A 57-year-old Akron native is struggling to recover from her injuries after a vicious attack by three pit bulls -- but she considers herself fortunate to even be alive.
Akron woman barely survives dog attack
The seriousness of dog bites
The citizens of Ohio may be surprised to learn that dog bites are a much more potent threat than they realize. For starters, dog bites affect 4.7 million Americans annually, the majority of whom tend to be children and old people. As a matter of fact, according to the Department of Health, there were more than 14,000 serious dog bites in the state of Ohio alone during the year 2017, and there were 22 fatalities.
Do pit bulls just get a bad rap?
If you spend any time at all on forums involving dog lovers, you're bound to encounter discussions about pit bulls. Many dog lovers -- and owners -- say that pit bulls get a bad rap.
Pit bulls involved in deadly attack in Ohio on other dogs
Officials with the Franklin County Animal Control office are asking an Ohio judge to apply the "dangerous dog" label to three dogs that were involved in a deadly attack on two other dogs. The attack has largely horrified the community of Gahanna, Ohio, because the dogs that were killed were inside their own home at the time.
Scarring due an animal bite can lead to additional damages
Being attacked by a dog can be a very traumatic experience and one that you might remember for the rest of your life. While the experience might get easier to deal with over time, some animal attack victims, unfortunately, have to deal with scars that do not fade.
Recovery after a dog bite in Ohio
People who own pets in Ohio are strictly liable for damages caused by them. This means that if you are bitten by a dog in Ohio, you may be entitled to damages without having to demonstrate negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the dog owner. Dog bites may result in jagged scars or another disfigurement that could require reconstructive surgery to correct. They also often cause emotional stress or psychological trauma that requires counseling.
Pit bull attacks continue to be on the rise
According to an infographic report from Forbes Magazine, pit bulls continue to be the most dangerous dog breed in America. The danger that they pose has been documented since 1981, when a raid in Toledo uncovered a pit bull fighting ring.
Dog attacks are associated with significant financial damages
While many domesticated animals are well-trained and calm under all circumstances, some can present real dangers to people, both in public and at home. Dogs have been known to cause serious injuries and even death when they attack humans. In general, dog owners can be held legally liable for damages caused by their pets.
The danger of cat bites
Ohio residents should know that while cat bites may seem like minor injuries, they can actually lead to serious conditions. The reason for this is that cats make small, deep wounds that seal over quickly and essentially trap the bacteria from the cat's mouth inside the wounds. Cats carry a range of bacteria that can cause tissue infections.
Preventing infection after a dog bite
Being bitten by a dog can be a very scary and traumatic experience. Whether it was your own dog, a friend's dog or a dog that you never met before, it is important to be on the safe side when it comes to your health and safety and pay a visit to the doctor as soon as possible. While the medical costs of getting treatment are likely to be high, you may be able to make a claim for damages against the owner of the dog that attacked and bit you.
