Owning a dog is a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility involves training your dog properly so that they do not attack people or other animals. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, a Cincinnati dog bite lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm LLC can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit. The number of our Cincinnati, Ohio office is (513) 407-4521, so call us today to learn more.
The Consequences of Dog Bites
A 2019 study published in Heliyon estimates that over three million people in the United States visited an emergency room after being bitten by a dog between 2005 and 2013. The most commonly seen dog bites were bites to the hand, followed by bites to the face, the lower arm, and the lower leg.
Is a trip to the emergency room mandatory after a dog bite? Not necessarily. If your dog bite is very deep, dirty, bleeding a lot, or swollen, you should definitely go to the emergency room. Otherwise, according to the Mayo Clinic, you can treat the injury yourself with careful washing and bandages. Of course, if you suddenly or unexpectedly feel worse, call your doctor right away.
No matter how serious your injuries are, they—and the attack itself—can leave you hurting, angry, and traumatized. The Fitch Law Firm LLC can provide you with a Cincinnati dog bite lawyer. They will take care of all legal tasks so that you do not have to. Call us today at (513) 407-4521 for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bites lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-545-3930
How to Know if You Qualify for Damages
As codified in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §955.28, your dog bite may entitle you to monetary compensation. Whatever money you receive may be paid by the dog owner’s insurance company. If you do not know who the dog’s owner is, a lawyer may be able to help you find out by conducting an investigation. We will discuss this more in the next section. For now, let us focus on what types of compensation are available to dog bite victims.
Compensation for Financial Harm
If you lost income or received bills associated with your accident, you could be entitled to economic damages. Examples of economic damages include:
- Lost income or benefits, like the salary you could not earn because your injuries kept you home from work
- Lost earning capacity, like the salary you would have earned in the future but now cannot because your injuries prevent you from doing so
- Costs of medical treatment, like the money you spent in the emergency room, doctor’s office, pharmacy, or any other facility
- End-of-life expenses, like the money you spent on funeral services or estate settlement after your loved one succumbed to their dog bite injuries
Compensation for Physical and Psychological Harm
If you suffered a physical injury or psychological trauma because of your accident, you could be entitled to non-economic damages. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering, like the physical or psychological distress from your injuries or the attack itself
- Disability, like the physical or intellectual abilities you have lost due to the bite
- Reduced quality of life, like the fact that you can no longer perform basic activities (e.g., walking to the store) without assistance
- Loss of society or companionship, like the support and attention you can no longer get from your deceased loved one
Cincinnati Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 614-545-3930
Fighting for Fair Compensation Can Be Draining
If you still have not recovered from your dog bite, the last thing you want to be doing is trying to manage a lawsuit by yourself, even if you really need compensation. Fortunately, you do not have to. The Fitch Law Firm LLC can handle all legal duties connected with your lawsuit, including those listed below.
Gathering Evidence
Objective documentary evidence can strengthen your case in several ways. First, it can fill in any gaps in your recollection or knowledge of the event (e.g., the dog owner’s identity). Second, it can prove that your injuries were caused by the event you are suing over and that your injuries have impacted your life. Third and finally, it can prove that the liable party (in this case, the dog owner) is responsible for your injuries and should pay damages.
Pursuing Compensation
In many cases, the liable party’s insurance company is willing to negotiate. Settling out of court is quicker and easier for both of you. One of your lawyer’s most important jobs is to meet with the insurance company’s representatives and try to persuade them to pay you fair compensation.
If negotiations are successful, your lawyer will draw up the agreement, and you will sign it and get your money. If they are not successful, speak with your lawyer about the possibility of a trial. If you choose to go this route, your lawyer will once again handle everything, from submitting evidence to delivering oral arguments.
Supporting You
You do not have to go through any part of the legal process alone. Your lawyer will help you with paperwork, update you about new developments in your case, answer any questions you have, and advise you about which options are best for you and your family.
The Fitch Law Firm LLC will also support you by making our services as accessible as possible. By charging a contingency fee, we ensure that you do not have to pay anything upfront and that you will pay us no attorney fees at all unless and until we get you compensation.
Allowing a Cincinnati dog bite lawyer to manage your case can give you the chance to finish recuperating from your injuries in peace. To learn what we can do for you in a free case review, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (513) 407-4521. Someone is available to take your call at any time.
Call or text 614-545-3930 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
