Fort MitchellDog Bite Lawyer
Dogs can be unpredictable, and a sudden attack can cause serious injuries. Many victims are unsure of what to do next, especially if the animal belongs to a family member, friend, or neighbor. At Lawrence & Associates, our Fort Mitchell injury attorneys can answer your questions about pursuing legal compensation after a dog bite.
table of contents
- Why Choose Lawrence & Associates for Your Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim
- Is the Dog Owner Liable for a Bite in Fort Mitchell?
- How Long Do You Have To File a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim?
- Compensation Available in a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim
- Who Actually Pays for a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim?
- Fort Mitchell Dog Bite FAQs
- Contact a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Lawyer
We have helped hundreds of injured people across Northern Kentucky get the help they need. Your case is our cause, and we are committed to being loyal advocates. If you or someone you love was attacked by an animal, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Mitchell dog bite lawyer.
Why Choose Lawrence & Associates for Your Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim
Our legal team at Lawrence & Associates has served clients in Northern Kentucky since 2005, with a convenient office location right in Fort Mitchell. We offer a no-win-no-fee guarantee and a confidential free consultation, meaning you never pay unless we successfully secure compensation in your case.
Our attorneys have been awarded numerous recognitions, including a 10.0 Avvo rating, Super Lawyers title, and placement among the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers. We have Spanish-speaking attorneys on staff, allowing us to reach more individuals in Northern Kentucky and better meet their needs.
Is the Dog Owner Liable for a Bite in Fort Mitchell?
Kentucky holds dog owners strictly liable for their pets’ actions. This means a dog’s owner is at fault for a bite, even if it is the first time the animal has bitten someone and has no history of aggression. This leaves owners with very limited defenses to argue. Under the standards of strict liability, a dog owner cannot argue that you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime.
Who Counts as the Dog’s Owner?
The term “owner” refers to anyone with custody or control over the dog. In some cases, a landlord who allowed the dog onto the property can also be held liable.
Justin Lee Lawrence
Partner
“If you’re bitten by a dog, generally the owner or harborer of the dog is going to be responsible for that injury. An owner is a pretty obvious term, but a harborer is just the person who’s keeping the dog even if they don’t technically own it.”
How Long Do You Have To File a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim?
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 413.140, dog bite victims have one year from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. This is a much tighter deadline than in other states, so it is important for individuals to act quickly to avoid being barred from compensation.
Partnering with a Fort Mitchell dog bite attorney early can help you jump-start the process of collecting evidence of the dog bite, liability, and damages. They can prepare your claim, make sure all necessary documentation is accounted for, and file it on time.
Compensation Available in a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you can collect compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. These come in the form of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for tangible losses, such as medical bills, future care, scar revision, and lost wages, while non-economic damages are much more subjective, compensating you for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of consortium.
Kentucky’s comparative negligence laws, as outlined in KRS 411.182, can reduce a victim’s recovery by their share of fault. Under this statute, you can still recover damages even if you are predominantly responsible, but the amount will be proportional to the fault you are assigned.
Who Actually Pays for a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bite victims may hesitate to pursue legal action, especially if the animal belongs to someone they know. However, seeking compensation does not necessarily mean pursuing the owner personally. Many claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or, in some cases, renters insurance.
Because renters’ policies do not always cover dog bites, it is important to determine whether the dog owner actually owns the property and whether another applicable insurance policy may provide coverage. A Fort Mitchell dog bite lawyer can review the details of the dog bite incident to determine which coverage applies.
Fort Mitchell Dog Bite FAQs
Do I Have To Sue My Neighbor Personally?
Not necessarily. Dog bite claims are often handled through the owner’s homeowners insurance, although renters insurance may not provide coverage, so it is important to confirm whether the dog owner also owns the home.
The Owner’s Insurance Offered Me a Settlement; Should I Accept It?
You should not accept an offer until you understand the full cost of your injuries, including future treatment and scarring. An attorney can review the offer and determine whether it fairly covers your losses.
What Should I Do if a Dog Bites My Child?
Get immediate medical care, report the bite to local authorities, photograph the injuries, and collect the dog owner’s information. Keep records of your child’s treatment and speak with a lawyer before discussing a settlement with the insurer.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Most dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no upfront attorney’s fees and the lawyer is paid only if you recover compensation. The firm should explain the exact percentage and case-related costs before you hire them.
Our compassionate and experienced trial attorneys are here to give you a measure of justice and financial relief for what you’ve been through.
Contact a Fort Mitchell Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child was injured by a dog in Fort Mitchell, our legal team at Lawrence & Associates can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Contact our Fort Mitchell dog bite lawyers at (859) 251-3045 to schedule a free consultation.
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