Whether you are out for a walk or your child is playing outside, everyone is likely to encounter a dog on a daily basis. Unfortunately, even the friendliest dogs can bite when they feel threatened by a person or child, or even when they are unprovoked.
When you or someone you love is 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 from your injuries including any scarring damages, hospital bills, and lost wages. At Maze Law Offices, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys understand the consequences of an incident with an animal and will fight to get you the case outcome you deserve.
Most pets are friendly and timid; however, any dog can cause severe injuries to innocent people, many of whom are children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur every 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.
While any dog bite is a traumatic experience, dealing with the subsequent injuries can be even more disturbing. Examples of these injuries often include:
A dog does not have to bite for you to submit an injury claim; falling on the ground because an animal knocked you over could also necessitate a lawsuit. This could include broken bones and fractures. The best attorneys in Mt. Sterling would review a canine bite case for free. If the personal injury attorney takes on your case, they will collect the evidence needed to prove your injuries in a claim and never charge you an upfront cost.
According to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, insurance companies paid out over $686 million in liability claims for bites and other dog-related injuries in 2017.
Many factors determine the amount you or your child is owed for a dog bite or attack, which a top dog bite lawyer in Mt. Sterling could help identify. The cost of your medical treatment, the extent of the scarring, and the type of insurance all play a critical role in this analysis.
Often, injured people are reluctant to seek compensation after a dog bite because they believe they are asking for money out of a person’s pocket; however, it is typically up to the renter or homeowner where the bite occurred 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 are responsible for any damage to people, livestock, or property caused by their dog.
When the court deems an animal as “dangerous,” the owner must keep the pet in a secure location away from others. The owners could face fines or jail time if they fail to comply. Likewise, dangerous canines must be confined in a locked enclosure at least seven feet high or kept in a secured kennel run with a top. The animal can only leave the enclosure to visit the veterinarian or be turned into a shelter and must be muzzled.
You only have one year after the date of your injury to take legal action. Unfortunately, you cannot collect compensation when you fail to file a claim within this timeline. Fortunately, however, this time period is extended for minors who are injured as a result of a dog bite or attack. A top personal injury attorney in Mt. Sterling could ensure your dog bite claim gets filed on time to protect your chances of recovering fair compensation.
In Kentucky, the liability insurance carrier of the dog owner, or the land owner where the bite occurred, covers the cost of medical bills, and other damages in a settlement award. This means that the dog owner does not have to pay for the bills out of their own pocket or savings account if they do have insurance coverage. It is the big insurance companies who pays for the bills and the settlement. The best dog bite lawyers in the state are able to search out insurance coverage and advise the injured client if there is a home owner’s insurance policy that will cover the damages and pay for the settlement.
Importantly, it has become common in the state of Kentucky as well as in other areas in the nation recently that liability insurance carriers and home owners insurance companies will not cover pit bulls and pit bull attacks due to their higher propensity to bite and cause severe damages and wounds to people and children.
When you or your child are attacked or bitten by a dog, you are entitled to compensation to cover expenses like medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, surgeries, and medical care. No matter the severity of the injuries, you deserve the chance to hold the negligent party accountable and fight for compensation to manage your losses.
Our top Mt. Sterling dog bite lawyers at Maze Law Offices are committed to ensuring your rights are protected, and you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a confidential and FREE consultation with our team to get started on your case immediately.
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