According to the Ohio Department of Health, there were more than 13,000 dog bite cases, with the United States Postal Service reporting 359 incidents of dog attacks on its employees in 2021. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealed that 4.5 million people suffer injuries in dog attacks across the country, making it a serious public health concern in the United States.
Reporting dog bites at a personal and institutional level is the best way to track and manage dog bite incidents across the country, including Ohio. It not only ensures the safety of the citizens but also helps record the case, which is essential in pursuing a claim against the dog's owner.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have a deep understanding of the Ohio dog bite laws and can help injured victims navigate the complex legal landscape and inform what the statute of limitations for dog bite in Ohio is.
Those suffering from dog bites in Cincinnati, Ohio, should reach out to the legal team at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their rights.
Do Hospitals Report Dog Bites in Ohio?
In Ohio, doctors have to maintain confidentiality when dealing with patients, including dog bite victims, as it encourages them to seek medical assistance without worrying about privacy.
However, due to HIPAA laws and the need to inform the public about contagions and other dangers, hospitals may have to report certain incidents to the relevant authorities.
Dog bites are a serious threat to the public, and in some cases, they can lead to rabies. Between 2017 and 2021, Ohio reported 194 cases of rabies in animals, including dogs.
The rising number of dog bite cases is extremely alarming. In such situations, hospitals are legally obligated to report these incidents to the relevant authorities, including animal control agencies, public health departments, or law enforcement agencies.
The Importance of Reporting Dog Bite Cases in Ohio
Accurate reporting allows for timely intervention. By tracking dog bite cases across Ohio, relevant authorities, including healthcare providers, can respond appropriately. This could be in the form of providing prompt medical treatment to the injured victims, conducting investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and running a public safety campaign across the state to create awareness.
Reporting dog bite incidents can also help relevant authorities determine if a particular breed of dog is more dangerous than others. This allows them to carry out targeted education that informs dog owners about responsible pet ownership to reduce the risk of future incidents.
Do All Hospitals in Ohio Report Dog Bite Injuries?
There are a lot of misconceptions about reporting requirements for hospitals. Many people believe that the medical providers in Ohio only have to file reports in the event of serious dog bite injuries or fatalities. In reality, that is not the case.
Since minor dog bite injuries can lead to infections and other medical complications if not treated properly, the local health department requires hospitals to report all dog bite cases regardless of the severity.
While medical providers have a legal obligation to report cases where the affected parties seek treatment, the local health department may also require them to report incidents where the injured victim refuses treatment for their dog bite injury.
What Are the Consequences of Failing to Report Dog Bite Cases in Ohio?
Failing to report dog bite cases in Ohio can paint an inaccurate picture for the medical providers and local health commissioner, leading to serious consequences.
A hospital failing to report Ohio dog bite cases can adversely affect the data collected. Medical providers use the information in their database to prevent delayed or inadequate treatment for the victims. The inability to provide appropriate medical care can lead to complications or long-term health concerns for the affected parties.
Data is essential in reducing the number of dog bite incidents in Ohio. Knowing where the bite occurred, the type of dog involved in the attack, and other details can assist in creating intervention and prevention strategies.
The local health commissioner and other government departments can use the gathered information to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the community.
Hospitals that fail to follow the reporting requirements may also face financial and legal consequences. They may have to pay fines and face bad publicity, which can tarnish the reputation these institutions have built among the local citizens.
What Does a Dog Bite Report Contain?
When a hospital comes across a dog bite injury case, it will require the doctor to create a report, which may contain the following information:
Date, time, and place of the incident
The victim's name and contact information
Contact details of the dog owner
Dog's breed and other relevant description (whether it was a dangerous dog)
Wound description
The type of dog bite treatment administered
Once the dog bite incident report is ready, the hospital must send it to the local health department, allowing animal control to record the incident and devise a strategy to prevent dog bites in the future.
In most cases, the relevant authority will complete a rabies exposure risk assessment before placing the dog in quarantine. If the animal is a threat, it may consider putting it down.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Ohio
Under the Ohio dog bite law, injured victims must report the incident to the local health commissioner within 24 hours of the attack.
By reporting the dog bite, the relevant authority will conduct an investigation and hold the dog owner responsible. This can speed up the claims process and ensure that the affected party receives the compensation they deserve.
The following are the three relevant authorities that injured victims could reach out to in the event of a dog attack:
Animal Care & Control
The Local Health District
Is the Dog's Owner Liable for Animal Bites?
Under Ohio law, the state follows strict statutory liability rules. This means that the injured victim can pursue legal action to recover compensation for their injuries even if the dog does not have dangerous propensities or a history of violent attacks. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like What is the one bite rule in Ohio?
The Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28 clearly states that the dog's owner may be responsible for the actions of their canine.
When a person experiences a dog bite in Ohio, they have six years (statute of limitations) to bring a claim or lawsuit against the dog's owner or their homeowner's insurance company.
How Can an Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer Help the Victims?
Pursuing dog bite claims can be challenging, as insurance companies can create legal hurdles for the victims who are seeking compensatory damages.
Experienced dog bite dog bite attorneys in Cincinnati OH at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help a dog bite victim in Ohio by gathering the necessary evidence, building a strong claim, and negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Can Hold the Negligent Dog Owners Responsible for the Damages Caused!
Dog bite victims in Cincinnati, Ohio, should call to schedule a free consultation with the skilled Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, as they can protect their rights and help them get the compensation they deserve.
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