Dog bites and other domestic animal attacks usually take people by surprise. They often happen suddenly in ordinary locations, such as a neighbor’s yard, at a park, or even on your own street. Unfortunately, the injury is just the beginning. You’re often left with medical bills, scars, and a new phobia that can continue to disrupt your life years after you’ve physically healed. If you or a loved one were injured from a dog bite in Toledo, contact the personal injury lawyers at Nurenberg Paris today.
In Ohio, dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets from hurting people. When they don’t, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
At Nurenberg Paris, we’ve helped many people in Toledo and across Northwest Ohio after dog attacks. We know these cases are both physically and emotionally difficult, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Ohio
Ohio has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under Ohio law, a dog owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone — even if the dog has never been aggressive before. You don’t need to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had bitten anyone in the past. If their dog hurt you, they’re responsible.
There are a few exceptions, however. A dog owner may not be liable if you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime when the attack happened. But in most cases, if you were legally on public or private property—whether that’s a sidewalk, Toledo store or restaurant, or an off-leash dog park like Middlegrounds Dog Park or Glass City Dog Park—you’re protected.
Victims generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury claim under the Ohio Revised Code §955.28 and §2305.10. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, witness statements, and medical records that can strengthen your case.
What to Do After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
Dog bites are traumatic and confusing, especially right after they happen. Knowing what to do can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Toledo:
- Get medical care immediately. Dog bites can cause deep wounds and serious infections. Go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic — like ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, or UT Medical Center — for treatment and documentation.
- Report the bite. Contact the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department or Lucas County Canine Control to report what happened. This creates an official record and can help prevent future attacks.
- Get the owner’s information. Try to get the owner’s name, address, and proof the dog has been vaccinated.
- Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, where the attack happened, and the dog (if it’s safe). Get names and contact info from any witnesses.
- Don’t talk to the owner’s insurance company. They may try to minimize your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
Contact a lawyer as soon as you can. A lawyer can investigate what happened, deal with insurance companies, and make sure your case is properly documented from the start.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Dog bites cause more than just surface wounds. Many victims face serious, lasting injuries that need ongoing medical care.
Physical Injuries
A dog’s sharp teeth and strong jaw can cause severe damage, especially to children and older adults. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and deep cuts
- Nerve damage and torn muscles or tendons
- Broken bones from being knocked down or bitten
- Infections like tetanus or rabies
- Permanent scars, especially on the face, hands, or legs
Emotional Trauma
Dog bites can leave lasting emotional scars, especially for children. Victims often experience:
- Intense fear of dogs or other animals
- Nightmares or flashbacks to the attack
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety about going outside or returning to where the attack happened
Therapy and counseling are often an important part of recovery — and these costs can be included in your compensation claim.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Visible scars can deeply affect a person’s confidence and mental health. Some victims need reconstructive or plastic surgery to restore their appearance and function, which can take months or years.
Even after physical wounds heal, many victims carry lifelong reminders of what happened, both physically and emotionally.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Toledo
A dog bite brings more than just physical and emotional harm; it also brings unexpected expenses. Medical care, lost income, and emotional recovery all cost money. If someone else’s dog injured you, you shouldn’t have to pay for it.
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog in Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medication
- Lost Wages: Income you’ve missed while recovering or going to appointments
- Future Care Costs: Ongoing therapy, reconstructive surgery, or counseling
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, anxiety, and how the injury has affected your life
- Scarring: Compensation for permanent changes to your appearance
Most dog bite claims are covered by the owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. But insurance companies often try to settle fast and pay less than you deserve. A lawyer makes sure your case is valued fairly and that all your damages, including physical, emotional, and financial, are counted.
At Nurenberg Paris, you won’t pay us anything upfront. We only get paid if you win, so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Nurenberg Paris Can Help
Recovering from a dog bite can be painful, stressful, and confusing. Our experienced attorneys are here to take that burden off your shoulders. We investigate the attack, gather reports and medical records, and handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
Our team understands the local laws, courts, and community here in Toledo and throughout Northwest Ohio. Whether we’re negotiating a fair settlement or preparing your case for trial, we’ll fight to make sure you’re treated fairly and compensated for what you’ve been through.
Contact Our Team Today
Contact Nurenberg Paris today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay unless we win.
