claim include the severity of the injuries, medical treatment required, and whether scarring or disfigurement occurred. Lost wages, future medical needs, available insurance coverage, and emotional trauma also matter.
We will examine the full picture and help estimate what fair compensation may entail.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims?
Dog bite victims in Findlay may be able to recover compensation for several types of damages. These damages are intended to compensate for both financial losses and personal harm.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the direct financial costs associated with the dog bite, including medical bills, emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatment. They can also include physical therapy, medications, and future medical expenses. If you missed work or cannot return to your previous job, lost wages and reduced earning ability may be considered.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of a dog bite. This may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, and fear of dogs after the attack. Scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life are also common in serious dog bite cases. These damages acknowledge the impact of the injury on daily life, not just financial losses.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Findlay Dog Bite Lawyer?
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees after an accident. At the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis, dog bite cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay anything up front.
Attorney fees are only collected if we recover compensation for you. If we lose your case, you will owe nothing for attorney fees. This arrangement enables individuals with injuries to seek help without incurring additional financial stress.
During your free consultation, we will clearly explain our fees and answer any questions you may have.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in Ohio?
Ohio follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar to recovery. If you are partly responsible for the incident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be 60% at fault, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame by claiming the victim provoked the dog or ignored warnings. Even if you are being blamed, you may still have a valid claim. A Findlay dog bite attorney can push back against unfair allegations and protect your right to compensation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Findlay, Ohio
Dog bites can cause more than surface wounds. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Infections, including complications from bacteria
- Nerve damage
- Muscle and tendon injuries, especially to the hands, arms, and face
- Facial injuries and scarring (more common in children)
- Broken bones (in severe attacks)
- Permanent disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress
It’s also common for people to struggle emotionally after a bite, especially children. A person might have trouble sleeping, feel on edge in public, or avoid parks and neighborhoods where dogs are present. Getting medical care right away helps protect your health and creates a clear record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to pursue a claim later.
What Causes Most Dogs to Bite People?
Dog bites happen for many reasons, often involving preventable situations. Lack of proper supervision is a common factor, especially when children are involved. Dogs that are frightened, injured, or protective of food or their territory may act aggressively.
Other causes include owners failing to leash their dogs, inadequate fencing, or ignoring known aggressive behavior. They may also bite when startled or stressed by loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings. Understanding what caused the bite can help identify who is responsible and strengthen a claim.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
After a dog bite, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You may be dealing with pain, doctor visits, missed work, and calls from an insurance company that wants answers right away.
Your lawyer can:
- Investigate the bite, including the location, timeline, and any prior issues with the dog
- Gather key evidence, such as photos, medical records, witness statements, and incident reports
- Identify who may be legally responsible and what insurance coverage may apply
- Handle calls, paperwork, and negotiations with the insurance company
- Push back if the other side tries to blame you or downplay your injuries
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future care, scarring, and emotional trauma
- Prepare and file a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered
Having someone on your side can make the process feel more manageable and give you peace of mind during a stressful time.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Ohio?
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including dog bites. This means you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely. While two years may seem like plenty of time, evidence can disappear, and memories may fade. Speaking with a Findlay dog bite lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your claim and preserve important evidence.
Contact Our Findlay Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A dog bite can turn your life upside down, but you do not have to handle it alone. The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis is here to help dog bite victims in Findlay, OH, understand their rights and pursue compensation.
With 150 years of combined experience, tens of millions of dollars recovered, and a strong record of client satisfaction, our firm is ready to stand up for you. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Findlay dog bite attorney.
