Clients are hesitant to pursue dog bite cases for a variety of reasons. I don’t want to sue my neighbor or friend. But I’m an animal lover! I’m not the suing type are the three examples I hear the most. I’m a dog bite plaintiffs lawyer and obviously biased. However, here are some considerations on whether or not you need to pursue a dog bite case. Here are some dog bite common questions with answers.
Did The Dog Bite Hurt You?
If you are not hurt there isn’t a case to pursue. End of story. Generally speaking I prefer to for the bite to have broken skin to make it feasible to pursue. However, I have represented clients that have fractured bones attempting to avoid dogs that are chasing them. Each case is evaluated on a case by case basis, but you need to be hurt to have a case to pursue.
Do I Have To Sue My Neighbor For A Dog Bite?
When I sue someone it is really their insurance company that I’m going after. If they don’t have insurance it is a rare situation where I pursue personal assets. My client always makes that call. And this is the reason that people have homeowners insurance. You buy this coverage in the event something goes haywire. And a dog bite is qualifies as that in my humble opinion.
But What If I Am An Animal Lover?
Me too. Its usually not the animal that is the problem. Negligent owners are the parties responsible when a dog bite happens. It sounds kind of funny, but I don’t sue the dog. I sue the owner of the dog for violating Kentucky Law on proper handling of their animal.
Will They Put The Dog Down After A Dog Bite?
If the dog kills someone they will put the dog down. It is up to the government and judge to determine whether or not to put the dog down. I have handled cases with significant injuries where they have not put the dog down. It is an unusual scenario where the government puts the dog down. Normally speaking the dog stays on the property. This often makes my clients angry. My job is to recover money for them for the bite. If the owner keeps the dog on the property I argue with the insurance company about the additional trauma this causes.
Here is a link to my dog bite page with further information: https://louisville-injury-lawyer.com/service/animal-bites/. You can also email me about dog bite cases at bdettman@dettmanlawgroup.com. Advice is free and honest.
