Columbus Ohio Dog Bite Attorney
Each year, over 4 million dog bites are reported in the United States. Overall, dog bites are the fifth most common reason for emergency room treatment. For children, dog bites are the second most common reason for seeking emergency medical attention, with children between five and nine years of age the most common victims. Most injuries to children under four years of age were to the head and/or neck. Attacks by dogs and other pets can result in devastating physical and emotional injuries: permanent scarring, reconstructive surgery, infection, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sometimes even death.
Dogs bite for many reasons and, although any breed of dog may bite, a 2009 report by DogsBite.org reveals that pit bull breeds, rottweilers, presa canarios, and their mixes were responsible for 80% of the injury-producing attacks
and 69% of fatalities. While only 18% of the attack/bites studied occurred away from the dog owner's property, 81% of these off-property attacks were committed by pit bull breeds. Of 88 dog attack fatalities between January 2006 and December 2008 reported by DogsBite.org, 59% were perpetrated by pit bull breed dogs. This equates to one American being killed by a pit bull breed every 21 days during that period. Many cities have adopted breed-specific pit bull/fighting breed laws. At present, Ohio is the only state that regulates pit bull breeds, declaring the breed as "vicious" and requiring owners of pit bulls to carry $100,000 in liability insurance, secure the dogs on property and use a chain-link leash whenever the dog is off-property.
According to a 2010 study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average cost of hospitalization for a dog bite injury was $18,200.00. In addition to the initial hospitalization, many dog bite victims must undergo multiple painful plastic or reconstruction surgeries and treatment for psychological injuries.
In Ohio, dog owners are strictly accountable for injuries and damages caused by their pets. These losses are often covered by the dog owner's home owner's or renter's insurance.
If you, a friend, or family member has been injured by a dog or other pet, seek immediate medical care, indentify the dog owner, report the incident to the police and your local health department, photograph the injuries, and contact the Ohio dog bite attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List.
Clark Perdue & List
Clark Perdue & List has extensive experience handling Ohio dog bite lawsuits. If requested, an Ohio dog bite attorney will meet you-in your home or at the hospital, if necessary, to explain your legal rights and make suggestions for immediate action on your claim.
