Dog Bite Injuries In Kentucky: How The “One Free Bite” Rule Applies
While dogs are a favorite pet, they can pose risks when their owners fail to provide for and properly restrain them. Dog bites in Kentucky are unfortunately common and can leave innocent victims suffering devastating harm.
After a dog bite, victims often hear the same response: “The dog has never done this before.” Dog owners use this to absolve themselves of guilt and avoid liability. While this could be a viable defense in some states, it’s not in Kentucky. If you were bitten or attacked, our experienced Madisonville dog bite lawyer explains how liability works and your rights in holding the owner liable for your losses.
Dog Owners in Kentucky Don’t Get a Pass Just Because Their Pet Never Bit Anyone Before
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that dogs bite close to one million people in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, even a familiar or otherwise mild-mannered dog can turn vicious if it is hurt, hungry, frightened, or feels the need to protect their owner or their property.
Owners often try to argue that the dog is a beloved family pet and has never bitten anyone before to avoid liability. This is known as the “one free bite” rule. While it may apply in other states, it doesn’t work here.
Under Kentucky Law, even if a dog shows no prior aggressive tendencies, dog owners can be held liable for negligence if they:
- Failed to leash the dog in public areas;
- Allowed it to roam freely in neighborhoods;
- Failed to supervise interactions with others;
- Didn’t post “beware of dog” signs on their property.
Despite the dog owners’ assertions about their dog’s prior behavior, temperament, or training, you have the right to hold them liable for your pain, suffering, and medical costs.
What to Do After a Dog Bite or Attack in Kentucky
After a Kentucky dog bite or attack, taking quick action protects both your health and your rights to compensation. Follow these steps:
- Report it to the police and animal control.
- Give a description of the dog, its owner, and the direction they headed after the attack.
- Get medical care immediately, as bites and scratches pose serious infection risks.
- Keep records documenting your medical care and expenses, and a journal detailing how your injuries impact your life.
Dog bites in Kentucky can cause scarring, disfigurement, and post-traumatic stress. Any insurance settlements need to include compensation for both your current and ongoing costs.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Madisonville Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bites in Kentucky can cause devastating injuries. When negligent owners try to avoid liability, Whitfield Crosby & Flynn provide the comprehensive client service and fierce legal representation needed to make them pay.
While you focus on recovering, our experienced Madisonville dog bite lawyer fights to get you the maximum compensation for your current and future medical care and pain and suffering. To protect your rights in a dog bite claim, contact us today to request a consultation. We have offices to serve clients in Madisonville, Kentucky, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Sources:
avma.org/advocacy/state-local-issues/community-approach-dog-bite-prevention-abstract
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38481
