Oct 13 2025 19:00

When Is a Dog Owner Liable for a Bite or Attack?

Dog bites are more common than many people realize, and they can leave victims with serious injuries, scarring, and emotional trauma. Kentucky law makes it clear that dog owners are responsible when their pets cause harm—but understanding when and how a dog owner is legally liable can help victims protect their rights.

 

At Jeff Sampson Law, our team of Louisville dog bite lawyers has helped many clients recover compensation after a serious dog attack. If you or your child has been bitten, knowing the law can help you move forward with confidence.

 

Kentucky’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability

 

Unlike some states that give dog owners “one free bite” before liability applies, Kentucky is a strict liability state. This means that:

  • A dog owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before.

  • Victims do not have to prove the owner was negligent—only that the dog caused the injury.

  • Liability applies whether the bite occurred on the owner’s property, in public, or on someone else’s property.

In short, if you were attacked, you may be entitled to compensation, and a dog bite attorney in Louisville can help you file a claim.

 

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

 

Dog bites can lead to more than just surface wounds. Many of our clients suffer from:

  • Severe lacerations and puncture wounds

  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement

  • Infections and nerve damage

  • Emotional trauma, including anxiety or fear of dogs

Children are especially vulnerable to devastating injuries, which is why Kentucky law provides strong protections for dog bite victims.

 

What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Bite?

 

An experienced Louisville personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages such as:

  • Medical bills (emergency care, stitches, surgeries, and follow-up care)

  • Lost wages if you are unable to work while recovering

  • Pain and suffering

  • Costs related to scarring, plastic surgery, or long-term trauma

Every case is unique, but working with a skilled dog bite lawyer in Kentucky ensures that victims pursue the full compensation they are entitled to.

 

Defenses Dog Owners May Raise

 

While Kentucky law strongly favors victims, dog owners and their insurance companies may still try to avoid responsibility. Common defenses include:

  • Claiming the victim provoked the dog

  • Arguing the victim was trespassing

  • Downplaying the seriousness of the injuries

This is why it’s important to work with an experienced Louisville dog bite lawyer who can anticipate these arguments and fight back.

 

How Jeff Sampson Law Can Help

 

Our personal injury law firm in Louisville has the knowledge and resources to hold negligent dog owners accountable. We work closely with victims to document injuries, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair settlements—or take cases to trial when necessary.

 

In addition to dog bite cases, we represent clients in:

  • Car and truck accidents – Call a trusted Louisville car accident attorney or truck accident lawyer in Louisville

  • Motorcycle crashes – Work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Louisville

  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – Protected by a Louisville pedestrian accident lawyer or bicycle accident attorney in Louisville

  • Medical malpractice, product liability, and burn injury claims

If negligence caused your injury, you are entitled to compensation under Kentucky law.

 

Contact a Louisville Dog Bite Attorney Today

 

If you or your loved one was bitten by a dog, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Louisville, the stronger your case will be.

 

📞 Call Jeff Sampson Law today for a free consultation. Our team of dedicated Kentucky dog bite attorneys will fight to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.