Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring — especially for children. Ohio has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, holding dog owners strictly liable for attacks. If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Wilmington, Ohio, The Henry Law Firm can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We serve dog bite victims throughout Clinton County.
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 Wilmington 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.
Your Attorney: Eric Henry
Eric Henry, Esq. is the founder of The Henry Law Firm and a seasoned Ohio personal injury attorney with over 15 years of trial experience. Eric has recovered more than $50 million for clients across Ohio and personally handles every case — you will never be passed off to a junior associate. He is admitted to practice before all Ohio state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Eric and his team proudly serve residents of Wilmington and Clinton County from their offices in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland.
What Our Clients Say
"If I could give this law firm a million stars, I would. From the first call, they handled everything with professionalism and care. I am beyond grateful." — Jamie P., Google Review
"The team was extremely helpful and responsive throughout the entire process, always helping in any way possible and helped for the best possible settlement. Highly recommend to anyone!" — Nate 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 Wilmington?
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 Wilmington
The Henry Law Firm handles a full range of personal injury cases for Wilmington 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 Wilmington from Our Ohio Offices
The Henry Law Firm serves Wilmington and all of Clinton 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 Clinton County. Call (216) 302-9500 to schedule.
Contact Our Wilmington Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Wilmington or Clinton County, contact The Henry Law Firm for a free consultation. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. Call (216) 302-9500.
Content reviewed by Eric Henry, Esq. — Last updated April 2026.
