{"id":375641,"date":"2019-05-07T11:52:54","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T16:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-dog-bite-law.html"},"modified":"2024-12-31T18:01:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T23:01:01","slug":"ohio-dog-bite-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-dog-bite-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

There are no winners when a dog attacks. If you\u2019re a dog bite victim, few things are as traumatic as suffering a dog bite injury. As the dog\u2019s owner, it\u2019s heartrending to realize that your furry family member caused a serious injury. Whichever side you\u2019re on, the aftermath of a dog attack<\/a> raises questions you might not know the answers to.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the Ohio revised codes (laws) concerning dog bites and what they mean to you. We\u2019ll discuss what to do if you\u2019re attacked by a dog, who is liable for medical bills, and what sort of classifications dogs are given in Ohio.<\/p>\r\n

What Happens After a Dog Attack<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Nobody wants to be the victim of a dog attack, but it\u2019s important to know what to do<\/a> if one happens. Your priority should be to get to a safe place and then address your personal injury<\/a>. Even if it doesn\u2019t seem serious to you, you should seek medical attention. Dog bite injuries carry a high risk of infection, so a trip to the emergency room is a good idea.<\/p>\r\n

Ohio requires that a victim file a dog bite report within 24 hours to a health commissioner or animal control. You should gather contact information from the dog\u2019s owner and find out if it has the required vaccinations. Get copies of bills for any medical treatment you receive, as they\u2019ll be covered by the dog owner’s insurance company.<\/p>\r\n

The county will quarantine the dog to watch for rabies symptoms<\/a> and start an investigation into the dog bite case. The case evaluation determines whether or not the dog will be given a classification.<\/p>\r\n

Dog Bite Liability in Ohio<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Ohio dog bite laws follow a strict liability doctrine. This means that if your dog bites someone without justification, you are liable for damages. In most dog bite cases, the victim doesn\u2019t need to prove negligence<\/a>. In the eyes of Ohio dog bite statutes<\/a>, it\u2019s your dog and your responsibility to keep them from harming others. For example, you\u2019re expected to keep your dog under control while off your property, such as with a leash.<\/p>\r\n

In some states, the \u201cone-bite rule<\/a>\u201d allows owners to escape liability if their dog hasn\u2019t bitten anyone before as they were unaware of the animal\u2019s potential aggressive behavior. This common law does not apply in Ohio. Aside from certain specific defenses, if your dog injures someone you\u2019re liable for medical expenses and can be sued in civil court.<\/p>\r\n

Most homeowners\u2019 insurance policies cover dog bite injuries, but check yours to be sure. It\u2019s natural to be overwhelmed in a situation like this, so if you have questions or need legal advice, consider reaching out to a dog bite attorney<\/a> who specializes in defending dogs like yours.<\/p>\r\n

Ohio Dog Classifications: Nuisance, Dangerous, and Vicious<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Ohio dog bite laws have classifications for dogs that are considered a danger to public health. These classifications carry increased restrictions and responsibilities for the dog\u2019s owner, including the potential of facing fines and both misdemeanor and felony charges<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Police dogs are not subject to classification in Ohio.<\/p>\r\n

Nuisance Dogs<\/h3>\r\n

The least onerous of classifications is for a nuisance dog. A dog is considered a nuisance when:<\/p>\r\n