Getting bit by a dog can quickly cause severe injuries to the victim. Even though some dog attacks aren't a result of negligent dog owners or naturally aggressive behavior, there are many cases where the victim could seek compensation to pay for their medical bills or lost wages. It's common for people to let their guard down when they see a dog, as not all of them are aggressive or show aggressive behavior. However, many people experience dog attacks over the years because of many reasons. Even though dog bites can be devastating, the victim could hire Toledo dog bite lawyers to sue the owner. The professionals at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help anyone who sustained a serious dog bite injury get the money they deserve to focus on their recovery and not on their financial losses. Those who want to file a dog bite case with professional Toledo dog bite attorneys can either request a free case evaluation from the team or keep reading this article for more information, as it covers Toledo dog bite FAQs.
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Why Do Dogs Bite?
Unfortunately, dogs can bite for many reasons, regardless of their breed. There's a common misconception that only the breeds considered aggressive are capable of a dog attack, and that's far from the truth.
In most cases, a dog will bite because it feels threatened. Dogs tend to attack people in order to protect their valuables, which can include food, toys, or other puppies.
However, there are other common scenarios where a dog could bite someone, including:
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It wants to defend itself against a perceived threat.
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It's scared or startled.
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It's hungry or thirsty.
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It suffered an injury or is sick.
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It's under stress.
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It's going through some routine or schedule changes.
In any case, the dog owner should be responsible for letting the victim know of any potential risks of approaching their dog in a particular way. Failing to provide that information could make a dog attack more likely.
Dog bite victims have the legal right to hire an attorney and file a claim if they feel they got attacked regardless of what they did to prevent that.
Are Dog Bites Deadly?
Since dog bites occur for many reasons, it's important to identify how severe they can be. The short answer is yes; a dog bite can be deadly, especially if the injury was caused by big dogs like pit bulls.
It's essential to note that even if the injury looks harmless or mild, it can get seriously infected. Victims who sustained any dog-related injuries must seek medical attention fast in order to prevent infections.
If the injury was caused by an unfamiliar dangerous dog, then the victim must seek attention immediately.
Still, if the victim dies because of the dog attack, the surviving family members can sue the dog's owner through a wrongful death claim.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries Someone Can Get?
Dog bites can cause a wide range of physical and mental problems to the victim. The more severe the injury, the more likely a lawyer will get a higher settlement with their dog bite claim.
First, it's important to note that, in many dog bite cases, the injury could get infected, as there are over 600 types of germs that can be in a dog's mouth at all times. Dogs, generally, can transmit a wide range of bacterial infections and even rabies, which is a dangerous virus to get.
Setting aside the potential infections that may come from a dog bite, here are other common injuries that the victim may get:
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Torn muscles or tendons
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Disfigurement
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Scarring
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Broken bones
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Lacerations
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Puncture wounds
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Psychological trauma
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Depression
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Anxiety
A Toledo dog bite attorney from Schuerger Shunnarah can help the victim get an appropriate amount of compensation based on the serious injury they got.
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How to Know If a Victim Can Sue After a Dog Bite in Toledo, Ohio
In most cases, a victim can sue dog owners if they (or their child) were attacked unreasonably by their dog and suffered serious injuries.
Establishing liability can be tricky without the help of Toledo dog bite lawyers, though, as the victim must be able to prove that any of the following are true:
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The state makes dog owners financially responsible for dog attacks.
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The victim proves the dog owner knew their dog had aggressive tendencies and didn't notify them.
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The victim proves the injuries caused were a result of the owner's negligence.
On the other hand, the victim must be able to prove that:
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They weren't attempting to commit any criminal offense that caused them to get bit.
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They weren't teasing or abusing the dog.
It's recommended for victims to talk to a Toledo dog bite attorney from Schuerger Shunnarah to evaluate their case and determine whether they have a chance of recovering damages or not.
According to Ohio's strict liability law, dog owners can be held liable for another person's injuries even if they didn't think their dog had aggressive behavior.
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How Much Can Someone Get in Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury?
It depends on the case. The victim's final settlement can range from $15,000 up to $50,000 or more, especially if the injury was deadly/fatal. Requesting a free consultation from the team at Schuerger Shunnarah is the best option to get an accurate estimate of what the victim can get in compensation.
There are several factors that can affect the value of a victim's settlement, and these include:
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Economic Damages
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Non-economic Damages or Pain and Suffering
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The Bite's Severity
It's essential to note that the statute of limitations for dog bites in Ohio is six years for adults. This means the victim has six years from the date they got the injury to file the claim, otherwise, they could lose the case.
In the case of children, the six-year period will begin on their 18th birthday.
What Should Victims Do After Experiencing a Dog Bite?
Before calling a lawyer, victims should:
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Get the dog owner's personal information.
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Gather the contact information of any witnesses.
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Take pictures and videos of the injuries.
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Seek medical attention immediately.
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Report the incident to local animal control authorities if they don't know who's the dog owner.
Bottom Line - Hire the Team at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
Filing a dog bite claim may be exhausting, especially when the victim has to deal with high medical bills on top of their physical and mental pain.
Thankfully, the lawyers at Schuerger Shunnarah are here to help, and they're willing to 'go to war' for everyone who needs it. Those interested in this firm's legal services can contact it today.