There are nearly 17,000 dog attacks or bites reported in Ohio annually, according to The Columbus Dispatch‘s 2025 investigative report. But experts believe the actual number of attacks is twice the size because so few people report the incident.
There may be times when a dog bite victim doesn’t want to report a dog bite or attack. In some cases, a victim may not know that they (or anyone with knowledge of a bite) are legally required to file a report for any “non-human animal” bite in Ohio.
If you have been bitten by an animal, follow the guide below so you know what to do going forward.
Protect Your Health and Seek Medical Care
Getting medical attention as soon as possible is critical following a dog bite. This is important for your physical well-being and preventing infection, as well as documenting your injuries should you decide to pursue a claim.
Even if the dog bite doesn’t seem serious, it’s best to seek medical treatment. Dog saliva contains dangerous bacteria, which are often transmitted through the bite. Your healthcare provider may also want to complete a rabies exposure risk assessment and check the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
Quickly Report the Dog Bite to the Local Health Department
Ohio law requires dog bite victims, healthcare providers, and veterinarians to file a bite report within 24 hours of the incident to the local health commissioner where the bite occurred (Ohio Revised Code Section 3701-3-28).
Filing a report kickstarts an investigation into the incident, which could help your dog bite case. You can also call the local police department immediately after the dog bite occurs, and the police will often conduct a full investigation and also work with the Animal Control Department in your area.
Local health department and commissioner contact information can be found on the Ohio Department of Health website. Reports of dog bites in Columbus should be made to Franklin County Public Health.
Waiting more than 24 hours to report the bite violates statutes, putting your case at risk.
Is the Dog Owner Responsible for Paying the Cost of Damages?
State law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. This means that unless the person harmed was provoking the dog, teasing it, or trespassing on the owner’s property, the dog’s owner will be liable.
There’s a common misconception that the dog owner must pay for damages out of their pocket. But in most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance will pay for damages.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio
In an Ohio dog bite personal injury claim, victims may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (including plastic surgery for scarring or disfigurement)
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
Many people who are bitten by a dog accept a settlement without fully understanding the full impact of their injuries. This can be an unfortunate mistake, because dog bite injury victims may be able to recover far more compensation if they have an experienced attorney representing them.
Consult with an Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Potential Case
At GB Law, our Columbus dog bite attorneys understand how far-reaching the effects of a dog bite incident can be, even beyond broken bones, disfigurement, and scarring.
Before you accept an insurance company’s offer for a dog bite injury, call us at 614-222-4444 to discuss your legal rights.
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your potential claim and answer your questions. If we represent you, under our contingency fee agreement, there are no legal fees unless we recover money for you.