Kentucky Dog Bite Attorneys
Legal advocacy in Lexington & Louisville when you or child are attacked by a dog
Dog bites and attacks can be far more traumatizing than most people think. In addition to dealing with the emotional trauma of being harmed by an animal, the physical and financial losses can be life-altering. In cases such as these, it may be in your best interests to get help from a dedicated dog bite lawyer.
At Wilt Injury Lawyers, our experienced premises liability attorneys are committed to assisting dog bite victims across Kentucky. When our compassionate team takes on your personal injury case, you can be sure that we’ll do everything possible to obtain maximum compensation for your suffering or that of your child. Contact us in Lexington or Louisville today.
How can we help today?
- What are the statistics on dog bites and attacks?
- What are Kentucky’s dog bite laws?
- What types of injuries happen from dog bites?
- What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog in Kentucky?
- What is the value of my Kentucky dog bite claim?
- How long do I have to fille my Kentucky dog bite claim?
- Do you have a dog bite attorney near me?
What are the statistics on dog bites and attacks?
According to the American Medical Veterinary Association (AMVA), most dog bites are preventable and pose a serious health risk to America’s communities. They also state the following:
- “Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
- Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
- Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.”
The AMVA notes that any breed of dog can bite, and whether or not a dog will bite depends on its individual history and behavior.
What are Kentucky’s dog bite laws?
There are two different types of dog bite laws in the United States. There is strict liability and the “One Bite Rule.” The One Bite Rule means that a dog owner can only be held accountable for the actions of their dog if the dog has attacked someone before.
In states like Kentucky, however, dog owners are held strictly liable for the actions of their dog. It doesn’t matter whether the dog has previously shown a propensity for aggression or violence. The fact remains that it is the dog owners responsibility to maintain control of their dog at all times.
Strict liability applies only to public places and invited guests. If someone is trespassing or committing a crime on the dog owner’s property, the owner cannot be expected to compensate someone who may be attacked.
What types of injuries happen from dog bites?
Dog bite injuries can range from serious to catastrophic, meaning they are permanent and life-altering. Some of the injuries resulting from a dog bite or attack include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken and crushed bones
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of extremities (like ears, fingers, or nose)
- Nerve damage
- Loss of vision
- Rabies
In addition to physical injuries, victims of dog bites often experience emotional trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. These types of injuries can last for months or years, and are especially traumatic for children. The Kentucky injury attorneys at Wilt Injury Lawyers work with your doctors to determine the current and future effects of your injuries.
What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog in Kentucky?
If you or your child are bitten by a dog, your first priority is to get medical attention, even if you think it’s a minor injury. The sooner you receive medical treatment, you lessen the risk of disease, infection, and scarring. Next, report the dog bite to authorities; either police, health department, or animal control. If possible, get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the attack, as well as information about the dog’s owner and the animal’s history (including vaccinations).
What is the value of my Kentucky dog bite claim?
Dog bites can be severely traumatic, both physically and emotionally, for the victim. Victims may experience disfiguring injuries, broken bones, back or spine damage, traumatic brain damage, and other serious complications from a dog attack. These injuries can also result in post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
- When your lawyer is calculating the value of your claim, they must look at the various ways your life has been and will be affected by your injuries. This includes losses such as:
- Medical expenses and equipment
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and love
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
These are just a few of the most common losses you or your loved one may endure due to a dog bite injury. Your lawyer at Wilt Injury Lawyers will work to ensure every single loss is accounted for to maximize your compensation.
How long do I have to file my Kentucky dog bite claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, like dog bites and attacks, in Kentucky is one year. If you fail to file your claim before this, the court will likely refuse to hear your case. The team at Wilt Injury Lawyers advises consulting with an attorney immediately after the incident for the best chances for a successful claim.
Do you have a dog bite attorney near me?
Wilt Injury Lawyers has offices in Louisville and Lexington:
If you are too injured to travel to us, we can arrange a phone or video conference. We also make hospital visits when necessary.
Reach out to our experienced Lexington & Louisville dog bite lawyers
If you or your child suffered serious injury from a dog bite or attack, the Kentucky attorneys at Wilt Injury Lawyers want to help. We understand dog bite and premises liability law and can help hold the negligent dog owner responsible for your injuries. When you’re ready to talk about your claim and the compensation to which you may be entitled, call 502-253-9110 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We maintain offices in Lexington and Louisville, and proudly serve clients throughout Kentucky.