Some dogs don’t like mail carriers, newspaper deliverers and especially motorcycles. Anyone who’s ridden a motorcycle through a neighborhood has had a dog chase them while barking ferociously. Most of the time, the rider outruns the dog, but sometimes the dog catches up and bites.
When this happens, it’s your first instinct is to get out of there—which is smart. But then what do you do?
Kentucky Dog Bite Law
In Kentucky, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for the injuries when their dog bites someone. This is different than some states where the victim has to prove that the owner was negligent in keeping their dog from biting people.
Once a person is bitten or attacked, the owner has to pay for all their injuries and financial losses caused by the bite. This is usually things like medical bills, lost time from work, permanent damage or disability and mental pain and anguish.
The Problem with Motorcycle Dog Bites
Sounds like the law is on the side of the victim, however, you still have to prove that the dog bit you and who the owner is. If the victim takes off to get away from the dog, then it might be difficult to prove your case.
The following can help you make your case against the owner of the dog:
- After getting at a safe distance, get pictures of your bite and of the dog, if you are able.
- Once you’ve received medical help, go back to the site in a car and see if you can find the dog and take pictures and then determine the owner.
- If you are uncomfortable going back alone, then you can contact your area’s animal control, and they will go to the site and investigate whether there is a vicious dog. In Lousiville, click here for your animal control department.
- Make a log about what happened, the location and time when bit.
- Get a copy of all medical bills, treatment, rehab, surgery and any other medical-related documentation.
What Can I Sue For?
When you are bitten by a dog, you can seek damage in civil court to compensate you for your losses. The most obvious is medical bills and medical-related expenses, however, the law allows other damages as well, some of the most common are:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Time from Work
- Travel to Medical Treatment
- Future Disability
- Permanent Disfigurement
- Mental Pain and Anguish/PTSD
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Job Retraining if Needed
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Dog bite victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field. Talk to a Louisville Dog Bite Attorney who will be on your side and get you what is yours under the law.
The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, at (800) 937-8443 or click here to contact them online.
