In 2022, the American Veterinary Medical Association stated that there are approximately 85 million dogs living in U.S. households. It was also reported that an average of 4.5 million people, most of them children, are bitten by dogs each year.If you have been the victim of a dog attach or if you are a dog owner and have questions about coverage, give Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook Ltd., LPA a call.

In Ohio, dog owners are liable for injuries their pets cause. Ohio Law identifies three categories of problematic dogs, based purely on behavior, not breed; these categories are as follows: 

1. Dangerous: A dog that, without provocation, has tried to injure a person, or killed another dog, or is caught running loose.
2. Nuisance: A dog that has chased or attempted to bite someone without provocation.
3. Vicious: A dog that, without provocation, has killed or caused serious injury to any person, unless the victim was trespassing or engaging in criminal activity on the dog owner's property.

Generally, homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies have coverage for dog bites. However, some companies will not provide coverage to individuals who own certain breeds. Others will decide on a case-by-case basis.  In Ohio, owners of dogs that have been deemed dangerous are required to carry liability insurance. Obtaining coverage in such cases may be difficult, as dog owners may face higher premiums, non-renewals or even exclusion.

Being a responsible pet owner is, and will always be, the best way to avoid having your dog placed in any of the above categories and struggling with the cost of insurance coverage. 

At Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook Ltd., LPA, our experienced attorneys can review your policy and assist with determining the appropriate coverage. If, on the other hand, you have been injured as a result of a dog attack, our firm is prepared to advise you with regard to your personal injury claim. Call (614) 534-1355 and schedule a free consultation. 
 
For more information go to: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention 

Aline Wright is a Law Clerk at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.   To read more about our firm, please visit lawyerscolumbusohio.com.

The information presented here has been prepared by Lardiere McNair for promotional and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.  This information is not intended to provide, and receipt of it does not constitute, legal advice.  Nor does the receipt of this material create an attorney/client relationship.  An attorney client relationship is not established until such time as Lardiere McNair enters in to a written engagement agreement with a specific client for a specific legal matter.