Police in Ohio sometimes use dogs while performing their duties. Police dogs are faster than humans, can enter smaller spaces, and are sometimes used to subdue dangerous and fleeing suspects. However, police K-9 bite injuries can be incredibly damaging, and it is vital to understand when excessive force applies in Ohio related to police dog bite incidents.
Police K-9 Bite Injuries and Excessive Force
Police officers throughout Ohio undergo extensive training to handle their responsibilities in an inherently dangerous job. Police dogs are considered equipment for the police, and officers who handle police dogs complete additional training for the safe and appropriate deployment of their animal companions in the line of duty. However, when officers deploy their dogs inappropriately, and a suspect suffers severe harm, this can qualify as excessive force.
The Ohio Department of Health investigates roughly 20,000 animal bites statewide each year, and while not all of these incidents involve dogs, and an even smaller fraction involve police dogs, there has been growing concern nationwide over the use of police dogs and when this use qualifies as excessive force.
Generally, a police officer’s use of force qualifies as excessive under specific conditions. Police officers are trained to only use the level of force necessary to address the threat in question. For example, unless a suspect presents a clear imminent threat of deadly harm to the officer or others, the officer should not escalate to the use of deadly force. Officers are trained to seek de-escalation whenever possible.
The use of force must be proportionate to the situation in question. Officers are only supposed to use the level of force necessary to protect human life, complete a lawful arrest, or neutralize active resistance from a suspect. For example, if a suspect has already surrendered and does not pose a threat to the officer or anyone else, the police dog should not be deployed against the suspect.
Legal Options for Police Excessive Force
Police officers in Ohio have qualified immunity that protects them from most civil claims from members of the public, except under specific circumstances. If you believe that you or a loved one was harmed by excessive force involving a police dog, it’s vital to consult an Ohio K-9 bite injury attorney as soon as possible.
Your attorney may determine that you are indeed a victim of excessive force. If so, you may have grounds to file a claim for damages, and this type of case is inherently more difficult than any personal injury claim you could file against another private party. You could have grounds to file a tort claim at the state level or a federal civil rights violation case; your attorney can provide valuable direction when it comes to pursuing accountability.
Hire a K-9 Bite Injury Lawyer in Ohio Now
If you believe you are the victim of excessive force involving a police dog, it is crucial to find an experienced Ohio K-9 bite injury attorney to handle your case as soon as possible. You have a much shorter time limit for filing this type of case, and the evidence you require may not be obtainable for very long. The sooner you connect with experienced legal counsel, the better your chances are of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has been representing injured Ohio clients since 1946, and our firm has successfully recovered more than $1 billion in compensation in a wide range of cases. We have the answers to your various legal questions regarding a K-9 bite injury claim, so contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Ohio K-9 bite injury attorney you can trust.
