A Basic Guide to Dog Bite Laws in Kentucky

Dog bites can be scary and severe. In 2016, there were 31 U.S. fatalities from dog bites. Over $600 million of homeowners insurance liability claim dollars went to dog bites or dog-related injuries.

When a sudden attack happens, you will most likely need medical treatment. If bills start to pile up, you’ll probably think about suing for damages so you don’t have to take financial responsibility for the bite.

But these situations can also have added stress if you know the dog’s owner. While you might need to file a lawsuit so you can get compensation, you might worry about damaging your relationship with the dog owner. While this can potentially lead to awkward situations, you must take care of yourself.

If you need help filing a claim in Kentucky, you should contact Thomas Law Offices. Our team of injury lawyers are skilled and passionate people who are eager to help you fight for your rights. We understand that a dog bite case could be difficult for myriad reasons, and we’re here to make the process smoother and easier.

What Other Injuries Can Dogs Cause?

Dogs can still cause damage if they don’t bite. If you’re on another property and a dog knocks you over and you get injured, you can file a lawsuit. While it doesn’t necessarily involve a bite, if a dog causes damage or harm, the owner is at fault.

Any time a dog hurts someone, their livestock, or damages property, and someone can prove that the dog’s actions caused the damage, then there is a chance to file for a lawsuit.

What If You’re the Dog Owner?

This is a terrible scenario for everyone involved, especially if you’re the dog owner and never thought this could happen. What can you do in this situation? Looking at the case, you might show that your dog didn’t do this out of nowhere if you can prove one of the following:

• The other party provoked the dog. This includes hurting, invading the dog’s space, or any action that would elicit an aggressive response.
• The other party trespassed onto your property.

In Kentucky, these defenses will not completely get rid of the lawsuit, but they could reduce the amount of damages the other party could claim.

Why Should You File a Claim?

Dog bite injuries or dog-related injuries could develop more serious repercussions over time. For instance, a dog could knock you over and you hit your head. It doesn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but later on you might have trouble with memory or concentration, meaning you have a brain injury.

This issue was a result of the dog’s actions. You could now face medical bills for your recovery and rehabilitation and not have the funds to do it.

When you file a claim with a trusted lawyer, you have someone in your corner who has experience in these cases, knows what to look for, and will do all they can to get you full compensation.

Do You Need a Louisville, Kentucky Dog Bite Lawyer?

Have you or a loved one been injured by a dog? Are you confused as to what your next steps should be?

Give Thomas Law Offices a call today at (877) 256-4296. We’ll go over the case step by step, so you always know what’s going on and why. With our representation, you’ll get hardworking, highly capable lawyers who will do all they can for you and your case.