Were you (or your child) bitten by a dog in Ohio? If so, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages.
The nature of dog bites and animal attacks make these injuries especially traumatic, both physically and psychologically.
Animal attack victims often require extensive medical treatment and care and face the possibility of long-term damage and permanent scarring. For this reason, dog bite case settlements and jury awards can be substantial if the victim can prove negligence on the part of the animal’s owner.
Talking to an experienced Ohio dog bite lawyer is the best way to determine what the value of your case might be. More important, having an attorney on your side will help protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Feel free to reach out to us at (419) 455-1410 to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a thorough analysis of your case.
What Is the Average Ohio Dog Bite Settlement?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average dog bite settlement in Ohio for the year 2020 was $38,009. It’s important to note that every dog bite case is unique, and your actual settlement amount may vary based on specific circumstances.
In most cases, personal injury attorneys resolve their clients’ animal attack claims by negotiating a settlement with the owner’s insurance company. This helps resolve the matter as quickly as possible and spares all parties the time and trouble of going to court.
What Is Included in Dog Bite Settlement Amounts?
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to recover depends on the details of your case.
You may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical care and treatment costs to date;
- Future medical treatment costs;
- Lost wages to date;
- Future income losses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Disfigurement;
- Diminished earning capacity; and
- Diminished quality of life.
Your attorney will identify all economic and non-economic damages you suffered and document them as a part of your claim. This helps ensure that you get the fair compensation you deserve for all of your losses.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Lawsuit Payout?
Much like with dog bite settlement amounts, calculating an average Ohio dog bite lawsuit payout is virtually impossible. Generally, however, jury awards may be higher than insurance settlements. The downside to this is that you have no guarantee of winning in court.
An experienced dog bite lawyer can discuss your options for filing a lawsuit if the insurance company does not make a reasonable settlement offer. When you choose a personal injury attorney to handle your animal attack case, look for an experienced litigator who knows how to get the job done if you do need to take your case to court.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
The Ohio statute of limitations allows you only two years to pursue legal action for a dog bite injury claim. Contact an experienced personal attorney as soon as possible after an animal attack to help ensure you don’t compromise your legal right to recover compensation.
Can FedEx, USPS, or UPS Workers File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Ohio?
Online shopping has increased exponentially across the U.S., which means more home deliveries for the U.S. Postal Service as well as courier services and shipping companies such as FedEx and UPS. This, in turn, increases delivery workers’ exposure to potential animal attacks.
If you sustained a dog bite while working as a postal carrier or delivery driver, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to pursue legal action against the animal’s owner or keeper (e.g., the owner of the property on which you were attacked).
The owner or keeper is typically responsible for any medical treatment costs and lost wages associated with an animal attack. If the owner or keeper knew the dog was vicious or posed a danger to others, you may have a viable cause of action for a negligence lawsuit.
Talking to an attorney is the best way to determine what your legal rights are for pursuing a settlement or lawsuit.
Contact an Ohio Dog Bite Attorney Today for Help
In Ohio, Attorney Aaron Bensinger understands the complex laws that apply to dog bite and animal attack claims. Bensinger Law assists clients throughout Northwest Ohio, including Lima, Findlay, Shawnee, Van Worth, and Perry County. We understand the physical and emotional pain you’re going through, and we are here to help.
Contact us now at (419) 455-1410 for a free consultation and case analysis or to discuss your dog bite settlement with an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney at Bensinger Law.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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