Mt. Sterling is home to a rich history and friendly community members. Like every community, accidents and injuries do occur. It only takes a second for even the friendliest of dogs to attack. Whether you are out for a walk with your own dog or your child is playing outside, a dog at large could appear. If you or someone you love has been injured in an animal attack, our Mt. Sterling dog bite lawyers can explain your legal options and help you pursue a claim that provides the compensation you need to recover.
While most Kentuckians love their dogs, sometimes aggressive dogs cause severe injuries to innocent victims, many of which are children. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. Nearly one out of every five people bitten by a dog requires medical attention. Of those injured, children aged five to nine are at the highest risk for a dog bite injury.
A dog bite can be a traumatic experience in itself, but dealing with the associated injuries can be even more stressful.
Examples of these injuries can include:
It is essential to know that a dog does not have to bite for you to be injured – a dog can also chase you or cause you to fall to the ground.
According to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, insurance companies paid out over $686 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other-dog related injuries in 2017.
Many factors will determine the amount you or your child is owed for a dog bite or attack. The cost of your medical treatment, the extent of the scarring, and the type of insurance all play a critical role in this analysis.
Very often, injured victims are reluctant to seek compensation after a dog bite because they believe they are asking for money out of a person’s own pocket. However, it is the insurance company of the renter or homeowner who has the responsibility to pay for medical expenses, up to the liability limits (commonly $100,000 – $300,000).
Dog bite laws are established at the state level. In Kentucky, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause to others. Specifically, Kentucky Revised Statutes (Title XXI Agriculture and Animals: Section 258.235) state that owners can be held responsible for any damage to a person, livestock, or other property caused by their dog.
While dog owners are strictly liable for bites and related injuries caused by their pets, Kentucky recognizes comparative negligence. Comparative negligence is used to determine fault percentages after an accident. If, for example, a person antagonizes a dog that was already growing or showing signs of aggression, they can be held partially accountable. As a result, their compensation can be reduced.
When a dog is declared dangerous by a Kentucky court, it must be kept in a secure location away from others. If a dog owner fails to comply, they could face fines or jail time. There are also regulations regarding declaring dogs vicious. If a dog is legally declared vicious, it must be confined in a locked enclosure at least seven feet high or kept in a secured kennel run with a top. The animal is only allowed to leave the enclosure to visit the veterinarian or be turned into a shelter and must be muzzled.
It is important to note that you only have one year after the date of the dog bite to take legal action. If you fail to do so, you will render yourself ineligible for compensation.
No matter the severity of your or your loved one’s injuries after a dog attack, you deserve the chance to hold the negligent party accountable and fight for compensation to manage your losses. When you speak with Mt. Sterling dog bite lawyers from Maze Law Offices, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care and respect.
We understand the challenges you are facing. When you schedule a free consultation with our firm, we will review what you have been through and help you determine how best to proceed to protect yourself and your family. With same-day appointments available, we will be sure to have the time we need to build a strong claim on your behalf. The sooner you contact us after a dog bite, the more time we will have to collect evidence and value your case.
If you or your child were attacked or bitten by a dog, you are entitled to compensation to cover expenses like medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future surgery and medical care.
Our Mt. Sterling dog bite lawyers are committed to ensuring your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. Remember that our advice is free, and you never pay us anything until we successfully obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
