Kentucky Dog
Bite Lawyer

Were you injured by a dog in Kentucky?

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kentucky, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. However, recovering damages in a dog bite case can be challenging.

At LA Dog Bite Law, our experienced Kentucky dog bite attorneys have a deep understanding of the state’s dog bite laws and can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.

Kentucky Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability with a Twist

Kentucky takes a unique approach to dog bite cases, combining strict liability with comparative negligence. Here’s what victims need to know:

Strict Liability Rule

Kentucky law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries and property damage caused by their pets. This means:

• Owners are responsible regardless of the dog’s history or their own precautions
• Victims don’t need to prove the owner was negligent
• The law covers both bites and other injuries (like knockdowns)

Comparative Negligence

Despite strict liability, Kentucky allows for a reduction in damages based on the victim’s role:

• If the victim contributed to the incident, their compensation may be reduced
• This follows Kentucky’s “pure comparative negligence” rule
• Damages are reduced by the percentage of the victim’s fault but not eliminated entirely

Potential Defenses

Dog owners may argue that the victim was partially responsible due to:

• Trespassing
• Provoking the dog
• Other careless behavior

These arguments don’t eliminate liability but can reduce the amount of damages awarded.

If you’ve been injured by a dog in Kentucky, it’s crucial to document the incident thoroughly and consult with an experienced dog bite attorney. They can help you navigate these nuanced laws and pursue fair compensation, even if you may have played a small role in the incident.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations, scarring, and emotional trauma.

Some common injuries we see in dog bite cases include:

• Deep cuts and gashes that require stitches or staples
• Torn skin and muscle tissue
• Nerve damage, which can lead to numbness or loss of sensation
• Infections, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis
• Broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and face
• Disfiguring scars that may require reconstructive surgery
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional injuries

In some cases, dog bite injuries can have long-term or even permanent effects on a person’s health, mobility, and quality of life. It’s important to seek prompt medical attention and follow through with all recommended treatments to minimize the risk of complications.

Dog Breeds Commonly Involved in Bite Incidents

While any dog can bite under certain circumstances, some breeds are more frequently involved in serious attacks than others.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are among the breeds most commonly responsible for fatal dog bites.

However, it’s important to note that breed alone does not determine a dog’s propensity for aggression. Factors such as training, socialization, and the owner’s handling of the animal play a significant role in a dog’s behavior. As such, our focus in dog bite cases is on holding owners responsible for their negligence rather than perpetuating breed stereotypes.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Kentucky

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kentucky, taking swift action is essential to protecting your health and legal rights.

Here are the steps you should take:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can easily become infected, and some injuries may be more severe than they appear at first glance.
• Report the bite to your local animal control agency. They will investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies.
• Gather evidence, such as photos of your injuries, contact information for witnesses, and the dog owner’s information.
• Contact an experienced Kentucky dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite

In the aftermath of a dog bite, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

However, there are some common mistakes that can jeopardize your health and your ability to seek compensation:

• Waiting too long to seek medical care or legal advice. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to connect your injuries to the dog bite incident.
• Trying to negotiate with the dog owner or their insurance company on your own. These parties may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or shift blame onto you to avoid paying a fair settlement.
• Posting about the incident on social media before consulting with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use your posts to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or that you shared fault for the bite.

By consulting with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney early on, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Compensation in Kentucky Dog Bite Claims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Kentucky, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency room bills, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
• Lost wages for time taken off work to recover from your injuries
• Pain and suffering, including both physical pain and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement, which may require costly plastic surgery to repair
• Punitive damages, in cases where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless

An experienced Kentucky dog bite lawyer can assess the full scope of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

In many cases, we are able to negotiate a fair settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company without the need for a lengthy court battle. However, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

Kentucky Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

It’s important to note that there is a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Kentucky. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, in general, is only ONE year from the date of the injury but can be longer.

If you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a dog bite incident to ensure that your rights are protected.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Being bitten by a dog can be a painful, frightening, and isolating experience. You may feel like no one understands what you’re going through or how to navigate the complex legal system to seek justice.

But you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.

At LA Dog Bite Law, we’ve helped countless dog bite victims in Kentucky stand up for their rights and recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward with their lives. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest advice about your legal options.

If you decide to work with us, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if needed. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Don’t suffer in silence or settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Kentucky, contact LA Dog Bite Law today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you fight for your rights.