Ohio is one of the strongest states in the country for dog bite victims. Under R.C. §955.28 the owner is strictly liable for the harm the dog causes — no "one free bite" required. Latif Law represents dog bite victims in Columbus and Central Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code §955.28(B) makes the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog liable for any injury, death, or loss the dog causes to a person or property — unless the injured person was committing or attempting to commit (1) a criminal trespass or other criminal offense on the owner's property, (2) a criminal offense against any person, or (3) was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner's property at the time.
That is meaningfully different from the "one free bite" rule that applies in many other states. In Ohio, you do not have to prove the dog had bitten before, the owner knew the dog was dangerous, or the owner was negligent in handling the dog. Strict liability applies on the first bite.
A separate common-law negligence claim is also available where the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. In some cases punitive damages are recoverable on the common-law claim.
Report the bite. Ohio law generally requires reporting dog bites to the local health department or county dog warden. Reporting also creates a contemporaneous record that helps the claim. Always seek medical attention — bite wounds carry a high risk of infection.
Step 1 — Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner's name and address before leaving the scene if possible. Take a photo of the dog and any tag information.
Step 2 — Report the bite. Franklin County Animal Control or your local health department. The report creates an official record and triggers a quarantine evaluation.
Step 3 — Get medical care. Bite wounds need cleaning and often antibiotics; rabies prophylaxis may be needed if the dog cannot be confirmed vaccinated. Plastic surgery consultation is appropriate for facial bites.
Step 4 — Identify insurance. Most claims are paid by the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance. Some policies exclude specific breeds or impose per-claim caps; we identify coverage early.
Step 5 — Document, demand, settle or sue. Standard PI process. Bite cases tend to settle pre-suit because liability is usually clear under §955.28.
Section 955.28 covers any injury caused by the dog, not only bites. A dog that knocks down a child or an elderly person, causing a fracture, is within the statute.
The claim is against the friend's homeowners or renters insurance — not your friend personally. Carriers and adjusters expect this; it does not need to harm the relationship.
The tenant is the owner and is primarily liable. The landlord can sometimes be liable for permitting a known dangerous dog in common areas. We evaluate both potential defendants.
Yes, by a parent or guardian as next friend. The two-year statute is tolled until the child turns eighteen, but earlier action is still strongly preferred while evidence is fresh.
Ohio strict liability is on your side. Free consultation, flat 33% contingency.