Dog bites can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for the victim. Unfortunately, dog attacks are not uncommon. The Insurance Information Institute (III), an industry association that focuses on providing information to the public about insurance issues, reports that more than one-third of homeowner’s claims paid out in recent years were the result of dog bite injuries.
According to their most recent data, the III explains that insurance providers paid 17,567 such claims in 2020 and 17,989 in 2021.
What are the common costs of a dog bite injury?
Victims of dog bites often face a variety of expenses that can add up quickly. These costs may include:
- Medical expenses: emergency room visits, follow-up care, and possible surgeries
- Lost wages: time off work due to injury
- Rehabilitation costs: physical or occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling: treatment for emotional distress caused by the attack
These expenses highlight the importance of understanding who is liable for the costs incurred by a dog bite in Kentucky. The III further reports that the average claim was over $50,000 in 2020.
Who bears financial responsibility after a dog bite injury in Kentucky?
Kentucky law is quite clear when it comes to liability in dog bite cases. The state follows a “strict liability” rule, meaning the state generally holds the dog owner responsible for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness. As noted above, these costs are often paid through the dog owner’s home insurance provider.
It is important to point out that the insurance provider is not looking out for the victim’s well being — they are looking out for their bottom line. As such, it is important to gather evidence and prepare to fight to get the compensation you deserve after a dog bite injury.
How long does it take to get compensation to help cover the costs resulting from a dog bite?
The exact timeline will vary depending on the details of the case and the time spent on each step. Aside from medical treatment, the next important steps are documentation, reporting, and filing the claim. Take the time to collect the names and contact information of witnesses and take photos of injuries and the location. It is also wise to notify local animal control or the police to file a report. Once this information is gathered and organized, you can consider filing a claim against the dog owner. This process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of all parties involved.