Madisonville Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Holding Dog Owners Accountable for Unprovoked Attacks

Dog bites may not always make headlines, but for the victims, the physical and emotional scars can last a lifetime. A sudden attack can leave a person with deep wounds, disfigurement, nerve damage, and a fear of dogs that never goes away. Children, in particular, are especially vulnerable—both to the attack itself and to the long-term trauma it can inflict.

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we fight for people who’ve been seriously injured by dangerous dogs. Kentucky law holds dog owners strictly liable when their pets cause harm, and our Madisonville dog bite injury lawyers build strong cases designed to go the distance—because when a dog owner’s carelessness causes harm, they need to be held responsible in court if that’s what it takes.

Kentucky’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

Kentucky law offers strong protections for dog bite victims. Under KRS 258.235(4), a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes—whether or not the dog has bitten before and even if the owner had no prior reason to believe the dog was dangerous.

This means you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. If the dog bit you or your child and caused injury, the owner is liable. Period.

Strict liability applies not only to bites but to any injury caused by a dog—such as being knocked down or chased into the street. Kentucky courts have also ruled that liability applies to anyone who keeps or harbors the dog—not just the legal owner.

Common Defenses—and How We Fight Them

Even in a strict liability state like Kentucky, dog owners and their insurance companies often try to dodge responsibility. They might argue that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the attack. While these defenses can reduce or bar recovery in some situations, they don’t automatically excuse the owner.

We investigate every case thoroughly. If there’s video footage, witness statements, or a prior history of complaints involving the dog, we’ll find it. If a child was bitten, we push back hard against any unfounded claim that the child “provoked” the dog—especially if the animal was unsupervised or unrestrained.

Our approach is simple: build the strongest case possible, and be ready to try it in court if necessary.

The Real Impact of a Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries are rarely simple. Victims may suffer deep lacerations, crushed tissue, broken bones, or infections like MRSA or rabies. Facial injuries often require plastic surgery, and nerve damage can result in long-term or permanent disability. Many victims are left with highly visible scars, which can be emotionally devastating—particularly for children, teenagers, and young adults.

In the aftermath of an attack, victims often deal with:

• Emergency room visits and follow-up surgeries
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Painful wound care and scar management
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD or a fear of animals
• Missed work and long-term income loss

We work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational specialists to fully understand and document the harm our clients have suffered. We don’t settle for lowball offers—our job is to ensure that compensation reflects the true cost of the injury.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Madisonville

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, there are a few important steps to protect your health and your legal claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor-looking injuries. Dog bites can become infected quickly.
2. Report the bite to your local animal control or health department. This creates an official record and helps determine if the dog has a history of aggression.
3. Take photos of your injuries and, if possible, of the dog and the scene of the attack.
4. Get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses.
5. Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company.

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we recover compensation for you. That means there’s no risk in getting the legal advice you need.

Fighting for Justice and Recovery

We understand that a dog bite injury is more than a legal claim—it’s a life-changing event. We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves. From the moment you contact us, we’ll take the lead in building your case, dealing with the insurance company, and pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and any long-term consequences.

If a family member has tragically died from injuries caused by a dog attack, we can pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf.

Why You Need a Trial-Ready Lawyer

Insurance companies often try to minimize the seriousness of a dog bite or offer quick settlements that don’t come close to covering the full scope of the injuries. They may try to blame the victim or downplay the owner’s responsibility. When you hire Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, you send a clear message: you’re not backing down, and you’re prepared to go to court if necessary.

Our firm focuses on serious injury claims and approaches each case with the attention and intensity it deserves. From day one, we build a case that’s ready for trial—because that’s what it takes to get results.

Call the Madisonville Dog Bite Attorneys at Whitfield Crosby & Flynn Today

Dog owners must take responsibility for their pets. When a dog bite or attack causes injury, the law is on your side—and so are we. Our firm is trial-tested and client-focused, and we never back down from holding wrongdoers accountable.

If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack in Madisonville, contact Whitfield Crosby & Flynn for a free consultation. Let us stand up for you and fight for the justice you deserve.