While dogs are man’s faithful companions, that bond is shattered the moment an animal unexpectedly lashes out, leaving you or a loved one with physical trauma and emotional distress. You may be entitled to financial compensation. Yet, recovering from your injuries can be an uphill battle. Fortunately, you can call a dedicated Louisville dog bite lawyer at The Schafer Law Office so you don’t have to face the legal system alone.
With Mike Schafer on your side, you’re in good hands. The Schafer Law Office has been helping Kentucky dog bite victims get compensated for more than 25 years. Unlike big Kentucky dog bite law firms that have other people work on your case, Mike or Bryan is personally involved in every case. Whether you’re facing medical bills, missing work due to lost wages, or recovering from emotional trauma, we are committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve.
The Schafer Law Office knows the challenges and pitfalls of Kentucky dog attack cases, all the tactics of the “other” side, and how to present the facts. They can handle the brutal tactics of the insurance companies. In fact, before Mike opened The Schafer Law Office, he worked for an insurance defense firm. He really knows all the tactics the insurance companies have up their sleeves.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or are involved in a dog bite claim in Kentucky, you may have some questions. The dog bite injury lawyers at The Schafer Law Office can answer your questions!
You don’t pay unless we are successful with your case! Call now: (502) 584-9511
Report the attack immediately! Call 9-1-1. This will enable you to get medical attention if necessary and get the appropriate law and medical personnel to you as quickly as possible. You should also call the local Animal Control Office. They can investigate the attack, impound and quarantine the dog, and bring any criminal charges if they are warranted. This could be a ‘failure to control’ citation or even an assault under extreme circumstances.
Kentucky law (dog bite statute KRS 258.065) requires a physician to report a dog bite to the local health department within 12 hours.
Speak with a dog bite lawyer in Louisville, KY, before talking to the insurance company. If medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional trauma are involved, an attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Jefferson County has a historically high rate of lethal dog bites, and according to the United States Postal Service, Louisville ranks twentieth among cities in the U.S. for letter carrier dog attacks in 2024, with 24 incidents reported.
In context, this data shows that your dog bite isn’t simply ‘bad luck.’ Rather, dog bites in your area are a serious public safety issue. As a victim of a dog attack, you need professional legal intervention. At our firm, we encourage locals to take immediate action after a dog bite and reach out to experienced Louisville lawyers to discuss their unique case.
Unfortunately, Jefferson County is a dog bite hotspot. At The Schafer Law Office, we understand dog bites are a widespread, dangerous trend in Jefferson County. Seeking compensation is a matter of personal responsibility, and it’s reasonable to hold negligent owners accountable.
Call (502) 584-9511 to speak with a trusted attorney today!
Kentucky is a strict liability state for dog bites. The Kentucky Statute states:
“Any owner whose dog is found to have caused damage to a person, livestock, or other property shall be responsible for that damage.”
This means that a dog’s owner is strictly liable for any injuries or bites that their dog inflicts. The owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or acted aggressively in the past. Dog owners don’t get a pass for a dog’s first bite. This is known as the one-bite rule under Kentucky’s liability framework.
The bottom line is that the owner of the dog is responsible for the actions of their animal. The owner can’t claim they accidentally left the gate open. They are still responsible. If the owner of the dog owns real estate and has homeowners’ insurance, there will be insurance coverage in most cases.
If the owner of the dog is renting a house, condo, or apartment, they may have renters’ insurance that would cover a dog bite. Also, depending on the terms of the lease, the landlord who is renting the property may be responsible. A Kentucky personal injury attorney can help determine fault and evaluate your legal options.
Every person who is bitten by a dog, no matter how minor they consider the bite, should report the incident to their local animal control office. An animal control officer will investigate the attack by interviewing the victim and the owner of the dog, as well as any witnesses.
They also go to the dog’s home to view the environment where it lives. This information is critical to the outcome of a dog bite claim. Animal control will cite the dog owner if they believe there is criminal activity or a violation of any law, especially if the attack occurred due to negligence or a failure to control dangerous breeds like pit bulls.
When a child is bitten by a dog, the injury is usually more severe both physically and emotionally. This is because of the smaller physical stature of a child. It is easier for a dog to do more damage. A claim for the child would be brought by a parent or guardian of the child as their next friend. When a child’s case is resolved, a parent would be appointed as their guardian in probate court in the county where they reside.
The District Court Judge would then give the guardian permission to settle the dog bite claim and release the owner of the dog, their insurance company, and any other responsible party. All monies received would be placed in a blocked guardianship account. This would be released to the minor after their eighteenth birthday.
Across the U.S., about 68 million households have a dog. Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 4.7 million dog bites occur every year, and of those attacks, approximately 800,000 necessitate medical care.
In 2024 alone, more than $1.5 billion was paid out by homeowners’ insurance carriers for dog attacks. Additionally, you should know that when studied, dog bite injuries ranked number thirteen in non-fatal ER visits in this country. In context, this means that you could easily find yourself in a situation where you need assistance after an animal attack.
Even though dogs are great companions, it’s important to remember that not all dogs are friendly. Here are five tips to help avoid being bitten by a dog:
Knowing how to behave when a dog bite occurs can be the key to preventing further injuries and liability.
Animal attack injuries typically range from minor to serious, and children and the elderly are particularly at risk for suffering significant harm. In Louisville, some of the more common dog bite injuries tend to include:
This is an incomplete list. If someone else’s dog caused your family to suffer any injuries, it’s always worth consulting an attorney. They can discuss how to take legal action and help explore your available options. When you work with a lawyer at The Schafer Law Office, we can help you secure compensation for your injuries from the at-fault animal owner.
When a dog attack disrupts your life, securing the right legal counsel is the most critical step toward recovery. At The Schafer Law Office, our attorneys possess a deep understanding of the local statutes and complexities unique to Louisville dog bite claims. We provide the aggressive representation necessary to prove liability and navigate the intricate legal landscape on your behalf.
Our attorneys work to support your recovery and take a comprehensive approach to every case, maintaining thorough attention to detail. We can:
By drawing on years of success with cases similar to yours, we provide tailored strategies designed to improve your odds of a successful case. Our primary goal is to handle the heavy lifting of your case so you can devote your full energy to your physical and emotional healing. If you or a loved one has suffered an attack, don’t wait. Contact The Schafer Law Office to take the first step toward justice.
A: If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, a personal injury attorney with experience handling dog bite cases can provide competent assistance. They can discuss the steps necessary for legal recovery and help you get compensation for your sustained injuries. Contact a Louisville personal injury attorney who can aggressively protect your rights throughout your case.
A: For Louisville dog bite cases, a wide variety of evidence can help build a strong dog bite case. This may involve medical records, receipts, photos, witness statements, proof that the owner knew their animal was dangerous, information about the owner, etc. Your lawyer can help gather evidence to build a compelling case in support of your damages.
A: Since every dog bite case is different across Kentucky, the compensation you may receive for your own case may vary depending on case-specific factors. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, whether liability is disputed, the negotiation skills of your attorney, and how your case is ultimately resolved. Call a lawyer to learn about the potential compensation available for your injuries.
A: Some dogs bite when they are stressed, scared, frightened, startled, if they are defending their territory, if they are puppies, if they are sick, if they are playing, etc. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a dog attack, the circumstances surrounding the incident should not prevent you from seeking justice. We encourage you to reach out to The Schafer Law Office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
If your family needs to hire a dog bite lawyer, look no further than The Schafer Law Office. Our experienced attorneys meticulously evaluate your case and provide the dedicated support needed to take decisive action toward securing the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite or animal attack accident, you need to get legal advice from a Kentucky dog bite attorney as soon as possible. You’ll want to make sure any evidence that will help your case can still be gathered. You’ll want to make sure that the evidence is not destroyed.
Hire a dog bite lawyer who can help explain Kentucky law. You want a Louisville dog attack attorney who cares about you. You can find all that and much more in Mike Schafer and The Schafer Law Office.
Contact our Louisville, KY, dog bite attorneys today for a free consultation by calling (502) 584-9511 or filling out our contact form here.
Resources
The Lawyer Who Wrote the Book
Here are some helpful articles, research studies, statistics, and Kentucky accident resources to assist you in finding the right information you need. There are plenty of articles on a variety of subjects, such as recalls, auto accident updates, forms, studies, and press releases from The Schafer Law Office.
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Contact Mike Schafer, ‘The Lawyer Who Wrote The Book’, or Bryan Meader to solve your legal problems by calling (502) 584-9511 or by entering your information in our contact form. We want to help you in Louisville and the state of Kentucky!
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