In Prestonsburg, Kentucky
An animal attack is a traumatizing event. If you were bit by a dog and need the owner to take responsibility for your damages, it's important to work with an attorney who understands the unique challenges that these cases pose.
Evaluating Liability and Damages
As much as we want to believe all dogs are good, they are still animals. We can’t read their minds or know what might provoke them. They can be friendly one minute and attack the next, and those attacks go much further than barking and snarling. They can lead to serious physical injuries and deep emotional trauma.
You might think that when a dog bites you, it is just them being an animal. However, the dog’s owner has a responsibility to keep their dog under control. If a dog has bitten you, you do have legal recourse.
Talking with a Prestonsburg dog bite lawyer from Peterson Law Office can bring you guidance and peace of mind. We can help explain all your available options. If we are confident in the merits of the case, we can agree to represent you as your advocate.
Our goal is to help our clients achieve the maximum benefits allowed to compensate for a dog bite attack. While we negotiate for that settlement, you can focus on your healing. It will be helpful to have a thorough understanding of the challenges associated with this type of personal injury claim.
In Prestonsburg, dog owners are obligated to adhere to the Floyd County Animal Ordinance, which states that dogs must be under the control of a responsible person and be on a leash when in public areas, such as sidewalks and parks. They must also be restricted to the premises of the owner or in a secure enclosure. In other words, if you own a dog, it can’t roam free, no matter how much you think it “wouldn’t harm anyone.”
Kentucky law utilizes a strict liability approach for dog bite incidents. That means a dog owner is responsible for the injury or harm caused by their pet, regardless of whether the dog has a prior history of aggression. That eliminates the defense for the owner of their dog, who has never bitten anyone before.
The exception to this is if the victim was trespassing on the property where the dog resides or if they provoked the dog in any way. In that scenario, the comparative fault laws would apply. If the dog owner can establish that the victim provoked the dog, the final compensation settlement could be reduced.
For instance, it might be found that the victim was 40% responsible for the attack. In that case, they would only be able to get 60% of the final settlement amount.
There is also a time limit for filing a civil lawsuit related to a dog bite. That claim has to be filed within one year of the incident. You should not wait until you completely heal from any wounds to speak with an experienced Prestonsburg dog bite lawyer.
As with any type of injury, a dog bite can range from mild to severe. If the bite punctures the skin, it may result in the need for stitches and an increased risk of infection. There might also be a scenario where the dog was not vaccinated for rabies. If that happens, you could be subjected to a series of painful rabies vaccinations. All of these possibilities will generate medical expenses for you.
The damages you’re entitled to seek for a dog bite claim are similar to the type of damages for most personal injury claims. Those include the following economic damages:
You’re also entitled to seek non-economic damages, including the following:
It is essential to conduct a comprehensive calculation of all expenses related to the injury and its aftermath. Once you agree to a settlement, you won’t be able to file again for additional funds.
The skilled dog bite attorneys that you’ll work with at Peterson Law Office will help make a thorough summary of all the expenses. We work diligently to help our clients achieve the maximum benefits they’re entitled to.
Dogs are part of the fabric of any neighborhood. Often, you might know the names of dogs before you know the names of their owner. That could also mean that the dog that bit you was a neighbor’s or a friend’s dog. That might make you unlikely to pursue a claim against someone you know.
Does that mean you have to pay for all your medical expenses just to “keep the peace?”
Most homeowners with dogs will have liability insurance that covers incidents of this nature. Just as with the liability insurance you’re mandated to carry, the homeowner’s insurance will pay out for a legitimate dog bite claim. This is another reason to retain the services of Peterson Law Office.
We’ll handle communication between you, the dog owner, and your insurance company, and keep you informed about those communications and responses. We’ll never make a move unless our clients are fully informed and agree to the option.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Prestonsburg, you don’t want to get into a battle with the dog owner or take on an insurance company on your own. The Peterson Law Office offers free case evaluations to help you understand your rights and the value of your claim.
If we agree to work together, our team will help gather the vital evidence needed to prove your version of what happened. We’ll also handle all the communication with insurers and ensure that every filing deadline is met. We aim to alleviate the stress of pursuing a remedy, enabling our clients to focus on their recovery.
Our support begins with a free case evaluation. Call to schedule your evaluation today.
Lexington • Richmond • Winchester • Georgetown • Mt. Sterling • Somerset • London • Danville
If you have any questions about a potential personal injury claim, call us or fill out the form below to schedule a free, confidential case consultation.
(859) 559-4160
