At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we represent victims of Lexington dog bite accidents. As a runner, you should be able to safely navigate an area without the concern of a dog attack. Our lawyers are here to protect those who have been injured in accidents due to the negligence of dog owners. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential case review so that you can find out how to hold an owner and the insurance company responsible for your injuries.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
A dog bite is a unique set of circumstances but you still have legal options after one of these accidents. If the injuries that you have sustained in a dog bite attack are minor, you may not need to work with a lawyer. However, if the dog bite was more traumatic and you were left with severe injuries, you could benefit from speaking with an attorney.
Our lawyers can assist you in the following ways:
- Explain your legal options to you
- Investigate your claim to determine fault
- Gather evidence such as medical records and photographs from the scene
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Go to trial if settlement is not achieved
Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury?
When you are going for a run in Lexington, you never expect to be involved in an attack involving a dog. If this happens to you, you may wonder who you can hold liable for the attack. In Kentucky, strict liability applies to any cases involving dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is strictly liable for any damages that result from the attack.
Even though dog owners are almost always found responsible for an attack caused by their dog, there could also be other liable parties depending on the circumstances of your accident. While you are on the run, multiple parties could share liability for an accident. These include:
- Property owners
- City or state municipalities
Determining who is liable for an accident can sometimes be difficult to do. Because of this, our attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC are here to assist you.
What Legal Options Do I Have as a Runner After a Dog Bite?
After you have suffered from a dog bite while running in Lexington, you may wonder what legal options are available for you. You have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party. If you file either of these by the deadline, you may be eligible for some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Medical treatment you may incur in the future
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Property damage payments
- Pain and suffering damages
- Scarring and disfigurement
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is one year from the date of your accident or when you first discover your injuries. This is a relatively short statute of limitations, which is why you should seek immediate assistance from a legal advocate after an accident.
How to Respond to a Lexington Dog Bite Accident
A dog bite accident has the ability to cause life-altering injuries and damages. The steps that you take following a dog bite accident while on a run can impact your health and the future of your claim. Here are some steps that you should consider immediately following your accident:
- Move to safety after the dog bite accident and check how severe your bite is.
- Remember where the accident happened, as well as any information regarding the dog and its owner.
- Wash the bite with soap and water and put on antiseptic. Cover your bite with a clean bandage to keep the area clean.
- Seek immediate medical attention so that you can receive any necessary shots or treatment for infection.
- Tell animal control and authorities about the bite.
- Keep good notes and documentation regarding the accident.
After you have taken these steps, speaking with an attorney can help you move forward in the right direction.
Contact a Lexington Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you are in need of assistance after you were bit by a dog while running, it is crucial that you seek legal help from an experienced lawyer. Our Lexington dog bite lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC are here to help you during this emotionally difficult time. We are waiting to hear from you, as it will not cost you a thing to retain us as your attorneys. Please contact us today so that we can help you get started on your claim.
