Ohio Dog Bite Laws

In the State of Ohio the dog bite laws are very clear. Every dog owner needs to have homeowner insurance or renters insurance that (a) provides coverage for, and does not exclude, injuries inflicted by dogs or animals in general, and (b) has a limit of at least $100,000 for personal liability. This type of insurance will enable the dog owner's insurance company to pay an appropriate amount of compensation for all but the most severe accidents caused by a dog. Because the dog owner's own relatives, friends and neighbors are the most likely victims of a possible dog attack, having insurance means protecting the people who are closest to the dog owner, thereby protecting valuable relationships and ensuring proper treatment of loved ones. Given the fact that a dog is most likely to bite someone whom the dog owner loves most, it is recommended that dog owners have higher limits, such as $1 million, through either their homeowners and renters policies or by an "umbrella" policy. It is very inexpensive to obtain an umbrella policy. Every dog owner is exposed to possible liability for dog bites and other canine-inflicted injuries. The State of Ohio isn’t the only state with strict dog bite laws since dogs bite around 4.5 million Americans every year, children are the victims of the most serious attacks, and the annual losses equal approximately $1 Billion. These losses do not have to be borne by the dog owners and victims, because insurance is available to pay for it. The good news for dog owners, accident victims and society is that in the State of Ohio the dog bite laws provide that homeowners insurance and renters insurance normally provide at least $100,000.00 in benefits for victims. An even thought the best medicine is prevention it is still good to know that if you or your kids are bit you will receive the necessary medical coverage.