Louisville Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

While they’re often referred to as “man’s best friend” and populate the majority of our social media feeds doing tricks or being adorable, dogs are still animals and, in some instances, act aggressively and may attack. When this happens, it can be an extremely traumatizing, painful, and life-changing experience. Dog or other animal bites not only cause physical pain and suffering but can also leave victims with severe emotional distress that stays with them for months and even years to come. Because of this, it is usually necessary to receive medical and psychological treatment, resulting in stacks of medical bills with no clear way of paying them.

If you or someone you love has experienced the trauma of a dog or animal attack, it’s important to know that you are not alone. The Louisville dog bite attorneys at the Sampson Law Firm have helped a number of people just like you get the financial compensation they needed following a dog attack. You shouldn’t have to pay for medical expenses caused by the actions of a negligent dog owner. And while recovering from your injuries may seem like your top priority following a dog bite, the financial compensation you can receive from a lawsuit or out of court settlement will help you recover and relieve the stress caused by the accumulation of medical bills. To speak with one of our experienced and caring attorneys, contact us today at [phone number] and schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose the Sampson Law Firm?

The trauma victims face following a dog or animal attack can be so overwhelming that it can be difficult to think clearly and calmly. It can also be difficult to take legal action against a dog owner, especially if it’s someone you know personally. That’s why you need a professional dog bite attorney experienced in handling these types of lawsuits; one who can take care of the complicated filing process while you focus on the most important thing, your recovery. For years, we have dedicated our careers and lives to helping victims like you get the compensation you deserve following a traumatic, life-altering experience. We take the time to get to know our clients, working tirelessly to help each and every one of them recover and get their lives back on track following these traumatic experiences.

Consequences of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Accidents happen, but in most cases, victims of dog bites and animal attacks suffer at the hands of negligent owners. Whether it’s a broken fence post or failure to have the dog on a leash, when pet owners act irresponsibly they need to be held accountable.

However, the state of Kentucky is a “strict liability” state for dog bites. This means the dog owner is liable for all injuries caused by a dog bite, even if it’s the first and only time the dog has acted aggressively or the owner used reasonable care to try and prevent the bite. Simply put, you don’t have to prove negligence to receive compensation.

These dog bite laws exist to give victims the right to collect damages for injuries suffered due to someone else’s fault. Depending on the size of the dog and severity of the attack, victims can suffer a number of injuries including the following:

Severe lacerations
Hemorrhaging
Severe contusions
Broken bones
Puncture wounds
Bacterial infections
Viral infections, such as rabies

All of these can result in life-changing physical and mental health. When a negligent pet owner is at fault and responsible for a dog bite, they should be held accountable. That’s why you need a professional and vigilant dog bite attorney in your corner every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, dog bite or animal attack victims have never been through this type of trauma before, and likely have a number of questions about their options, the filing process, and the cost of a dog bite attorney. We are here to help explain every aspect of the legal process so you understand your rights and what will happen moving forward with legal action. Click one of the links below for more information regarding dog bites or continue reading to see if your specific question is similar to one that many people have asked us.

If you have specific questions about your case, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call a Louisville dog bite attorney at [phone number] today.

What should I do if I’m bit by a dog?

First and foremost make sure you receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you need it. Nothing is more important than your health and treating wounds. If your bite doesn’t need immediate medical attention, we suggest doing the following at the scene:

Get names, phone numbers and personal information of the dog owner, the person with the dog at the time of the attack (if different from owner), and any possible witnesses at the scene.
Take photos of your injuries.
Get documentation from the doctor’s office or emergency room detailing treatment you received.
File a report with the agency in your town or community that handles animal control.

What types of damages can I collect?

While Kentucky is a “strict liability” dog bite state, under the state’s pure comparative negligence law, the amount of damages a dog owner is required to pay a victim is dependant on the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. This means that the amount of damages could be reduced if the victim was trespassing or somehow provoked the animal. For example, if the case goes to court and the judge or jury finds the victim 30 percent at fault and the total damages amount to $20,000, the victim would only receive $14,000.

Whether or not you were responsible for the attack, dog bite victims have the right to collect damages for the following:

All past, present, and any future medical bills related to your dog bite or animal attack injuries.
Cost of plastic surgery if you were bitten in the face.
Lost wages suffered for taking time off work for doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and physical therapy treatment.
Emotional distress brought on by an attack or dog bite.
Replacing or repairing any property damaged during the attack.
Disfigurement or permanent disability caused by the dog bite.
All other costs you’ve incurred as a result of your dog bite or animal attack injuries.

The dog owner’s insurance company called me. What should and shouldn’t I do?

This is very important for your case. If the dog owner is insured, you may get a call from his or her insurance company. If this happens, it’s important to know what to and what to not say to protect yourself and your case. If you receive a call, you should ask for the name of the company, the address, telephone number, claim number, the name of the insured, and the amount of money available to pay for medical bills.

Unfortunately, some insurance agents may ask you questions to try and get you to say something that could hurt your case or somehow place the blame on you and not the dog owner. Make sure never to do or discuss any of the following:

Talk about money, payment, a settlement, or literally any other topic involving money.
Don’t agree that the call be recorded and do not let yourself be photographed (if the agent tries to meet with you in person).
Do not talk about whose fault it was or discuss who is responsible.
Don’t write or submit a letter or statement.

Will my case go to court?

Every dog bite case is unique and whether or not your case goes to court will depend on a number of variables. Settling a case outside of court involves negotiations between us and the dog owner, their insurance company, and their respective attorneys. Ideally, we will reach a quick and easy settlement that pays for all of your damages. If not, we will proceed to court where your case will be decided by a judge and/or jury.

How much will it cost to talk with a dog bite lawyer?

At the Sampson Law Firm, our goal and purpose is to help you get the compensation you deserve so you can move on with your life. We know the aftermath of a dog attack can be a whirlwind, leaving you with stacks of bills and a feeling of helplessness. That’s why your initial consultation with a Louisville dog bite attorney is confidential and free of charge.

Contact Us

The best dog bite and animal attack injury attorneys take the time to get to know their clients personally, explain every detail of your case, and help you decide whether or not to reach a settlement with the dog owner or take your case to court. At the Sampson Law Firm, we do all of this and more. We guarantee we will explore every possibility to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our Louisville dog bite attorneys today at [phone number] and take control of your future.