DOG BITES ATTORNEYS IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY

Dog bite attacks can have severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for those involved. After the emotional and physical turmoil, the legal process of pursuing compensation for damages can be overwhelming. 

At Caleb Bland Law, PLLC, we have the knowledge, resources, and experience to manage the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Our goal is to ease your stress and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.  

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Kentucky 

Each state has specific laws and regulations related to dog bites, which are important to know if you or a loved one has been bitten. These laws help dictate who is responsible for the incident and what kind of compensation may be available to the victim.

In Kentucky, the following dog bite laws apply: 

• Strict Liability Rule: Kentucky operates under a "strict liability" rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog owner is liable for any damage caused by their dog, regardless of whether they knew about the dog's aggressive tendencies or not. This rule applies to both dog bites and other injuries caused by dogs. 
  

• No Exceptions for Provocation or Trespassing: Unlike some states, Kentucky's dog-bite law does not contain exceptions for provocation or trespassing. This means that even if a person was trespassing or provoked the dog, the owner could still be held liable for injuries caused by the dog. 
  

• Comparative Fault Rule: Kentucky follows the principle of pure comparative fault. If the injured person shares some fault for the incident, the damages the dog owner must pay are reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured person. 
  

• Serious Injury Requirement: To file a lawsuit for a dog bite in Kentucky, the injured party must have suffered a "serious injury" and have exceeded the personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. Permanent disfigurement or loss of body functions qualifies as a "serious injury" in Kentucky. 
  

• Statute of Limitations: Kentucky has a statute of limitations of one year for filing a civil lawsuit in court for a dog bite injury. This means you have one year from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. 
  

• No-Fault State: Kentucky is considered a "no-fault" state regarding claims against an insurance agency for dog bite cases. This means that your own insurance company will pay some or all of your medical bills and lost earnings if you're injured, regardless of who was at fault. 

We believe it's essential to fully understand these laws to effectively work through the legal process following a dog bite incident. We're here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you're informed and prepared as we fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Legal Guidance for Child Dog Bite Victims 

When a child is the victim of a dog bite, parents or guardians may need to take legal action on their behalf. The liability framework for these cases can be complex and varies depending on the state. Consulting with our team will help you understand the specific laws in Kentucky and determine the best course of action to protect your child's rights and seek appropriate compensation. 

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite 

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, there are certain steps you should take following the incident:

• Seek medical attention immediately as dog bites can cause serious injuries and may require treatment. 

• Identify the dog and its owner. This information is important for legal purposes and to determine whether the dog has a history of aggression or previous incidents. 

• Report the incident to local authorities or animal control. They can investigate the situation and take appropriate action to prevent future incidents from happening.

• Document the incident. Take photos of your injuries, the location where the incident occurred, and any other relevant details. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims or legal proceedings. 

• Gather witness information. If there were any witnesses to the dog bite, collect their contact information. Their statements may be valuable in supporting your case. 

• Preserve evidence. Keep any torn clothing, blood-stained items, or other evidence related to the dog bite. These items can be used as proof of the incident during insurance or legal claims. 

• Consult with us, your trusted personal injury attorneys. We can provide guidance on your legal rights, help you understand the claims process, and pursue compensation for your injuries. 

Dog Bites: FAQs 

Do I need to file a police report after a dog bite? 
Yes, we recommend filing a police report after any dog bite. A police report documents vital information like the contact information of the dog's owner, as well as any details of injuries sustained, such as bite marks or broken bones. 

If my neighbor's dog bit me on my property, do I have a dog bite lawsuit? 
Whether you have a dog bite lawsuit depends on the circumstances and the type of liability in Kentucky. As a "strict liability" state, dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies. 

Does insurance cover medical bills after a dog bite? 
Insurance coverage for medical bills after a dog bite can vary depending on the specifics of the insurance policy. Some homeowner's or renter's insurance policies may cover domestic animals like pets, while others may exclude certain breeds or dogs that are deemed dangerous. It's important to review your insurance policy to determine coverage. 

What are common injuries in a dog bite case? 
Common injuries in a dog bite case can include wounds, lacerations, broken bones, infections, and in severe cases, death. At Caleb Bland Law, PLLC, we can help you recover compensation for these injuries, as well as other damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Who do I sue when a stray dog bites me? 
In most cases, if you're bitten by a stray dog, you will not have a legal claim as there is no owner to hold accountable. However, if a dog kept at an animal shelter or rescue bites you, you may have a claim against that organization if their negligence caused your injury. 

Do I have a claim if I went to a house to perform work, and the property owner's dog bit me? 
If you were invited to a property to perform work and the property owner's dog bites you, they may be held liable for your injuries. Property owners have a legal responsibility to protect invitees from injury, which includes taking reasonable measures to prevent dog bites. 

Do I have a personal injury case if a police dog bites me? 
This situation depends on the use of reasonable force by the police. If the use of the dog was unreasonable, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.