Holding Negligent Pet Owners Accountable to Secure the Settlement You Deserve

Clark, Perdue and List represents dog bite victims across Columbus and Central Ohio, pursuing claims against negligent dog owners and their insurers under Ohio’s strict liability statute. Ohio’s law removes the burden of proving the owner knew their dog was dangerous — if a dog bites, the owner is liable.

Most dog bite victims don’t realize the strength of that legal position until they speak with an attorney. Understanding what that means for your claim, and acting quickly to preserve evidence, is the difference between full compensation and an early lowball settlement.

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Understanding the Challenges of Dog Bite Claims in Columbus

Ohio Revised Code § 955.28 makes this state one of the strongest in the country for dog bite victims. There is no “one bite” rule here. An owner cannot escape liability by arguing the dog had never bitten anyone before. If a dog bites, scratches, or injures someone — and the victim was not trespassing or provoking the animal — the owner bears full responsibility under the law.

That clarity in the statute doesn’t mean the insurance company will hand over fair compensation. Dog bite injuries frequently involve deep tissue trauma, tendon damage, nerve injury, and disfiguring scarring that requires multiple surgical procedures. Facial bites, which disproportionately affect children, carry long-term psychological consequences in addition to the physical injuries. Medical costs can accumulate quickly, and the full extent of reconstructive needs often isn’t clear at the time an insurer extends a first offer.

The statute of limitations in Ohio gives victims two years from the date of the bite to file a civil claim. However, waiting too long can make it harder to build a strong case. Witness memories fade, photos and other evidence may be lost, and dog owners may move or give up the animal. Records such as licensing information, veterinary histories documenting prior aggressive behaviour, and HOA incident reports may also become more difficult to obtain without prompt action.

Parties who may share responsibility for a dog bite injury include:

The dog’s owner, under ORC 955.28 strict liability
A landlord or property owner who knowingly harbored a dangerous dog on the premises
A property management company responsible for common areas where the attack occurred
A business owner whose premises allowed the animal access
A caretaker or custodian with temporary control of the dog at the time of the attack

Columbus neighborhoods where exposure is consistent include German Village, just south of downtown along Parsons Avenue, where high residential density and frequent sidewalk and alley use create regular contact between pedestrians and dogs. Franklinton, Hilltop, and the Short North corridor along High Street see similar patterns given foot traffic volume. East Side neighborhoods including Olde Towne East and Driving Park have documented attack histories that make local records a useful part of any investigation.

Clark Perdue handles these cases on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless there is a recovery.

Protect Your Right to Full Compensation with a Dog Bite Attorney in Columbus

Under Ohio law, dog bite victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include emergency room costs, surgical fees, follow-up care, reconstructive procedures, physical therapy, and projected future medical expenses where ongoing treatment is required. Lost wages during recovery and any diminished earning capacity resulting from permanent injury or disfigurement are recoverable as well. Where an attack results in death, the economic value of the decedent’s contributions to the household is calculated and pursued.

Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a family member loses a spouse or parent to a fatal attack, loss of consortium claims apply.

Where an owner’s conduct was egregious — knowingly keeping a dog with a documented attack history while concealing that from neighbors, or allowing a dangerous animal off-leash in a populated area — punitive damages may be available.

Insurance policies covering dog bites vary widely in their limits. Accepting an early settlement before the full scope of injury and treatment is documented locks a victim into that number permanently. Early legal representation prevents that outcome.

We will serve as your most diligent and dedicated legal advocates. For experienced legal counsel, contact our personal injury law firm online or call us locally at 614-469-1400 or toll free at 800-647-7003 for a free initial consultation.

We will serve as your most diligent and dedicated legal advocates. For experienced legal counsel, contact our personal injury law firm online or call us locally at 614-469-1400 or toll free at 800-647-7003 for a free initial consultation.

What Our Clients Say

Real stories from people we’ve helped after serious injuries.

4.8

Laura H.

When our mother was hospitalized for an accident, we were unprepared for the turn of events which would befall our family. Following her hospitalization, a series of negligent acts by the hospital staff, unrelated to her accident, led to our mother’s quickly declining health. Due to the mounting medical expenses, we sought legal assistance. Several attorneys had been recommended to us, including Andy List. We felt very fortunate that Andy chose to help us. He assembled a team of experts for our case.
Since we had not experienced it before, navigating the legal process was initially very intimidating for us. Andy patiently listened to our concerns and offered the time and consideration needed to understand our situation. Throughout the process, he explained the legal system in a way that was understandable to us. Although our mother’s medical situation was stressful, Andy guided us and treated us with kindness and dignity.
Thanks to Andy and his team, the legal outcome was in our favor. Our family is so grateful. Our mother continues to recover and the financial burden has been lifted. Andy renewed our faith that the legal system can be fair and equitable. I highly recommend Andy and his team to anyone needing legal assistance.

-Laura H.

Vern J.

Today is a gift…largely due to Andy List and his team. After a sequence of errors was made by the hospital, which resulted in a stroke, I sustained ongoing physical and cognitive deficits. These deficits required months of hospitalization, followed by ongoing therapy. As we started to receive medical bills from the hospital, we questioned the hospital regarding their error. The hospital denied any responsibility for their multiple errors. We knew how difficult and intimidating it was to challenge such a large medical institution, so we began to search for law firms. Andy List came highly recommended. We are so fortunate and grateful to have Andy List and his colleagues represent us. Andy and his team have a true compassion for their clients. They are incredibly knowledgeable, communicative and efficient. Thanks to Andy and his team we received a significant settlement, which absolutely would not have happened without them. I would highly recommend Andy List and his colleagues to anyone who is in a medical malpractice situation.
-Mary Anne and Vern J.

Barbara List L.

Our son suffers substantial disabilities, and his condition has resulted in discrimination. We were pleased to consult with Clark, Perdue & List on the complex issues that impact our son's quality of life and his ability to contribute to the community. The attorneys are professional, knowledgable, and willing to answer our many questions, address our concerns, and help us navigate a very challenging path. I will be seeking their counsel in the future.

stacy B.

Wonderful experience. Professional, caring, and top notch firm.

Jasmine B.

I was involved in a head on collision on the day of my 19th birthday and my high school graduation. When someone first brought up getting a lawyer I was very hesitant, but after working with Julie and Andrew all my nerves went away. They heard everything I had to say, and if I ever had any questions, big or little they would answer them for me. They care deeply about the individuals they are representing. I would recommend them to anyone!

Sarah A.

After the loss of my father, my mother faced numerous long-term care issues. The lawyers at Clark, Perdue, and List helped us through the process. They were efficient and thorough in helping us navigate issues and situations we had never previously encountered. I highly recommend the lawyers at Clark, Perdue, and List.

Jamie H.

I have been associated with this wonderful firm for several years and I cannot express enough the wonderful service we received. The cases were painful at best, but the passion and compassion shown by this firm is over the top. They care about you as a client; they care about your case; they care about the outcome; and they care about your involvement in the case. One of the most important things I have found is they keep you informed and always have the time to speak with you regarding the case. Thanks for the wonderful representation over the years.

Dorothy C.

I have known the members of the Law Firm for over 15 years.
Years ago, my elderly mother-in-law needed legal advice when she felt she had not been properly treated in a medical sense. The family wasn't sure what to do to resolve this matter.
It was then that I met with Andy List, who gave us the guidance we desperately needed, which in turn, helped to put our emotions in perspective.
The matter was resolved in a positive manner, which makes me suggest Clark, Perdue &List to others in need of proper and thorough legal assistance. I still keep in touch with them to this day, for they are very true to what they advertise to be; and will always be respected by our family.

Shelly H.

Back in 1989 I was involved in a life threatening auto accident while on my way to school. While I was still in the hospital, my parents met with Dale Perdue and hired his law firm to take my case. Mr. Perdue and the rest of his staff were so helpful to me, as well as, my family during this difficult time. They guided us through the process and were always happy to help us with any questions or concerns. In 2011, my husband was in a life threatening auto accident. While I was sitting in the hospital wondering what to do, I thought, “Call Dale”. Within a few hours, he was sitting by my side. Once again, he walked me and my husband through another very difficult time. Dale, Pam, and the rest of his staff have been a very big part of my life and have always felt like an extended part of my family. I have recommended Dale and his staff to friends through the years and will continue to do so.

Don F.

It was with some reluctance that I began the process of considering the pursuit of a wrongful death claim against a pharmaceutical company on behalf of my Mother's estate. I was not sure how to proceed. Thus I began the process of looking at various web sites for various legal firms, and followed that with several phone calls. When I called Clark, Perdue and List Co, LPA I was treaded with a kindness, courtesy, and professionalism that seemed to be a cut above the rest. Linda, the Paralegal I most frequently communicated with had exceptional legal knowledge and skill. She had the ability to explain in an extremely clear manner the answers to all my many questions. The staff was very thorough in obtaining all the records and information needed to support the claim.
The lawyer I dealt with, Andrew List, certainly went above and beyond the call of duty in effort and completion of meeting all the requirements and deadlines the court placed on this type of claim. I was frequently updated regarding the process of the case.
Clark, Perdue and List Co, LPA far exceeded my expectations in bringing to a successful closure this case. It is with great confidence and respect that I would highly recommend this legal firm.

Diane S.

When my mother fell and broke her shoulder a few years ago, my sister and I entrusted her rehabilitation to a local nursing home. Unfortunately, one of the employees at the facility was negligent in my mother’s care and caused further injury to her shoulder, causing her to return to the hospital for further surgery. When I learned that an investigator from the Attorney General’s office recommended that criminal charges be pressed against the individual, I knew that I also needed to pursue the matter civilly to ensure that my mother was compensated for the injuries caused by that negligent employee. A friend of mine recommended Andy List, and from my first telephone conference with him, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Andy took care of everything to prepare this case for a potential trial against the individual and the facility, and then acted as a skillful negotiator in obtaining a favorable settlement for my mother. I am forever grateful to Andy and his assistant Linda for helping our family through this very difficult time.

Handling Highly Complex Claims

Dog bite litigation can involve multiple liable parties, aggressive homeowner’s insurance defense tactics, disputed ownership of the animal, and complex questions about landlord liability. Clark Perdue does not dilute its attention across hundreds of files. The firm carries a maximum of 15 active cases at any time, which means each dog bite client receives the focused investigation and preparation their case requires.

If you or a family member suffered a dog bite injury in Columbus — whether in German Village, Franklinton, Olde Towne East, or anywhere across the city — Clark Perdue is prepared to review the facts at no cost. Every case evaluation is free, and the firm does not collect fees unless there is a recovery. To learn more about your rights and what compensation may be available, see our detailed overview of dog bite injuries in Columbus.

Work Directly with an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

In the hours and days following a dog bite, decisions made — or not made — have lasting consequences for the strength of a claim. Statements to insurance adjusters, failure to document injuries progressively, and delays in obtaining witness information can all be used against a victim later. Clients of this firm work directly with the lead attorney from the first call forward, not with paralegals or case managers reading from a file.

The firm represents clients across Columbus, throughout Central Ohio, and beyond state lines when the circumstances require. Consultations are available by phone or in person at 695 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205. All representation is handled on a contingency basis, meaning no fees unless there is a recovery.

Recognized by the Legal Community

Clark, Perdue and List has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for more than 20 years, recognized by Super Lawyers, and included in Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. Physicians refer cases here.

How Can a Dog Bite Attorney Help You?

A dog bite claim looks straightforward on its surface — ORC 955.28 is explicit, and liability is strict. What insurance companies understand, and what unrepresented victims frequently don’t, is that the fight over damages is where these cases are actually won or lost.

Two sentences frame what effective legal representation does: it builds the evidentiary record before evidence disappears, and it calculates the full scope of damages before an insurer can lock in a premature settlement.

Evidence Preservation — Immediately after engagement, the firm issues spoliation letters and litigation holds directed at the dog owner, relevant landlords, and any property manager involved. Records at risk in dog bite cases include veterinary history, prior animal control complaints, HOA incident reports, and surveillance footage from neighboring properties — most of which are overwritten or discarded within weeks without a formal legal directive.
Liability Investigation — Determining whether liability extends beyond the individual dog owner requires document review and, in some cases, expert analysis of the attack circumstances. A property manager who received prior complaints about the animal but failed to act may share responsibility. This investigation cannot be conducted effectively when it begins months after the incident.
Damages Quantification — For serious dog bite injuries involving reconstructive surgery, permanent disfigurement, or psychological trauma requiring ongoing care, accurate damages quantification requires input from medical experts, life care planners, and economists. The resulting analysis sets the floor for any settlement negotiation and reflects the actual impact of the injury across the victim’s lifetime.
Negotiation and Litigation — Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance carriers deploy experienced defense counsel on dog bite claims. The firm is prepared to negotiate toward full value and, where a fair settlement is not offered, to take the case to verdict in Ohio courts. Venue strategy matters, and our firm’s decades of experience in Franklin County and surrounding courts is directly relevant.

Ohio’s modified comparative fault rule bars recovery if a victim is found 51% or more at fault. Provocation and trespassing are the most common defenses raised. Building a complete factual record that addresses those defenses from the start is part of what the investigation does. You can also review how pain and suffering damages are calculated in Ohio for additional context on how the full value of a claim is assessed.

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Why Choose Clark, Perdue and List?

Large-volume firms advertising on Columbus television and radio handle dog bite cases alongside thousands of others. Caseload size at those firms means less attorney time per file, which typically means earlier, lower settlements. Clark Perdue deliberately limits its docket to a maximum of 15 active cases at any time — a constraint that is a direct reflection of how the firm believes catastrophic injury cases must be handled.

Our firm’s tenure in Ohio courts spans more than three decades. That history means familiarity with Franklin County judges, local procedures, and the defense firms insurers send to oppose these claims. Physicians in the Columbus area refer cases here — a different kind of credibility than a billboard provides. If you’d like to understand the broader scope of our practice, the personal injury attorney in Columbus overview covers all areas the firm handles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Columbus?

Seek medical treatment first, even if the injury appears minor — dog bite wounds carry serious infection risk, and medical records from the same day are important evidence. Document the injury with photographs before and after treatment, get the dog owner’s name and contact information, ask witnesses for their contact details, and report the bite to Columbus Animal Control. Contact a dog bite attorney before making any statements to the owner’s insurance company.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Ohio?

Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the bite. Missing that deadline extinguishes the right to pursue compensation entirely. The practical timeline for effective action is much shorter: key evidence, including surveillance footage, veterinary history, and witness recollections, deteriorates or disappears within weeks. Contacting an attorney as early as possible protects the strength of the claim.

Does Clark Perdue handle dog bite cases in Columbus neighborhoods like German Village and Olde Towne East?

Yes. We handle dog bite cases across Columbus including German Village, Olde Towne East, Franklinton, the Short North, and throughout Franklin County and Central Ohio. If the circumstances involve serious injury, the firm will evaluate the case regardless of where in Columbus or Ohio the incident occurred.

Who can be held liable for a dog bite injury?

Under ORC 955.28, the dog’s owner is strictly liable — no proof of prior dangerous behavior is required. Liability can extend to landlords or property owners who knowingly permitted a dangerous dog on their premises, property management companies responsible for common areas, and temporary custodians who had control of the animal at the time of the attack. An investigation into all potentially liable parties is part of how the firm builds a complete claim.

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney?

Clark Perdue handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no charges during the representation. The firm collects a fee only if there is a financial recovery for the client. The initial case evaluation is also free. Victims can access experienced legal representation without any out-of-pocket expense.

What makes dog bite cases more complicated than a standard injury claim?

The liability statute is clear, but the fight over damages is where these cases become genuinely complex. Serious dog bite injuries often involve multiple surgical procedures, reconstructive care, and lasting psychological effects — the full scope of which may not be apparent until months after the attack. Insurance carriers dispute the extent of injuries, challenge documentation, and raise provocation defenses. Where multiple parties share liability, coordinating claims across homeowner’s policies and property liability coverage requires experienced handling.

Reaching the right settlement requires the same level of investigation, expert consultation, and preparation as any other serious injury case. For additional context on how long the overall process typically takes, this overview of injury claim timelines in Columbus is worth reviewing.

Ready to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite victims in German Village, Olde Towne East, and throughout Columbus deserve direct access to an attorney who will handle their case with full attention from start to finish. Clark Perdue focuses exclusively on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases and is prepared to evaluate your situation at no cost. To request a consultation, call 614-469-1400 locally or 800-647-7003 toll-free.