Mount Washington Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have been injured by a dog or animal, you are likely entitled to compensation for your damages from the dog owner. Owners are required to maintain control over their pets. If an owner fails to do so, a Mount Washington dog bite lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Attorneys In Mount Washington
Although accidents happen unexpectedly, and unintentionally, there is a common thread that runs through a vast majority of these events. That common thread is negligence, and it occurs when a person’s behavior fails to meet the standards established by law for the protection of others.
Can My Child’s Damages Be Recovered If My Child Is a Dog Bite Victim?
Unfortunately, it is often the case that dog bite victims are young children. Children often require stitches, a painful series of rabies shots, proper wound care, and in severe dog bite cases, plastic surgery after a dog bite attack. Additionally, emotional trauma is common following a dog bite attack.
While no amount of compensation ever makes it right, children are entitled to recover past and future medical expenses, past and future pain and suffering, and for past and future emotional distress. Due to the significance of dog bite attacks involving children, we recommend parents take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced lawyer to learn more about the child’s case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Statute of Limitations Applies to Injury Cases in Mount Washington?
There is typically a one-year filing deadline (statute of limitations) in Kentucky, according to KRS 413.140(1). However, this deadline is not applicable in every case. Unfortunately, as discussed above, dog bites victims are often young children and these cases may have a longer statute of limitations. A statute of limitations extension is possible when the dog bite victim was a minor at the time of the incident; however, once the dog bite victim reaches the age of 18 years, the suit must be filed within the appropriate statute of limitations time frame (see KRS 413.170(1)).
If the lawsuit is not filed in court by the statute of limitations, the case may be dismissed by the judge. An attorney in Mount Washington who is well-versed in the laws governing dog attack cases could ensure that a dog bite lawsuit gets filed before the statute of limitations runs out.
What State Law Applies to Dog Attorney Cases?
With respect to dog bite cases, Kentucky is a strict liability state. Pursuant to KRS 258.235, dog owners are liable for any injuries caused by their dog to any person. Pursuant to this statute, dog owners are also liable for any damage caused to another’s property.
This means essentially that dog owners do not have to have any prior knowledge that their dog posed a danger to anyone or anything before being held liable for damages caused by their dog. The fact the dog has been obedient and a loving pet for many years does not alter the outcome of the dog owner’s liability in a legal action. A knowledgeable lawyer could explain the local dog attack laws in more detail.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes in Dog Bite Cases?
A Mount Washington dog bite lawyer can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes in dog bite cases. Four of the most common mistakes found in these types of cases are:
- Waiting too long to pursue a claim and allowing the statute of limitations to expire.
- Failing to report the incident to local animal control so that the dog and dog owner are identified and the case is investigated.
- Failing to get the proper medical treatment needed.
- Trusting the at-fault dog owner to take care of your medical bills and other damages and not timely pursuing your claim.
- Accepting an early or low settlement from an insurance company or defendant, without knowing the value of your case.
We cannot recommend enough that dog bite victims speak with an experienced Mount Washington attorney to avoid common mistakes and to maximize the value of your dog bite claim.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?
Dog bite cases can be quite valuable, but the value of each case depends on numerous factors. Some of the factors that impact a dog bite case include:
- The severity of the wounds or injuries
- The amount of the medical bills
- The location of the dog bites on the injury victim’s body
- The extent of scarring or disfigurement caused by the dog bite attack
- The emotional trauma suffered by the victim
- The circumstances of the attack
- The breed of the dog
- The bite history of the dog
As a practical matter, the amount of insurance coverage available to pay the claim is often a crucial factor in determining how much money an injured person can ultimately recover. A skilled lawyer could help a dog bite victim value their claim accurately.
