What you’ll learn from this article:
- Delaying reporting a dog bite comes with risks to your health, your future, and the safety of the community.
- Report a dog bite promptly and speak to an experienced dog bite injury lawyer to discuss your options.
- Kentucky dog owners can be held responsible when their dogs injure people.
After a dog bite injury, you’ll be wondering what to do next and how to go about reporting a dog bite. This isn’t a situation you ever envisioned, but it’s more common than you might think.
More than 800,000 people need medical attention for dog bites in the U.S. every year, and Kentucky is among the states with high rates of dog-related injuries. Currently, Louisville, Kentucky ranks #12 in the nation for dog bites.
In this article, we’ll describe what happens after dog bites and explain how you can take action to empower yourself and protect yourself.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite?
There is no deadline to report a dog bite in Kentucky, but waiting too long comes with certain drawbacks. The statute of limitations for starting a dog bite case is one year from the date of the bite. After this deadline, you lose your legal right to claim injury compensation.
The statute of limitations is extended for a dog bite victim who is under the age of 18. Still, it’s best to report the dog bite immediately to establish the timeline, create an official record of what happened, and help the authorities deal with a dangerous dog that may be a threat to the community.
Waiting too long can also put your health at risk. Dog bite injuries cause serious bodily harm and severe infections that can become much worse when they persist too long. Complications like cellulitis and rabies can lead to extreme illness and death.
What Happens After You Make a Report?
Seek medical care immediately after a dog bite by calling 911 or visiting a doctor. In Kentucky, doctors are obligated to report dog bites within 12 hours, so don’t be surprised if your doctor notifies the local health department.
Whether you report the bite or someone else does, the authorities will attempt to locate the dog and establish whether it is an ongoing danger and if it has its required rabies vaccination. You can request a copy of the incident report, which could be helpful later if you choose to pursue a case for dog bite injury compensation against the dog’s owner.
In terms of who will be held responsible for the bite, state law in Kentucky places strict liability for dog bites on dog owners. There is no need to prove that the dog or its owner intended to harm you, or that the dog was previously aggressive. It’s enough to prove that the dog bit you and caused injury.
Kentucky is also a comparative fault state, which means that each person’s level of contribution to the dog bite injury will be considered. If you contributed to being bitten in some way, you’re still eligible for partial compensation.
A dog owner who fails to control their dog or encourages it to bite someone can face criminal consequences. When a dog viciously attacks someone while out of the owner’s control, or if the dog’s owner fails to appear in court, they may face 10 to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $200.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Kentucky
Reporting a dog bite involves contacting your local authorities and filling out a form about the incident. In the Louisville area, you can use the animal bite reporting form to report a dog bite and provide details about the location, time, and so forth.
You can also report a dog bite by contacting a dog bite injury lawyer and working with them to make the correct notifications and start your accident claim. By working with the right lawyer, you have the best chance of securing the injury compensation you need to recover from the dog bite and move forward with your life.
Reporting a Dog Bite? Contact McCoy & Sparks
If you’re wondering what to do after a dog bite, you’ll find compassionate and experienced legal assistance from the team at McCoy & Sparks. We’ll help you understand how to report a dog bite and explain your legal options.
We charge no up-front fees for dog bite accident cases and you owe McCoy & Sparks nothing until we recover compensation for you. Schedule your FREE consultation today by calling 844-459-9467 or filling out our online form.