Award-Winning Cleveland Dog Bites Attorneys
When you, your child or a loved one is attacked or bitten by a dog, the dog owner is responsible for providing you with fair compensation. These claims are commonly handled under the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. While these injuries may be serious and expensive, insurance companies are often slow to process the payments.
With over 40 years of legal experience, the skilled personal injury attorneys of Goldstein & Goldstein have relentlessly represented thousands of injured individuals throughout Ohio. We have won millions in compensation for our clients who have suffered harm from the negligence of dog owners. We are here to help you seek justice for your domestic animal attack case. To discuss your situation in private, you may schedule a free initial consultation with one of our dedicated Cleveland dog bite lawyers today by calling us at 216-706-9664.
Understanding Ohio Dog Bite Laws And Owner Liability In Ohio
Ohio Revised Code 955.11 defines dog bite attack rules and penalties into two different categories, namely “dangerous” and “vicious.”
- Dangerous dog: Refers to any dog that has caused a nonserious injury to another person or fatally injured another dog without provocation. This category also includes dogs that have been the subject of a third or subsequent confinement violation. However, police dogs causing an injury during an official duty do not fall into this category.
- Vicious dog: Refers to any dog that has caused serious injury or death to another person without provocation. Police dogs in Ohio are also excluded from this category when they perform their duties.
“Without provocation” means the dog attacked someone else without being abused, teased or coming to the defense of another person who was not engaged in an active police chase or criminal activity. When you hire our firm for your case, we will produce a legal strategy that aligns with your specific circumstances and educate you on what lies ahead. And when the time comes, we will aggressively fight for the dog bite injury compensation you deserve.
Cleveland Dangerous Dog Owner Requirements
Ohio enforces strict compliance on dog ownership, making dog owner liability a legal responsibility that ensures that their animal companions do not cause harm to others. For instance, every Ohio resident who owns a dog must register their pet with the county auditor for licensing and certification. If they have plans to sell or give away their dog to another person, they must inform the county auditor within a 10-day period.
Aside from this rule, dog owners also have a responsibility to physically restrain or confine their dog within their own premises, either by leash, fence, secure enclosure or direct supervision. An owner must not let a dog in heat go outside the premises unless they walk her on a leash.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites, and other animal attacks, are serious on two separate levels. There is the initial injury and then the following complications. It is common for dog bite injuries to include:
- Deep punctures
- Damage to the face, neck and eyes
- Nerve damage
- Bacterial infections
- Rabies
- Lasting scars
Because dogs usually only attack when feeling threatened and nearly always lack the proper training to “back off,” attacks can be savage and devastating. It is not uncommon for victims to experience emotional trauma that can last for years from this experience.
Penalties And Avery’s Law
There is a recently passed law titled House Bill 247, or “Avery’s Law,” which became effective last March 18, 2026. Under this law, dog owners can face legal penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies if they negligently fail to prevent their dog from attacking another person unprovoked. In the unfortunate event that their dog kills or severely injures a victim, the court may order humane euthanasia after due process. However, the law also provides protection from dogs who are only acting in self-defense or are safeguarding their premises.
Seek Compensation For Your Dog Bite Injuries
To file a personal injury claim for your dog bite accident in Ohio, you must submit your claim within two years from the day the dog bit you. Depending on the case and the severity of your injuries, you may recover economic and noneconomic damages. If your bite injury causes you a permanent impairment, you may also seek compensation for your reduced future earning capacity.
It is important to note that Ohio follows the “modified comparative negligence” rule, so your percentage of fault reduces your compensation amount. A local dog bite attorney can help assess your case and compute your total damages.
Reach Out To Our Trusted Dog Bite Lawyers In Cleveland Today
Here at Goldstein & Goldstein, we dedicate ourselves to you and your needs in these vulnerable moments after an animal attack in Cleveland, Ohio. Our experienced attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us any fees unless we win your dog bite case. Contact us today by email or call our office at 216-706-9664 to discuss your case in full confidentiality.