Erlanger Dog Bite Lawyer

Even well-trained and thoroughly domesticated dogs can still act aggressively if they feel threatened or afraid, and dogs with less diligent owners can sometimes be even more dangerous in this way. Fortunately, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is one of many states that holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause to other people, whether those injuries stem from the dog biting someone else, knocking them over, or doing just about anything else to cause them harm.

That said, successfully filing a civil suit over a dog attack here can still be complicated in many ways, and you may have serious trouble getting comprehensive compensation if you try to pursue your claim without a skilled personal injury attorney’s help. With an experienced Erlanger dog bite lawyer on your side, you could have an easier time building a strong case around an incident like this and seeking monetary damages for the harm you unfairly sustained.

Are Dog Owners in Erlanger Always Liable for Bite Injuries?

As noted above, Kentucky law holds dog owners strictly liable for all harm their pet causes by biting, scratching, jumping on, or otherwise aggressively contacting another person. In this context, “damages” includes not only medical expenses required to treat injuries but also additional economic and non-economic harm, such as lost work income, property damage, physical pain, and psychological trauma.

However, while there is no need to prove a dog owner at fault for their dog’s aggressive behavior, the owner could reduce financial liability by showing that the injured person contributed to causing their own injuries through irresponsible actions. As your attorney could explain in more detail, the two most common forms of comparative negligence in Erlanger dog bite claims involve the injured person provoking the dog or the injured person trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of the incident.

Seeking Compensation Within Filing Time Limits

Another legal obstacle our lawyers could help you navigate during a dog bite lawsuit in Erlanger is the statute of limitations. This is the deadline under Kentucky law that governs how long an injured person has from the date of the incident to file suit against the party responsible for that harm.

With very few exceptions, the filing period for a dog bite lawsuit begins on the date the bite occurred and ends one year later, regardless of how long the effects of the injury may continue. This period is significantly shorter than the deadline in many other states for similar claims, so you should contact legal counsel promptly after a dangerous dog causes harm. Doing so could be vital to protecting your right to pursue compensation.

Discuss Legal Options with an Erlanger Dog Bite Attorney

The concept of strict liability may make pursuing a claim against a dog’s owner for a bite injury seem simple and straightforward. While this type of case is more direct than many other personal injury claims, it is not always simple, nor is there any guarantee of a favorable result if you attempt to pursue the claim without legal guidance.

Working with a capable Erlanger dog bite lawyer will make a huge difference in how effectively you can enforce your rights and move on with your life after being hurt by someone else’s pet. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.