Dog bites can lead to severe emotional and physical trauma. Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer ensures you receive the compensation you deserve for dog bites. This helps you properly file a complex personal injury claim and receive compensation for dog bite or dog attack injuries.

This article will explore how to respond to a dog bite, who is responsible, and what types of compensation is available; and when to contact a Kentucky dog bite lawyer.

Call 888-709-9329 for a free consultation with a Lexington dog bite lawyer to discuss your options for filing a dog bite claim.

Why You Need a Kentucky Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Hiring a skilled attorney helps you file a claim for compensation after a dog bite. If you can prove you suffered injuries or losses from injuries caused by negligent dog owners, the court can potentially order them to pay damages.

Rhoads & Rhoads knows how to fight for fair compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Having a lawyer manage the legal process relieves the stress of handling legal matters alone, allowing you (or your family member) to focus on recovery.

An experienced dog bite personal injury law firm will also gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case.

Additionally, an Owensboro or Louisville dog bite lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure fair compensation. Legal representation during dog bite cases will increase your chances of a successful outcome and help alleviate the stress of handling the case on your own.

By understanding Kentucky dog bite law, your Rhoads & Rhoads dog bite attorney will establish grounds and build a robust lawsuit for a dog bite case in Kentucky.

If you believe you have a claim, call our dog bite injury attorneys today at 888-709-9329 and take the first step towards holding the compensation you deserve.

Can I Make a Claim or Sue for a Dog Attack?

Yes, in most dog bite cases you can make a claim or pursue a lawsuit for a dog bite injury in Kentucky, but there are specific grounds you must establish to build a strong case. Understanding these grounds can help dog bite victims file dog bite claims.

As a dog bite victim, and under Kentucky law, you do not need to prove the dog owner’s negligence; you simply need to prove ownership, show that the dog bite occurred and caused your personal injuries.

This strict liability rule ensures that personal injury victims can receive compensation for their injuries without the burden of proving the aggressive dog owner knew their dog was inclined to bite.

Get the compensation you deserve with the help of our dog bite victim lawyers. Call 888-709-9329 for a free consultation.

Types of Damages You Can Receive After a Dog Bites You

To file a lawsuit, you must demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the dog bite.

How much compensation you can receive is based on the financial and emotional impact of the dog bites.

Documenting all related costs and impacts on your life will help your Kentucky dog bite attorney prove the dog’s owner (or their insurance company) owes you compensation for the impact of the dog bites.

Here are a few of the most common types of compensation your animal attack settlement may include:

• Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, medication, surgeries, and ongoing treatments related to the dog bite. This includes both immediate and future medical costs.

• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work while recovering from the injury. This can also cover future lost earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.

• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite. This compensation acknowledges the impact on your quality of life.
• Future medical expenses: This involves a recovery for medical expenses that will likely be needed in the future by the injured person.
• Impairment to earn: This claim involves the amount of money an injured person will be reasonable likely to lose over the lifetime as  a result of their injuries.

• Property damage: Reimbursement for personal property that was damaged during the dog attack. This can include clothing, accessories, and other belongings.
• Disability and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries that lead to disability or disfigurement. This covers long-term impacts on your physical abilities and appearance.

• Emotional trauma: Damages for psychological effects such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from the dog attack. This recognizes the mental health impact of the incident.

• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or family members due to the injury. This covers the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.

• Punitive damages: In cases of malicious intent by the animal owner, punitive damages may be awarded. This type of compensation is rare, but courts will award it to discourage similar behavior in the future.

If you’ve been bitten by an aggressive dog breed like pit bulls or rottweilers, call Rhoads & Rhoads attorneys at 888-709-9329.

Who Is Responsible for Compensation for Dog Bite Victims?

In Kentucky, the dog owner is typically responsible for compensating dog bite victims. Kentucky’s strict liability laws hold dog owners accountable for any mild or serious injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s history or previous behavior.

Also, landlords or other property owners may be held responsible if they knew or had reason to know the dangerous dog was present and potential danger but failed to take appropriate measures.

Like a car accident, sometimes a dog bite claim can be the fault or partially fault  of the victim and the defendant. For these situations, Kentucky law allows for a pure comparative negligence system.

Modified comparative negligence is a way to divide the damages  by percentage of fault when both you and the dog owner are partially at fault for the accident.

Understanding strict liability and pure comparative fault is crucial when pursuing dog bite claims. If you or a loved one has suffered when a dog bit you, contact Rhoads & Rhoads to discuss your options for a dog bite settlement.

Call Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 today for a free consultation from a Kentucky dog bite attorney.

Kentucky Dog Bite Laws

Unlike some states that follow the “one bite rule,” Kentucky has a strict liability rule that does not require proof that the dog had a history of aggression.

A dog owner is strictly liable when their dog attacks, even if the dog has not previously bitten someone or exhibited aggressive behavior before they attacked you.

Victims can seek compensation for injury-related costs including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knowing these laws can help strengthen your case.

To see that you receive fair compensation under the one-bite rule, contact Rhoads & Rhoads Law Firm at 888-709-9329 to discuss your options for a personal injury case.

Kentucky Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner (or their insurance company) is one year from the date of the injury. This means you have a limited time to take legal action against the dog’s owner (or their insurance company).

Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing your options for seeking compensation.

It’s essential to act quickly when dogs bite to preserve evidence. If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to understand the statute of limitations and start the legal process promptly.

Contact Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 to discuss your options for a dog bite claim and ensure your dog bite case is filed within the legal timeframe.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Injury?

After a dog bite injury, it’s essential to protect your health and legal rights.

Here are a few steps to take to protect your health, recover compensation, and strengthen your potential legal case:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Prioritize your health by getting medical care right away. Head to the emergency room to address any injuries and prevent infections.
• Report the incident: Call animal control and the police to officially record the dog bite attack. This report can be crucial evidence in your case.
• Collect evidence: Gather as much information as possible, including photos of your injuries, witness statements, and medical bills and records to help recover compensation.
• Contact a Rhoads & Rhoads attorney: Reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney when dogs bite you or your loved one. They know the legal process and help you seek compensation from the dog’s owner for your injuries.

For legal assistance after an animal attack, contact Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 to discuss your next steps after animal attacks.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity, treatment, and the victim’s long-term prognosis.

Here are some common types of dog bite injuries:

• Puncture wounds: These deep wounds can cause significant pain and are prone to infection, requiring medical treatment.
• Lacerations: Cuts from a dog bite may need stitches or surgery and can leave permanent scars.
• Nerve damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to long-term loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
• Emotional trauma: Victims may experience anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological effects following a dog attack.
• Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, potentially causing serious infections that need medical intervention.
• Bone fractures: In some cases, the force of a dog bite can break bones, necessitating extensive medical care and recovery time.
• Disfigurement: Severe bites can result in permanent disfigurement, impacting a victim’s appearance and self-esteem.
• Tissue damage: Bites can cause significant damage to muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, requiring reconstructive surgery.

Every Louisville dog bite attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads is well prepared to prove the dog owner’s negligence and get the compensation you (or your family member) deserve.

We can help you determine if the dog’s owner or the dog owner’s property manager is liable for damages when their dog bites someone.

If you’ve suffered one of these or other injuries from a dog attack, contact Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 to discuss your options for a dog bite lawsuit.

Contact Rhoads & Rhoads Dog Bite Lawyers in Kentucky

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact Rhoads & Rhoads for experienced legal assistance.

We offer a free consultation, and our team of experienced dog bite lawyers is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, and get in touch with us today.

With extensive experience holding dog owners (or their insurance company) responsible for dog attacks, you can focus on your recovery. We have a track record of getting our clients the compensation they deserve.

Call 888-709-9329 for a consultation with a Rhoads & Rhoads Greater Louisville dog bite lawyer to determine whether you can file a claim against the dog owner.