Dog Bite Attorney in Covington, Kentucky

Dog bite cases are serious and often misunderstood, especially in Kentucky, where dog bite law stands out from many other states. Unlike some jurisdictions that give dog owners a pass the first time their pet bites someone, Kentucky law is far stricter.

In Kentucky, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog, even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten anyone. That means injured victims don’t have to prove that the dog had a known history of aggression. If a dog causes harm, the owner can be held responsible for the damages.

Understanding how these cases work under personal injury law in Kentucky is essential if you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, lost wages, and long-term health problems.

At The Berger Firm, we often speak with clients who’ve been hurt by dog bites or other animal attacks. Our job is to help clients recover what they’ve lost and make informed decisions about their legal rights. Contact us today to learn how we can support you after experiencing a dog bite in Covington, Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Strict Liability Rule

Kentucky law holds dog owners strictly liable under KRS 258.235(4). This statute is clear: “Any owner whose dog is found to have caused damage to a person, livestock, or other property shall be responsible for that damage.” That language makes Kentucky one of the most victim-friendly states when it comes to dog bite cases.

What this means in practice is that we don’t have to prove negligence. We don’t have to show that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for the injury. 

That simplifies some aspects of a personal injury claim but also increases the likelihood that the dog owner or their insurer will try to argue that the injured person provoked the animal or was trespassing.

We’re prepared for those arguments. We’ve worked with many clients who were lawfully present on a property—jogging on a sidewalk, delivering a package, or visiting a friend—when a dog attack changed their life in an instant.

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks

Dog bites aren’t just puncture wounds. They often result in much more serious injuries, especially when the victim is a child or elderly person. We’ve handled personal injury cases involving:

• Severe lacerations and torn skin
  

• Broken bones from being knocked down
  

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  

• Nerve damage
  

• Infections requiring surgery
  

• Emotional trauma, including PTSD

In some cases, the physical damage is only the beginning. Victims may require months or years of treatment, reconstructive surgery, and therapy. These costs add up quickly, and the emotional toll can be just as heavy.

Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases

Because of Kentucky’s strict liability approach, many dog bite victims are entitled to recover compensation for their losses. The purpose of personal injury law is to help victims recover financially and emotionally. We pursue full compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
  

• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
  

• Pain and suffering
  

• Emotional distress
  

• Scarring and disfigurement
  

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Sometimes these cases settle with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. Other times, we need to file a lawsuit to get the proper amount. In either case, we stay focused on what’s best for the client.

What If the Victim Was a Child?

When a child is the victim of a dog bite, we handle the case with special care. Children often suffer the most severe physical and psychological injuries. Under Kentucky law, a parent or legal guardian can bring a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor. 

Courts will typically require approval of any settlement involving a child to protect the child’s interests.

We’ve worked with families whose children were bitten on the face, arms, and legs while playing in a neighbor’s yard or even walking to school. These children often need multiple surgeries and years of counseling. We make sure their long-term needs are fully addressed in any settlement or judgment.

When Dog Owners Try to Avoid Responsibility

Even with strict liability, we often see dog owners—or their insurance companies—try to avoid paying what’s owed. They might claim:

• The victim provoked the dog
  

• The victim was trespassing
  

• The victim assumed the risk by approaching the animal
  

• The injuries weren’t caused by the dog

We push back on these tactics with strong facts and careful legal arguments. Kentucky’s personal injury laws favor the victim, but that doesn’t stop insurers from making excuses. 

We’ve seen it all—from denying the dog bit anyone to arguing that injuries were exaggerated. That’s why having proper legal representation makes a real difference.

What You Should Do After a Dog Bite.

After a dog bite injury, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

1. Get medical attention immediately: Even if the wound seems minor, you should get checked out. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and can damage deeper tissues.
   

2. Report the incident to animal control: Make a formal report with your local county animal control or law enforcement agency. This creates an official record.
   

3. Get the dog owner’s contact information: If possible, collect the name, address, and phone number of the dog owner, as well as any vaccination information about the dog.
   

4. Take photos of your injuries and the scene: Visual evidence is powerful. Take pictures of bite marks, torn clothing, blood stains, and the dog if it’s visible.
   

5. Identify any witnesses: If anyone saw the attack happen, get their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can help confirm your version of events.
   

6. Don’t speak with the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer: Anything you say may be used to minimize your claim. It’s better to let us speak on your behalf.
   

7. Contact a law firm that handles personal injury claims: The sooner we’re involved, the sooner we can begin building a strong case and protecting your rights.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kentucky, taking the above steps immediately can make your case stronger. These situations can be stressful, but documenting everything helps support your personal injury claim.

What If the Dog Belonged to a Friend or Relative?

We understand that dog bite cases often involve people the victim knows. Many of our clients are hesitant to file a claim because the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member. But it’s important to understand that most personal injury claims are handled through insurance—not out of the dog owner’s personal pocket.

Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will usually cover the damages. Filing a claim doesn’t mean you’re suing your neighbor; it means you’re accessing insurance coverage that’s there for this very reason. If you’ve been hurt, you deserve help—no matter who owned the dog.

What About Dogs That Weren’t on a Leash?

Kentucky doesn’t have a statewide leash law, but many cities and counties do. In places where leash laws are in place, having a dog off-leash in public may strengthen your personal injury case. If the dog ran loose and bit someone, that can support the argument that the owner acted irresponsibly.

We always investigate local ordinances as part of our legal work. Whether or not a leash law applies, the strict liability rule still makes the owner responsible.

Statute of Limitations in Kentucky Dog Bite Cases

Under Kentucky law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the injury. That means if you were bitten by a dog, you generally have one year to file a lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, your case can be dismissed, no matter how severe your injuries were.

This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. We urge all potential clients to contact us as soon as possible after an injury. Early action gives us more time to collect evidence, contact witnesses, and build a stronger case.