Pets can bring a lot of joy into the lives of their owners. Whether it's a child playing with a puppy or an older pooch who has become a mainstay of a family unit, dogs of all ages and breeds can earn a special place in the hearts of people who care for them. However, there can be unpredictable events involved with dogs that bite that can lead to unfortunate injury.
Anyone can become a victim of a dog bite, but children can be especially susceptible because they are smaller, less likely to defend themselves and generally have less experience with interacting with dogs and can be unaware of behavior that would otherwise signal danger for adults.
A bite can cause scarring that can affect a person physically and emotionally for life. The scarring left behind after a dog attack can have several different negative effects on a child, including the lowering of self-esteem. While plastic surgery can help in these types of situations, surgery cannot always erase signs of the attack, causing the emotion pain to resonate throughout the individual's life.
If a child or anyone else is bitten by a dog, it is important to hold the proper parties responsible. In Ohio, responsibility for dog bites fall on the owner of the dog regardless of whether or not the animal in question has a history of aggression or violence. If the dog has in fact bitten before, punitive damages may be sought. Seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney can help in building a solid plan of legal action in such situations.
No Comments