Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC represents victims of dog bites in Kentucky. A dog bite can happen at any time, but most of them happen in homes–and one of the most popular times of the year for family gatherings is during the holidays. This is an incredibly stressful situation, but our team of dog bite lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger will be there to guide you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who’s Responsible For a Dog Bite at a Christmas Party in Kentucky?
Legally speaking, it doesn’t matter where a dog bite happens in Kentucky: the dog’s owner is responsible for the damage under the state’s “strict liability” law. So, if you’re bitten by a family member’s dog at a holiday party in Kentucky, your family member is legally responsible for covering your injuries.
However, you might not want to take legal action against a family member. But at the same time, a dog bite can cause serious injuries. This usually requires that you file an injury claim and get financial support. You do this by:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
The goal of filing a claim isn’t to assign blame, it’s to get financial support for your injuries and other losses. Even a small dog bite at a holiday party can lead to complications. So, filing a claim allows you to recover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
In Kentucky, you generally have one year to file a claim, but it’s best to act quickly to protect evidence and strengthen your case. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, from deep wounds to infections like rabies. Getting financial support can help with your recovery and well-being, even if you have to go through a family member’s insurance company to get it.
What Should You Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog at a Family Holiday Gathering in Kentucky?
A dog bite at a family holiday gathering in Kentucky can be challenging, especially when it involves a loved one. To make the claims process smoother for everyone, here are a few steps you can take:
- Stay calm – Remaining calm is very important. Keep the conversation respectful and open with your family members. Let them know that filing a claim is necessary to cover medical bills and other expenses–it’s about getting the care you need, not assigning blame.
- Get insurance information – Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. Work with your family member to report the incident to their insurance company. This will shift the financial responsibility to the insurance, helping reduce any awkwardness.
- Document everything – Take photos of your injuries, track medical treatments, and record any time you miss from work. Clear documentation can help speed up the claims process, making it easier for everyone involved.
- Be understanding – Dog bites can create tension, especially during the holidays. Focus on your need for medical care and recovery rather than pointing fingers at your family member or others.
While you might not expect to be in this situation, since you’re likely familiar with your family’s dogs and their behavior, holiday gatherings can be stressful–even for well-behaved dogs.
Why Would a Dog Bite Happen at a Family Holiday Gathering in Kentucky?
Even though you’re familiar with your family’s dogs at a holiday gathering, the stress of the event can cause unexpected issues. Despite knowing everyone and being used to the surroundings, a dog bite can happen amidst the holiday chaos. Here are a few reasons why:
- Too many people – Dogs may feel overwhelmed or anxious when there are too many unfamiliar faces or loud noises around.
- Children not being careful – Children might pull on the dog’s tail, pet too roughly, or invade their space, which could cause the dog to react defensively.
- Being around food – Dogs can become territorial over food scraps, especially if someone tries to take it away.
- Disrupted routines – Holiday gatherings can disrupt a dog’s usual routine, leading to stress or irritability.
- Not having enough supervision – While hosting, dog owners may not be paying enough attention to their dog’s behavior or their interactions with guests.
To prevent a situation like this, it helps to keep the dog in a calm area, keep an eye on interactions, and teach children how to approach dogs properly. However, if a bite does happen, you can turn to our team for legal guidance and getting a result that works for your whole family.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger For Legal Support After a Dog Bite at a Kentucky Holiday Gathering
A dog bite at a family holiday gathering can be painful and stressful. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky dog bite lawyers are here to help you. We’ll manage your claim carefully to prioritize your family relationships while also making sure you get the financial support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
