Dog bite injuries are often compensable under the law

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2017 | Personal Injury |

Pets bring joy to their owners’ lives and often become members of their human families. While Kentucky residents keep large animals like horses as companions, many homes throughout the state include one of the most popular types of pets: dogs. From little lap dogs to large working dogs, canine companions are often loyal and loving to the people who care for them.

Dogs, though, can be territorial and unwilling to extend their affection to strangers or even individuals they know who come too close to them. An unsuspecting individual may suffer a dog bite or animal attack if a dog feels threatened by their presence. While some dog bites are minor incidents, others can be life-threatening when the attacks are violent.

Because dogs can carry potentially fatal diseases like rabies, it is important that humans who suffer bites seek medical assistance after their attacks. The dogs should be assessed for their propensity to carry such diseases and human victims should be treated for any punctures, broken bones or other trauma sustained in their attacks.

Medical records obtained after a dog attack can serve as evidence of damages if a victim chooses to sue the owner of the animal who attacked them. In general, dog owners are responsible for their animals’ actions and a dog owner who knew or should have known of their pet’s dangerous propensities can be held liable for the harm they cause through premises liability laws.

Most dogs are sweet, loving creatures that enjoy their time with humans. Some, however, may not be able to control themselves if they feel threatened by those around them. Dog bites can be serious legal matters and those who suffer injuries from other people’s pets may be entitled to compensation for their losses. If you have been injured by someone else’s dog, you may wish to contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Sheehan, Barnett, Dean, Pennington, Dexter & Tucker, P.S.C. or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.