Dog bite injuries in Lorain can be serious: deep lacerations, nerve damage, infection, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma are common. Ohio's strict liability dog bite statute (ORC § 955.28) makes recovery straightforward in most cases — but insurers still fight to minimize payouts. The Henry Law Firm fights back.
Homeowners Often Claim Their Dog Had 'No History of Aggression'
Under Ohio's strict liability statute, the owner's lack of knowledge about the dog's history is not a valid defense. Ohio dog owners are liable for bites even if the dog has never bitten before. The Henry Law Firm knows how to navigate these defenses and protect your rights under ORC § 955.28.
Ohio's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Under Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B), dog owners are strictly liable when their dog injures someone. This means you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The only defenses available to the owner are that the victim was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the dog.
Additionally, Ohio Revised Code § 955.22 defines particular dogs as 'vicious' or 'dangerous,' imposing additional responsibilities on their owners, including special containment and insurance requirements.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- Crush injuries from powerful jaw pressure
- Broken bones — especially in hands, arms, and legs
- Infections — including rabies, tetanus, MRSA, and pasteurella
- Nerve damage and loss of function
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Facial injuries — especially in children who are bitten at face height
- Emotional trauma — PTSD, anxiety, and lasting fear of dogs
Dog Bite Claims for Children
Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites. In Lorain and throughout Ohio, children under 10 are bitten at the highest rates and are most likely to sustain bites to the face and head. Parents or legal guardians can file a claim on behalf of a minor child. The statute of limitations does not begin to run until the child turns 18, but it is best to act quickly while evidence and memories are fresh.
Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability — meaning there is often insurance available to compensate Lorain dog bite victims even when the owner has limited personal assets. The Henry Law Firm identifies all applicable insurance policies and pursues claims against each one.
We Recover Compensation for Scarring and Psychological Trauma
Dog bite cases often involve significant non-economic damages: permanent scarring, disfigurement, and the psychological trauma of an animal attack — particularly for children. The Henry Law Firm fights for these damages in Lorain County dog bite cases, not just the immediate medical bills.
Your Attorney: Eric Henry
When Eric Henry takes your case, he is your attorney — not a case number, not a file on a stack. Direct communication, personal attention, and a proven record of $50M+ recovered for Ohio clients.
Eric and his team proudly serve residents of Lorain and Lorain County from offices in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland.
What Our Clients Say
"I had another law firm prior and after months of them never really answering my calls, I found The Henry Law Firm. The difference was night and day. Highly recommend." — Arthur R., Google Review
"I can't thank Eric enough for his help with my accident. To be able to focus on getting healthy and know that the paperwork and details were being taken care of made a bad situation so much better." — Jackie M., Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio a strict liability state for dog bites?
Yes. Under Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B), a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes — regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten before. This means you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is responsible as long as you were not trespassing or provoking the dog.
What compensation can I get for a dog bite in Lorain?
You can recover medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgery, rabies shots, reconstructive/plastic surgery), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and future medical treatment. Children are frequently victims and may require long-term psychological counseling.
What should I do after a dog bite?
Seek immediate medical attention (dog bites have high infection rates), identify the dog and its owner, report the bite to your local health department and animal control, photograph your injuries and the location, get witnesses' contact information, and contact a dog bite lawyer before speaking with the dog owner's insurance company.
Other Practice Areas in Lorain
The Henry Law Firm handles a full range of personal injury cases for Lorain residents. Explore our other practice areas:
Car Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Slip and Fall Lawyer
Premises Liability Lawyer
Serving Lorain from Our Ohio Offices
The Henry Law Firm serves Lorain and all of Lorain County from two convenient locations:
- 8401 Chagrin Road, Suite 18, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
- 850 Euclid Ave, Suite 1012, Cleveland, OH 44114
We offer free consultations by phone, video, or in person. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we can come to you anywhere in Lorain County. Call (216) 302-9500 to schedule.
Bitten by a Dog in Lorain? Get the Compensation Ohio Law Provides.
The Henry Law Firm handles dog bite cases throughout Lorain County. Call (216) 302-9500 — free evaluation, contingency fee.
Content reviewed by Eric Henry, Esq. — Last updated April 2026.
