Cincinnati Dog Bite Attorney
Supporting Animal Attack Victims Across Ohio and Kentucky
Dog bites can be terrifying, painful, and result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Whether you were attacked while walking in your neighborhood, visiting someone's home, or simply going about your day, a dog bite can leave you with physical scars, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. Children are especially vulnerable to severe injuries from dog attacks, and the damage dealt to them can lead to lifelong phobias.
At Merk Injury Law, we understand the devastating impact these incidents can have, and our personal injury team is committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable. Our team will fight to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of your injuries. As our five-star testimonials demonstrate, our attorneys are recognized for delivering the personalized care and skilled representation that dog bite victims deserve.
Bitten or attacked by a dog? Call Merk Injury Law at (513) 466-0034 or contact us online to explore your options through a free legal consultation!
Why Choose Merk Injury Law?
Where Compassion Meets Fierce Advocacy
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A Track Record of SuccessWe’ve helped 3,800+ clients across Ohio and Kentucky secure the compensation they deserve.
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Boutique Feel, Big ResultsGet personalized, attentive service backed by the strength, strategy, and outcomes of a large firm.
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Responsive & AccessibleWe communicate quickly, keep you updated, and even text our clients to make staying in touch simple.
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Trial-Ready RepresentationWe’re always prepared to take your case to court when that’s what’s needed to win.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Real stories from people we’ve helped across Ohio and Kentucky.
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“I would like to express my highest appreciation for Mr. Spencer Merk who not only did not over-promise me but also he went beyond his duty and responsibilities and delivered the unthinkable!”- H.A.
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“After seeking counsel from Spencer Merk, the matter was resolved within three days. Spencer was very knowledgeable, professional and prompt, and I would highly recommend his services to all.”- Andrea M.
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“He made sure he kept me informed on everything that was taking place with my case.”- Teara S.
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“He was very helpful throughout the entire process, responded quickly to my phone calls and emails, and reached out with regular updates.”- Brianna B.
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“He will do all he can to make sure things go in your favor and to help you out from beginning to end.”- Jamie L.
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“I can’t recommend Spencer Merk highly enough. From the very beginning, he was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case. He took the time to explain the process clearly, answered every question promptly, and made sure I felt confident at every step. Spencer fought hard for a fair outcome and delivered exactly what he promised. If you’re looking for an injury attorney who is knowledgeable, honest, and truly on your side, Spencer Merk is the one to call.”- Cody McClanahan
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“Spencer is an outstanding attorney and an even better advocate for his clients. After going out on his own, it’s clear he built his firm the right way—focused on people, not volume. He’s sharp, responsive, and takes the time to actually understand the details of a case instead of rushing through it. What really sets Spencer apart is his integrity and work ethic. You can tell he genuinely cares about getting the best possible outcome for his clients and isn’t afraid to fight for them. Communication is clear, expectations are realistic, and you never feel like “just another case.” If you’re injured and want an attorney who is knowledgeable, driven, and truly has your back, Spencer is exactly who you want in your corner. Highly recommend.”- Damien Merk
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“Spencer was a phenomenal attorney to work with. He gave me a free consultation at the beginning of my case and spent a lot of time talking me through my options and his professional recommendations. It was clear he was willing to fight to get me the best settlement possible and I am very happy with the money I received for my injuries. I highly recommend Spencer at Merk Injury Law!”- Katelyn Menne
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“Merk Injury Law is focused on getting clients exactly what they deserve and more! Excellent communication throughout the process, will fight hard for the best settlement, and listens to all issues.”- Former Client
Determining Liability in Ohio Dog Bite Cases
Ohio law largely follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning a dog owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. The victim doesn't need to prove the owner was negligent; the bite itself establishes liability. However, there are exceptions if the victim was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the dog at the time of the attack.
However, Ohio common law also includes what's known as the "one bite rule." This means a dog owner may be required to pay additional compensation if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies. Evidence of prior bites, aggressive behavior, or the owner's failure to control or restrain a dog with known issues can establish negligence. Even without prior incidents, owners can still be held responsible if they were negligent in controlling their dog, such as letting it roam unleashed in public or failing to secure their property. Landlords and property owners may also share liability in certain situations if they knew about a dangerous dog on their premises and failed to take action.
Our team thoroughly investigates each case to identify all potentially liable parties and build the strongest claim possible. We’re also familiar with Kentucky dog bite regulations, which allows us to better support clients throughout our service area.
