Being bitten by your neighbor’s dog can be traumatic. As if the physical pain isn’t bad enough, you’re also stuck with medical bills that keep piling up. When your neighbor refuses to help pay, you need to know your rights and take action fast.
Ohio makes dog owners pay for bites
Ohio has a strict liability law for dog bites. This means your neighbor is responsible for what their dog does, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. You don’t have to prove they were careless or negligent. As long as you didn’t provoke the dog and you were on public property or lawfully on private property, your neighbor owes you money.
Gather proof while you can
Strong evidence will help you win your case. Here are some ways to get proof that can help you build a case if needed:
- Take clear photos of your wounds right after the bite happens.
- Keep every medical bill, receipt and doctor’s note.
- Write down exactly what happened while the details are fresh in your mind.
- If anyone saw the attack, get their names and phone numbers.
All this documentation will be crucial if you need to take your neighbor to court.
Report the bite to the authorities
Call your local animal control office or health department to report the incident. This creates an official record that will help your case later. The authorities will also check if the dog is currently on its rabies shots and decide if it poses a danger to others in the neighborhood.
Try talking to your neighbor first
Before you take legal action, give your neighbor one more chance to do the right thing. Explain how badly you were hurt and how much your medical treatment cost. Tell them about Ohio’s strict liability law. Sometimes people will pay up when they understand they’re legally responsible.
If they still refuse to help
When talking doesn’t work, speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you decide the next best step.
Ohio law lets you recover the following:
- Money for medical bills
- Lost wages due to pain and suffering
Don’t wait too long to act. Time is not on your side. Ohio gives you only two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can destroy your case. Know that under state law, your neighbor is compelled to help you with the expenses so act on your rights. Act fast.