Liability for Dog Bite Injury in Ohio

If you are a dog bite victim in Ohio, the dog’s owner, keeper, or harborer is strictly liable for your injuries regardless if the owner or caretaker acted negligently.

ORC 955.28(B) states, the “owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog,” except under certain circumstances. (For instance, if the injured party was criminally trespassing or abusing the dog on the owner’s, keeper’s, or harborer’s property.)

Who is Liable Under the Above Law?

• The Owner
• The Harborer of the Dog: An individual who has possession and control of the premise where the dog lives is considered a harborer. Harborers are ineligible to recover damages against the owner.
• The Keeper of the Dog: Any individual to whom the dog belonged and/or any person with physical control over the dog at the time of attack would be held liable for your injury. Note, however, if you were the dog’s “keeper” then you would be ineligible to recover damages.

A qualified Ohio personal injury attorney can assist you in determining whether or not you have a claim under Ohio law.