What Compensation Can You Get If You Are Attacked by a Dog in Ohio?

April 23, 2026 | By Colombo Law

We love dogs here at Colombo Law. Our history of supporting local animal shelters and famous Smile Break videos prove that. But sometimes our four-legged friends are not so friendly.

Victims of dog attacks are entitled to fair compensation for their injuries and losses. This may include reimbursement of expenses, as well as damages for the physical and psychological trauma of the incident. Colombo Law can discuss attacked by a dog compensation in Ohio and prepare a successful claim on your behalf.

Our dog bite injury lawyers in Columbus have extensive experience representing the victims of canine attacks throughout Ohio. We can discuss all of the compensation you may be due at a FREE case review. Call Colombo Law at 614-362-7000, or keep reading for more information on the damages that may be available in your case:

Compensation for Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses. They include money you have to spend, as well as money you lose as a result of your injuries. Your claim should include all economic damages to date, as well as any additional losses you will face in the future.

Compensation for economic damages in a dog attack injury claim may include:

Medical Diagnosis & Treatment Costs

Seeking medical attention is critical after any dog-related injury. The wound needs to be examined, cleaned, and bandaged right away. Antibiotics can help prevent infections, while vaccinations may be needed for rabies, tetanus, etc. Some injuries may require hospitalization.

You are entitled to compensation for all of the costs of treating the injury to date. This includes the initial visit to the emergency room, appointments with doctors, etc.

Future Medical Expenses

Compensation for future medical costs should also be included if you are attacked by a dog in Ohio. These may include:

• Physical and occupational therapy: Dog bite injuries to the hands, arms, and legs can damage soft tissue and nerves. You may need physical and occupational therapy to regain use and feeling.
• Surgeries: You may need surgical intervention for serious injuries and scarring. Children are especially likely to need one or more plastic surgeries in the years after an attack.
• Psychological counseling: Victims of dog attacks may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, and other mental health issues. Counseling may help, but it can take time.

Lost Wages

If you are forced to miss work due to your injuries, you are entitled to compensation for lost wages. Keep track of the days you are unable to work so you can recoup any lost pay.

Loss of Earning Capacity

Attacked by a dog compensation in Ohio should also include any income you will lose in the future as a result of your injuries. Damages for loss of earning capacity may include a decrease in pay if you are forced to switch occupations or compensation for the loss of all income if you are totally disabled by the attack.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

You may incur a number of out-of-pocket costs following a dog attack. Compensation may be available for:

• Assistance with domestic tasks such as cleaning your home, gardening, childcare, etc.
• Prescription medications
• Travel expenses for medical care
• Crutches, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices
• Modifications to your home and/or vehicle

Compensation for Non-Economic Damages

Determining non-economic damages in a dog bite injury claim is more challenging. These losses don’t have a hard-and-fast monetary value. Rather, they are awarded to make up for the non-financial challenges associated with your injuries.

A Columbus dog bite injury lawyer can pursue the following non-economic damages on your behalf:

Pain and Suffering

You may have heard the term “pain and suffering” before, but what does it mean exactly? Pain and suffering compensates you for the physical pain of your injuries, as well as the associated psychological trauma.

Emotional Anguish

Compensation may be available if a dog attack leaves you with depression, anxiety, fear of dogs, sleep disturbances, and other emotional challenges. “Emotional anguish” is known by many names, including emotional distress, mental anguish, etc.

It is important to document how you feel over the course of your recovery. Knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help you document pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages, but it starts with being honest about how you’re feeling physically and mentally.

Disfigurement

A study in American Family Physician found that approximately 50% of animal bites result in permanent scars. Victims may feel embarrassed or humiliated by their appearance, as well as feel the need to withdraw socially. Monetary compensation will not erase scarring or disfigurement, but it can help make up for the impact on your appearance and give you money to pay for reconstructive and plastic surgeries.

Loss of Society and Companionship

Dog bite injuries don’t only affect the victim. Relationships with spouses, children, and other close family members may be significantly impacted. Compensation may be available for loss of society, companionship, and consortium in these instances. 

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Being seriously injured by a dog can negatively affect your ability to perform day-to-day tasks, enjoy hobbies, work in your preferred field, etc. It might even change your relationship with your beloved pet. These damages are compensable as loss of enjoyment of life.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, dog attacks can prove fatal. The families of those killed often face serious financial losses, as well as heavy emotional burdens. Compensation for these damages may be available through a wrongful death claim.

Potential damages in a dog bite wrongful death case include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income, financial support, and benefits
• Medical expenses prior to the victim’s death
• Loss of inheritance
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Loss of the victim’s society, companionship, support, guidance, etc.

No amount of money can erase your grief. However, a successful wrongful death claim can provide you and your family with the financial resources you need to carry on after the loss.

Are Punitive Damages Awarded for Dog Attacks?

Rarely, courts in Ohio may award additional damages to dog bite victims if the defendant demonstrated “malice or aggravated or egregious fraud.” These are known as punitive or exemplary damages, and they are intended to punish defendants for deliberate wrongdoing or conscious disregard of another’s safety.

This is a high bar to meet. You need a trial-ready law firm that can present your case in court and fight to maximize your compensation.

Attacked by a Dog in Ohio? Contact Colombo Law Today

You may be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries sustained in a dog attack. At Colombo Law, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial. This is critical for negotiating a favorable settlement, as well as presenting a winning case in the courtroom.

Find out if you are entitled to attacked by a dog compensation in Ohio. Contact Colombo Law in Columbus today for a FREE consultation.