In a Kentucky personal injury case, an “Act of God” is when:
- A natural event happens that’s so sudden and unavoidable that no amount of “reasonable care” could have stopped injuries from happening.
These situations can make injury claims more complicated. If a natural event is the only cause of the damage, a property owner or driver may not be legally responsible.
But if someone’s negligence made the situation worse, the “Act of God” defense may not apply. Regardless of the circumstances, our Kentucky personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will be there to help you through the process. Set up a free consultation today.
What Are Some Examples of Acts of God in Kentucky?
Given the definition of an “Act of God”, they’re usually centered around natural disasters in Kentucky. Most of the time, it’s going to refer to events like:
- Tornadoes in central and western Kentucky that can tear through homes, farms, and roads.
- Flooding along rivers like the Ohio and Mississippi, especially in low-lying areas.
- Severe storms or hail that can damage roofs, vehicles, and crops.
- Occasional earthquakes, especially near the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
- Droughts that hurt farmland and water supplies.
These events can leave a lot of damage in their wake. Usually, no one is legally responsible—but sometimes human actions can make things worse.
When Can I File a Claim After Damage From an Act of God in Kentucky?
You might wonder: “If a tornado or flood hit my property, can I file a claim?” The short answer is usually not for the natural event itself—nature can’t be sued. But here’s the thing: if someone’s negligence made the damage worse, you might have a case.
This could include situations where:
- Buildings or infrastructure weren’t prepared for known risks, like a barn or bridge that wasn’t reinforced.
- Construction was being done in risky areas without proper safety measures.
- Levees, dams, or drainage systems weren’t properly kept up, leading to flood damage.
- There weren’t enough warnings for upcoming tornadoes, flash floods, or severe storms.
Even during a natural disaster, someone’s actions—or lack of action—can matter. If that’s the case, you may be able to file a personal injury or property damage claim in Kentucky. And at that point, you might be wondering how getting a lawyer can help.
How Does Having a Lawyer Help After an Act of God in Kentucky?
When an “Act of God” hits, it can turn your life upside down in an instant. Even if your injuries or property damage aren’t catastrophic, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. That’s where having a lawyer can make a real difference. Our team at Kaufman & Stigger will:
- Dig into what really happened to see exactly how the disaster affected you and whether someone’s negligence played a role.
- Build your claim with the right information to show the full impact on your life and property.
- Talk to the right people—witnesses, experts, and contractors—so no important detail is missed.
- Handle insurance companies for you so you can focus on recovery, not pressure tactics.
- Push for a fair outcome to make sure your losses and your family’s needs are fully taken care of, whether through settlement or court.
After a natural disaster in Kentucky, you should be focused on recovery—not paperwork, phone calls, or figuring out the law. We guide you through the process and take on the hard parts, so you can focus on what matters most: getting back on your feet. Set up a free consultation today.
