Being attacked and bitten by a dog can leave victims with serious injuries, long-lasting trauma, and heavy financial burdens. As a victim, it is important to educate yourself on Kentucky dog bite laws, as these will have a huge role in your potential ability to recover compensation.
Perhaps you were bitten by a dangerous dog while out for a walk in Louisville. Maybe you visited a property where a dog attacked you in Lexington. In any dog bite that was not your fault, a dog bite lawyer from The Schafer Law Office can assert your rights.
Understanding Kentucky Dog Bite Laws
Across the United States, 68 million households own a dog. Dog bites and attacks are ranked number 13 in the top non-fatal causes for emergency room visits. Kentucky follows strict liability laws in dog bite cases, and owners of an attacking dog are not given a free pass if this is the first time their animal has bitten a victim. Instead, the owner is held fully liable for their animal’s actions, along with any injuries or damages their dog has caused.
While certain states follow a “one-bite rule,” meaning that the owner will only be held liable if their dog has acted aggressively in the past, Kentucky does not follow this law. Victims of dog bites in Kentucky, likewise, do not need to prove negligence. They only need to demonstrate that the dog attack happened and caused them to suffer harm.
A victim of a dog bite in Kentucky is allowed to seek monetary compensation for any damages they’ve suffered. In these cases, the most common damages include medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and pain and suffering. You could also seek punitive damages if the dog’s owner acted in a particularly negligent or egregious way that resulted in the attack.
What to Do Following a Dog Bite in KY
If you are attacked by a dog in Kentucky, you should take certain steps to protect yourself and a future dog bite claim. These include:
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact information.
- Document the attack by taking photographs and videos of your injuries, the animal, and the scene of the attack.
- Clean the wound with hot water and soap as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention.
- Consult a Kentucky dog bite attorney.
About The Schafer Law Office
At The Schafer Law Office, we have spent more than 30 years serving the residents of Kentucky in difficult personal injury claims. When you or a loved one is attacked by a vicious animal, you could hold the animal’s owner liable for any damages you suffer. Our attorneys can stand in your corner and support your right to compensation.
While past results will not dictate future outcomes, The Schafer Law Office can pursue all the compensation you deserve in a dog bite case.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer Today After being attacked by a dangerous dog in Kentucky, it is important that you hire a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. At The Schafer Law Office, we can protect your rights to compensation and guide you through all the laws applicable to your case. Contact our offices today to learn more about our services.
