Dog bites can cause serious injuries and lead to financial burdens. In Kentucky, strict liability laws mean the dog’s owner is responsible for injuries their pet causes. Compensation can cover various expenses and impacts.
Medical expenses
Compensation can cover all medical costs related to the dog bite, including:
- Emergency visits
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Ongoing treatments
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments to claim the full amount spent on recovery.
Lost wages
If the bite causes you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes immediate time off and any future earnings if your ability to work gets impacted long-term. Document all missed workdays and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
You may win compensation for pain and suffering, which considers physical pain and emotional distress (non-economic damages). The amount varies depending on the injury’s severity and impact on daily life. While harder to quantify, it is a crucial part of your claim.
Property damage
If the attack damaged personal property, such as torn clothing or broken items, the court could compensate you for these losses. Keep receipts or estimates for repairs or replacements to include in your claim.
Kentucky’s statute of limitations
Kentucky’s statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is one year from the date of the bite. Acting promptly ensures you do not miss this critical deadline, which can prevent you from receiving compensation.
Impact of shared fault
Kentucky follows comparative negligence laws, meaning if the court finds you partially at fault for the incident, they may reduce your compensation. For example, if you provoked the dog, they may adjust your compensation based on your percentage of fault.
Securing your peace of mind
Navigating a dog bite claim in Kentucky involves understanding compensation factors. Ensure the court considers all aspects of your suffering to seek fair compensation without undue financial strain.
