Louisville Dog Bite Attorneys

Who’s Responsible When There’s a Dog Bite in Louisville?

One thing that makes dog bite cases in Kentucky–especially here in Louisville–stand out from other types of injury claims is how the law treats liability. Kentucky follows what’s called a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. That means the dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries. This is important, because when you’re bitten, it means:

• You don’t have to prove that the owner was careless or did something wrong.

• You just have to show that they owned or had control over the dog when the bite happened.

And while the dog’s owner is usually the main person held responsible, they’re not always the only one. In some circumstances, others can share liability, like:

• A landlord who knew there was a dangerous dog on the property and didn’t do anything about it

• A pet sitter, dog walker, or kennel who failed to handle the dog properly

• A business or organization (like a delivery service or dog training company) if the bite happened while someone was working with the dog

Basically, this all just means that when you’re bitten by a dog, the owner is going to be the one that’s primarily responsible. From there, it’s all about taking the right steps to set up a potential claim.

What Steps Should I Take After a Dog Bite in Louisville?

Another unique aspect of a dog bite is how scary and traumatic it can be. Whether it happens after you happen upon an unleashed dog or are bitten by the family dog, your first priority should always be your health and safety. Once you’ve gotten to a safe spot, here’s what you should do:

• Get medical attention right away – Even if the bite looks small, dog bites can lead to serious infections and complications. Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as possible. If the skin is broken, don’t wait.

• Find the dog’s owner – Try to find out who owns the dog and get their name and contact info. If the dog is loose or the owner won’t cooperate, call Louisville Metro Animal Services or the local police.

• Report the bite – It’s important to officially report what happened. Louisville Metro Animal Services will document the incident and investigate, which can be critical later if you decide to file a claim.

• Take photos and write things down – Take pictures of your injuries, the location where it happened, and the dog if possible. Then jot down everything you remember: what led up to the bite, where it happened, and who was around.

These early steps help protect both your health and your legal options. We know it’s chaotic in the moment, but even small details can make a big difference if you choose to pursue a claim.

What Legal Options Do I Have After Getting Bitten by a Dog?

In Kentucky, a dog bite falls under personal injury law—just like a car crash or a slip-and-fall. That means you have the legal right to pursue compensation from the person (or people) responsible. You usually have two paths:

• Filing an insurance claim – This is often the first step. If the dog’s owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you can file a claim directly. It’s generally faster, but insurance companies are focused on saving money–so their first offer probably won’t come close to covering everything you’ve lost. This is especially frustrating given the fact that there’s strict liability in place, but you have further options.

• Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t make a fair offer—or if your injuries are more serious—taking your case to court may be the better route. It takes longer, but it also gives you the chance to recover the full extent of your losses, especially if the court agrees that the owner is responsible.

Either way, here’s what you can potentially recover when you do file a claim:

• Medical expenses – This includes ER bills, follow-up care, medications, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.

• Lost income – This includes any income you miss if your injuries forced you to take time off work or made it harder–or even impossible-to do your job.

• Property damage – This includes repair/replacement costs to things like your clothing, phone, glasses, or anything else that was broken or ruined during the attack.

• Pain and suffering – This covers costs associated with your physical pain, discomfort, and mental strain you’ve gone through during recovery.

• Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers costs associated with any emotional distress like anxiety, fear around dogs, or trauma–especially common with children.
  
  
• Scarring/disfigurement – This includes costs associated with any scarring or disfigurement from the bite, like visible marks or permanent changes to your appearance.

• Loss of enjoyment of life – This includes costs associated with being unable to do things you used to enjoy–whether that’s playing with your kids, exercising, or just feeling confident in public.

In Kentucky, you generally only have one year from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. However, if your child is the one that’s bitten, the clock doesn’t start ticking until they turn 18 years old. Regardless, don’t wait too long to explore your options. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to find the owner or gather vital evidence.

Does Louisville Have a Leash Law?

Kentucky doesn’t have a statewide leash law, instead turning the regulatory and enforcement over to local governments. In Louisville, the city follows Jefferson County Code Section 91.002, which says that:

• Dogs must be restrained at all times when in public areas.

Effectively, that means Louisville has a “leash law” for dogs. Specifically, though, here’s what the requirements are:

• Leash requirement – Dogs must be on a leash not exceeding four feet in length when off their owner’s property.

• Muzzles – Dogs classified as “dangerous” are required to wear a muzzle in addition to being leashed.

These laws are enforced by Louisville Metro Animal Services, and violations can result in fines or other penalties.

Where Do Dog Bites Usually Happen in Louisville?

Dog bites in Louisville can happen almost anywhere, but there are a few places where they tend to happen more often:

• Homes and apartment complexes – Many bites happen while visiting a friend, family member, or neighbor, especially when dogs aren’t properly secured.

• Neighborhoods – Whether you’re out for a walk in places like the Highlands, Crescent Hill, or near Cherokee Triangle, an off-leash or loose dog can quickly turn a peaceful stroll into a dangerous situation.
  
  
• Public spaces – Sidewalks, greenways, and commercial areas—like along Bardstown Road or near the Waterfront–can be risky if dogs are not on a leash or controlled.

• Workplaces or businesses – Some stores and offices in Louisville are pet-friendly, but even a well-behaved dog can lash out if it’s startled or feels cornered.

Dog bites are more than just physical injuries. You might be left with cuts, infections, broken bones, or nerve damage–but the emotional toll can be just as serious. If you’re struggling with anxiety, PTSD, or feeling unsafe after a bite, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you figure out what steps to take once your immediate medical needs are handled.

What Happens If I’m Bitten at a Park?

If you’re bitten at one of Louisville’s dog parks, the park itself–whether it’s run by the city or a private group–could share responsibility under premises liability law. That means whoever owns or manages the park has a legal duty to keep the area reasonably safe for visitors, including keeping aggressive dogs out and making sure the park is maintained properly.

When those responsibilities aren’t met–say the fencing is broken, there’s no signage, or known aggressive dogs are allowed in without intervention–the park’s management could be held partially liable for your injuries. Some of the more popular dog parks in Louisville where bites have the potential to happen include:

• Morton Avenue Dog Park
  
  
• Sawyer Dog Park (Tom Sawyer Park)

• Cochran Hill Dog Run (in Cherokee Park)

• Champions Dog Run (at Champions Park)
  
  
• The Barklands at Beckley Creek Park
  
  
• Vettiner Dog Park

• Waverly Dog Run

• PG&J’s Dog Park Bar (a private dog park/bar)