Medical bills from a dog bite injury can quickly become overwhelming. From emergency room visits to surgeries, treatments, and follow-up care, the financial burden can be significant. We specialize in helping dog bite victims recover the full cost of their medical expenses. Our experienced legal team will ensure that you don’t have to bear these costs alone, and we will work to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Medical Expenses Can Be Covered?
When you file a dog bite injury claim in Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of medical expenses, including:
- Emergency Room Visits: Immediate care following the bite, including treatment for wounds, infections, and necessary medical tests.
- Surgical Procedures: For severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or fractures, surgery may be necessary, and these costs can be included in your claim.
- Hospital Stays: If hospitalization is required due to complications or serious injuries, you can seek compensation for your stay.
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: After initial treatment, physical therapy may be needed to help restore mobility, strength, or function.
- Follow-Up Visits and Specialist Care: Ongoing care from specialists, including dermatologists or plastic surgeons for scarring or disfigurement, is often part of the recovery process after a dog bite.
- Prescription Medications: Medications for pain management, infection prevention, and any ongoing treatment related to the injury.
- Psychological Counseling: Therapy costs to help cope with emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the attack can also be covered.
By working with our team, we’ll ensure that every aspect of your medical treatment, including future care, is fully compensated.
Cleveland Dog Bite Laws and Medical Expenses
Understanding How Cleveland’s Dog Bite Laws Affect Medical Compensation
In Ohio, including Cleveland, dog owners are held strictly liable for dog bite injuries under Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B). This statute mandates that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog when the victim is in a public space or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or known aggression.
- Dangerous Dog Classification: If a dog is classified as ‘dangerous’ or ‘vicious’ under Ohio law or Cleveland regulations, the owner must adhere to restrictions including secure confinement, muzzling in public spaces, and potentially maintaining liability insurance. Cleveland ordinances may also require additional measures, such as registration of dangerous dogs. Noncompliance can result in fines, civil penalties, and, in extreme cases, the seizure or euthanization of the dog.
- Local Ordinances: Cleveland enforces leash laws, generally requiring dogs to be leashed when in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas. Additionally, Cleveland mandates registration, secure confinement, and may require behavior modifications for dogs deemed dangerous or vicious. Violations of these rules can strengthen a negligence claim in dog bite cases.
In Ohio, including Cleveland, medical expenses related to dog bites are often covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. However, some policies may have exclusions, such as for certain breeds or dogs with a history of prior incidents, making it important to confirm policy details.
Our legal team has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses.
How We Can Help You Recover Medical Costs
Our Legal Experts Will Handle Your Case from Start to Finish
We understand how stressful it can be to face mounting medical bills after a dog bite. Our team will take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we help:
- Evaluate Your Medical Needs: We will thoroughly assess your current and future medical needs to ensure all costs are covered in your claim.
- Gather Medical Records: We’ll collect all relevant medical records, including hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans, to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Our team will handle the negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company, ensuring they offer a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses.
- Fight for Your Rights in Court (if necessary): If the insurance company doesn’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to court to get the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Protect Your Right to Compensation by Taking These Steps
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: In Cleveland, seeking immediate medical attention following a dog bite is essential to prevent complications, such as infections or rabies if the dog’s vaccination status is uncertain. Reporting the incident to Cleveland Animal Care and Control is recommended to document the bite and verify the dog’s vaccination history.
- Keep All Medical Records: Document every visit, prescription, and procedure related to your injury. These records will be crucial in securing compensation.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: It’s important to follow the treatment plan as directed by your medical provider to ensure your recovery and strengthen your case.
- Contact a Lawyer: As soon as possible, consult with a dog bite lawyer who can help you file your claim and recover compensation for your medical expenses.
Following these steps will help protect your health and your legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Medical Expense Claims After a Dog Bite
Can I recover compensation for future medical expenses?
Yes, if your injuries require ongoing medical care, we will include future medical expenses in your claim. This can cover long-term treatments, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical interventions.
Will insurance cover my medical expenses?
In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance (such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) may cover your medical expenses. We’ll negotiate directly with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. Additionally, if your own health insurance is involved, we can help coordinate claims between insurers to maximize your benefits.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
Even if you don’t have health insurance, you are still entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses through a legal claim. Our team will work to recover the costs for you, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care without bearing the financial burden alone.