A shockingly high number of people are seriously injured by dog bites every year. Not only are 4.7 million dog bites reported annually in the U.S., but the number of dog bite attacks requiring medical attention has increased 15 times faster than dog ownership. Serious dog bites can result in painful and debilitating injuries, and even death. Deep skin wounds, loss of fingers, infections, and scarring are common. The dog bite lawyers at The Cochran Firm Cincinnati know only too well how difficult it can be to recover physically, financially, and emotionally from a dog attack. If you or someone you love were seriously injured by a dog bite, you deserve compensation from those responsible for the animal so you and your family can get on with life. To ensure you obtain the compensation you need and deserve, you must retain a skilled and aggressive dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
At The Cochran Firm Cincinnati, our dog bite lawyers work every day to provide all of our clients with a level of service that honors the high standard of excellence established by our founder, Johnnie Cochran. If you or a loved one are trying to recover from a dog attack, you can be assured that our personal injury lawyers will be with you every step of the way to make certain you are fairly and fully compensated for your suffering. Our legal team handles every aspect of your claim, from investigating the attack and negotiating with insurers to representing you in court if needed. Contact The Cochran Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how our experienced dog bite lawyers in Cincinnati can help you rebuild your life after a serious injury.
Every year, some 850,000 people sustain dog bites severe enough to require medical attention. Between 1979 to 1996, there were 154 fatal dog attacks reported in the U.S., with five dog breeds – Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Husky, and Alaskan Malamute – accounting for two-thirds of those attacks. Pit Bulls were responsible for twice as many fatal attacks as any other breed, and over half of all fatal attacks. Half of all dog bite attacks involved children under 12 years old.
Under Ohio law, there are two different legal paths to hold a dog owner responsible for a bite or attack. The first is Ohio’s strict liability statute (Ohio Revised Code §955.28(B)), which holds the dog’s owner, keeper, or harborer liable for any injuries caused by the dog, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten or acted aggressively before. In other words, under this statute, a dog does not get “one free bite,” and the victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The only exceptions occur when the injured person was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog, or was trespassing or committing a criminal offense on the owner’s property at the time of the attack.
The second legal option is a common law negligence claim, sometimes referred to as the “one bite rule.” In a common law claim, the injured person must show that the dog was vicious, that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous behavior (often through a prior bite or aggressive incident), and that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to control or restrain the dog. While the common law route requires proof of negligence, it also allows victims to seek punitive damages in cases where the owner’s conduct was reckless or malicious.
Ohio courts allow plaintiffs to bring both a statutory claim under R.C. 955.28 and a common law claim in the same lawsuit, giving victims more than one way to pursue fair compensation. The dog bite lawyers at The Cochran Firm have been fighting for injured people like you for more than four decades, and they know how to make sure the victims of serious personal injuries receive the compensation they need and deserve. Our experienced dog bite lawyers in Cincinnati can explain which legal approach, or combination of approaches, will give you the strongest chance at maximum recovery for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In most circumstances, damages for a dog bite are paid by the homeowner’s insurance company for the owner or keeper of the dog. If you’ve already been approached by an insurance company for the dog’s owner, you need to contact our dog bite lawyers in Cincinnati before you agree to anything. You must understand that the insurer you’re dealing with is not interested in your recovery and is only looking out for its own bottom line. The Cochran Firm has never been afraid to take on even the largest corporations or insurance companies, and our dog bite lawyers will aggressively pursue your claim, at trial if necessary, to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At The Cochran Firm Cincinnati, all of our highly-experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing quality legal representation to injured people, their families, and the ordinary citizen, just as Johnnie Cochran envisioned when he founded the firm over 40 years ago. If you or a loved one is seeking personal, dedicated, and aggressive legal representation in the wake of a serious dog bite, please contact The Cochran Firm today by filling out our online form or calling (513) 381-HURT. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
There is no set amount for a dog bite settlement. The value of your claim depends entirely on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. An experienced attorney will fight to recover compensation for all of your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages from time off work, any permanent scarring or disfigurement, and your physical pain and emotional suffering.
In most situations, the compensation for a dog bite claim is paid by the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. It is rare that the owner has to pay significant damages out of their own pocket. At the Cochran Firm in Cincinnati, our fight is typically with a large insurance company, not directly with your neighbor or a family member. Our dog bite lawyers manage all communication with insurers and ensure your claim is handled fairly from start to finish.
In Ohio, most dog bite claims fall under the strict liability statute, which provides a six-year statute of limitations. This means you typically have six years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or other responsible party.
This deadline is outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2305.07(B).
If the person bitten is a minor, the clock usually doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday, giving them six years from that point to file a claim. It’s best to speak with a dog bite lawyer in Cincinnati as soon as possible to avoid missing critical filing deadlines.
Dog attacks can lead to nerve and tissue damage, puncture wounds, severe scarring, and psychological trauma such as PTSD. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to serious injuries to the face, neck, and hands.
Yes, in most cases, pursuing a claim or lawsuit after a dog bite is absolutely worth it. Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to infection, nerve damage, or long-term scarring, which may require costly medical care. Ohio’s strict liability law makes it easier for victims to recover compensation without proving negligence. Filing a claim also helps hold the dog’s owner accountable and can prevent future attacks. A lawyer can advise whether a settlement or full lawsuit is the best strategy for your situation.
Most dog bite cases in Ohio settle within a few months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case and how long medical treatment takes. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or large insurance companies can take longer, sometimes 12 to 18 months or more. It’s important not to rush a settlement before your medical condition stabilizes, as this ensures all current and future costs are included in your compensation.
