Ohio has a strict liability statute for dog bite injuries, meaning the dog's owner is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.
Ohio Revised Code §955.28: The owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable for any injury, death, or property damage caused by the dog. Unlike many states, Ohio does not require the victim to prove the owner knew the dog had a propensity to bite.
Exceptions: Liability may be reduced or eliminated if the victim was trespassing, teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the incident.
Comparative negligence: Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If you were partially at fault (e.g., provoking the dog), your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Statute of limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim. For minors, the clock doesn't start until they turn 18.
What to do after a dog bite: Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to local animal control, document your injuries with photographs, and contact a personal injury attorney.