For many people in Paducah, dogs are cherished family members. But dogs are still animals that can and do bite unexpectedly. According to a recent medical study, dog bites cause an estimated 337,000 emergency room visits annually in the United States, costing at least $400 million. Dog bite victims should not have to pay the price of a dog owner’s carelessness.
If you suffered a dog bite injury in Paducah, Kentucky, you don’t have to face this challenging experience alone. Our qualified dog bite attorneys want to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you have suffered due to your injury.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our experienced dog bite lawyers are ready to stand up for your rights and fight for a fair recovery for you after an animal attack. When you come to us for help, we can explain your legal options and help you pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today and learn more about how our dog bite attorneys can put Kentucky Courage™ to work for you.
Legal Rights and Options for Dog Bite Victims in Paducah, KY
Some states have so-called “one-bite” rules for dog bite injury claims. If you get bitten by a dog that has never previously attacked anyone in a one-bite rule state, you must show the owner knew or should have known about their dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to confine their dog to hold them liable.
Kentucky does not have a one-bite rule. For dog bite cases in Kentucky, the legal doctrine of strict liability applies, meaning a dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their pet, regardless of whether they knew of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or took reasonable measures to control the animal. That means the chances of success for a dog bite claim in Kentucky are higher than in many other states.
In most cases, dog owners do not pay for dog bite claims out of pocket, as most homeowners’ and renters’ liability insurance policies cover dog bite claims. Dog bite claims are among the most common types of claims that homeowners’ insurance pays out for. However, some homeowners’ insurance policies contain exclusions for certain types of dogs, such as Rottweilers. Our knowledgeable Paducah dog bite injury lawyers can help you identify all possible sources of compensation for your losses and then demand a fair settlement for you.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause physical and emotional trauma with long-lasting effects. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations – Dog bites can cause deep lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery. These lacerations can lead to scarring, nerve damage, and infections.
- Puncture wounds – Dogs have sharp teeth that can penetrate deep into the skin and soft tissues, causing intense pain and potential long-term damage to muscles, tendons, and bones.
- Tissue damage – Muscles and tissue often sustain damage from dog bites, resulting in bruising and swelling. In some cases, more severe tissue damage could limit mobility over the long term.
- Infections – Germs from a dog’s mouth can enter the body through a dog bite wound, leading to infections and other illnesses, including rabies.
- Amputations – In some cases, a severe dog bite can result in the need for surgical amputation.
- Disfigurement – Dog bites can result in severe disfigurement due to permanent scarring.
- Psychological trauma – Dog bite attacks are often emotionally traumatic for victims, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The medical costs associated with dog bites can be expensive. Our Kentucky dog bite lawyers are ready to demand compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
How to Prove Liability in a Dog Bite Case
When you file a dog bite injury claim in Kentucky, you must provide evidence to support your case, which could include the following:
- Medical records – One of the most critical pieces of evidence in a dog bite case is your medical records. Keep copies of all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and other documents related to the injury and your medical treatment.
- Photos – Photos are often instrumental in establishing liability in a dog bite case. Take pictures of the incident scene, visible injuries, and the dog that bit you, if possible.
- Witness statements – Gather witness statements from anyone who witnessed the attack, including any who saw or heard the attack or saw the dog just before the attack.
- Animal control reports – In some jurisdictions, you can file a report with animal control after a dog bite occurs. If this is true for you, getting a copy of the animal control report is a good idea.
In most dog bite claims, the owner is solely liable, but sometimes, a third party could also share liability. Common third-party defendants include the parents of dog owners who are minors, negligent dog sitters or kennel owners, and possibly property owners who allowed the dog onto their property. Consult with our experienced attorneys to determine who could be liable in your case and what evidence is necessary to prove your claim.
How to Seek Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury
When you file a successful dog bite claim, you could recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses – You might be able to recover costs related to your medical treatments, such as bills from hospital stays, ambulance rides, doctor’s visits, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages – If you cannot work due to your injury, you might be able to seek compensation for your lost wages and lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – You could be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering from the bite.
- Mental anguish – You could also seek compensation for any mental anguish or emotional distress you experience due to the incident.
- Disfigurement – You could be entitled to compensation if the attack leaves permanent scars or other disfiguring effects.
Each case is unique, and the compensation available depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries and any applicable insurance coverage limits. Additionally, if you were partly to blame for the attack, your total compensation could be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Our experienced dog bite lawyers in Paducah can help you determine how much compensation you can seek in your case. With your attorney’s help, you can pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Remember that taking action quickly after a dog bite injury is essential. Under Kentucky law, dog bite victims must file a lawsuit within one year of the day of the dog bite injury, or they could lose the ability to sue for compensation. This one-year deadline can come and go quickly, so it’s essential to speak with a skilled attorney as soon as possible after a Kentucky dog bite injury.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Paducah
If a dog injured you or a loved one in Paducah, Kentucky, you might wonder if you should hire a lawyer to help with your case. After all, it’s tempting just to let the insurance companies handle everything. But without a lawyer, you run the risk of accepting a settlement that doesn’t meet your needs, ultimately forcing you to cover your expenses out-of-pocket.
Here are some of the key reasons why you need a dog bite lawyer in Paducah:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the law – Dog bite claims require an understanding of both state and local laws. Our experienced dog bite lawyers in Paducah have in-depth knowledge of the laws that apply to your case and can build a strong case on your behalf.
- Proven strategies – Our Paducah dog bite attorneys know how best to present your case to insurance adjusters and courts. We can also work with medical experts and other professionals who can support your claim and pursue the best possible outcome.
- Negotiating power – Our dog bite lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies, defense attorneys, and other parties involved in the case to demand a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Representation – Our qualified dog bite attorneys can negotiate on your behalf during settlement talks and represent you in court if necessary to seek fair compensation.
- A strong advocate – Above all else, our dog bite lawyers are committed to championing your interests. We are equipped to fight for your rights and protect you from costly mistakes.
Speak With a Paducah Dog Bite Attorney Today
A qualified dog bite lawyer from Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help you explore your options and pursue maximum compensation after a dog bite injury. We understand dog bites can be painful, debilitating, and emotionally traumatic. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique concerns, and develop a personalized legal strategy accordingly.
To learn more about how we can help, contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Paducah dog bite attorneys.
