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More than 4 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Many of these turn out to be serious injuries that lead to infection and scarring. In Ohio, owners are strictly liable for their pets, meaning that someone who is bitten doesn’t have to prove that the owner was negligent. If you were bitten at all, you have a case, and a Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
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At Rumizen Weisman Attorneys in Cleveland, we have represented hundreds of people across Ohio who have been harmed by dogs and other animals. Our trial lawyers have extensive experience recovering compensation for injury victims, so you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Whether through litigation, arbitration or negotiation, our attorneys will advocate relentlessly for you.
We are equipped to handle injury cases related to dogs, horses, exotic pets and a wide array of other animals.
Many times, dog bites require reconstructive surgery to remove unsightly scars and help correct disfigurement. These types of surgeries are not cheap. In addition, you will be facing general medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. If your child was the victim, he or she may need psychological counseling to help recover from the emotional trauma.
We understand the numerous costs associated with dog attacks, and we are here to help you recover the money you need.
Dog bite liability claims are more common than you may think. According to the Ohio Department of Health, there were 14,840 reported dog bite incidents in 2025. That same year, the Insurance Information Institute reported 1,348 dog bite claims across the state, leading to $56 million in damages.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28, a dog’s owner, keeper, or harborer is generally liable for injuries the animal causes. Ohio follows a strict liability rule, meaning victims do not have to prove the dog previously bit someone or that its owner acted carelessly. There is no one-bite rule in Ohio.
However, the law recognizes potential defenses for dog owners, including situations where someone commits criminal trespass or another unlawful offense. In a city with an annual crime rate of 35.64 per 1,000 residents, that could prove a viable defense strategy for local property owners. Allegations that the victim of the attack abused or teased the dog could also jeopardize a claim. These laws apply evenly throughout neighborhoods like Old Brooklyn, Ohio City, Edgewater, and elsewhere throughout the state.
Delivery drivers, invited guests, and workers performing authorized jobs are generally lawfully present on the property and not considered trespassers. These claims may be heard in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
Attorney Scott A. Rumizen has practiced law in Ohio since 1992 and brings more than 30 years of experience handling serious personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries. Recognized as a Super Lawyer, he helps injured clients identify liable parties and pursue compensation for their injuries. *
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 955.261, dogs that bite someone must undergo a quarantine period of at least 10 days. The local board of health may extend this period when additional observation for rabies is necessary. Reporting a bite to the local health department triggers the quarantine process and creates an official record identifying the dog involved. This documentation can provide valuable evidence when pursuing compensation for injuries.
Ohio also imposes additional requirements on owners of dogs formally designated as dangerous or vicious. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 955.24, owners must follow strict confinement and restraint requirements and maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000. This coverage provides an important source of compensation for victims, although recovery depends on the claimant’s ability to document the harm they suffered.
Additionally, victims have two years to file a personal injury claim under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. Rumizen Weisman Attorneys brings many years of experience to these types of cases, including a $900,000 recovery tied to a negligence claim against a homeowner. Past outcomes are not a guarantee of future results. Outcomes vary case by case.
Ohio’s dog bite laws provide the means for pursuing compensation from a negligent pet owner. A successful dog bite claim should be backed by compelling evidence and strong medical documentation. If you fail to hire a dog bite lawyer who understands the steps that are needed to secure fair compensation, you could be left contending with long-term challenges and financial struggles.
A Cleveland dog bite attorney from Rumizen Weisman Attorneys can manage the complexities of the injury claims process, so you stand the strongest chance of recovering a settlement that covers medical bills and other financial losses.
If the animal is owned by a family member, friend or neighbor, you may be reluctant to bring a personal injury lawsuit. You may worry about putting a financial strain on that person by asking for money.
The good news is that many animal attack cases are covered by homeowners insurance policies. When you seek compensation, you are seeking it from the insurance company, not from the pet owner. You are only asking the pet owner’s insurance company to do what it promised to do in such an event.
If you or your child were attacked by a dog or another dangerous pet, contact Rumizen Weisman Attorneys or email us for a free consultation. Our attorneys have managed more than 10,000 claims and thousands of arbitrations. You deserve justice and fair compensation. Let us help you begin pursuing both today. We get paid only if we win or settle your case.
*Past awards and recognition are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Criteria vary by organization.
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