Dog bites can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma. Contact us for a free dog bite personal injury consultation.

You're out for a walk in your neighborhood when suddenly, a dog charges toward you, barking loudly. You try to back away, but the dog sinks its teeth into your arm before you can get away. The intense pain leaves you with deep wounds that require immediate medical attention.

Unfortunately, this scenario is too common. In Kansas, there are reports of over a thousand dog bites yearly. According to a news release from Kansas State University, 1,270 cases of dog bites were reported in Kansas in 2020. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of awareness of the potential dangers of interacting with dogs, and the need for responsible pet ownership.

The physical injuries caused by dog bites can be extremely severe. Dog bite victims may suffer from puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, and other bodily harm. These injuries can sometimes lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement, causing emotional trauma.

Victims of dog bites in Kansas often face significant financial burdens as well. Medical expenses associated with treating injuries can quickly add up, and ongoing care or therapy costs can be astronomical. In addition, many Kansas dog bite victims cannot work due to their injuries, resulting in lost wages and financial stress.

Kansas Dog Bite Laws

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kansas, it is vital to understand the state's laws regarding dog bites. Here is what you need to know:

One-Bite Rule

Kansas abides by the one-bite rule which states that owners may not be strictly liable for their dog's first bite if they were not aware that their dog had dangerous tendencies. Once the owner is aware that their dog has aggressive tendencies, either by a first bite or other aggressive behaviors such as growling or charging at others, they can be held strictly liable for the next attack.

Negligence

Even if it is the dog's first incidence of aggressiveness, you may be able to pursue a negligence claim against a dog owner if they failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack.

Comparative Fault

Kansas follows the rule of comparative fault, which means that if you are partially responsible for the dog bite, the judge reduces your damages by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if the court determines you were 20 percent at fault for the dog attack, your damages would be reduced by 20 percent.

Statute of Limitations 

In Kansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite claims, is two years from the date of the personal injury claim. If you do not file a dog bite lawsuit within two years of the attack, you will lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries.

Hire an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog owners are responsible for training and restraining their pets to prevent attacks, and failure to do so can result in serious legal consequences. At Martin Law Group, we recognize the physical and emotional toll dog bites can take on our clients. 

Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Martin Law Group are here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 913-754-9700 to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward getting your life back on track.

Common Reasons Behind Dog Bites in Kansas

Dogs are known as man's best friend, but unfortunately, they can also be a source of harm. Every year, numerous people in Kansas experience the trauma of a dog bite, resulting in physical, emotional, and financial damages. The main reasons these accidents occur include the following:

• Lack of Proper Training - Untrained dogs can be aggressive and unpredictable, increasing the likelihood of biting. Dog owners must invest in proper pet training to avoid dangerous situations.
• Neglect and Abuse - Dogs that have been neglected or abused may exhibit aggressive behavior, resulting in biting.
• Lack of Supervision - Leaving a dog unsupervised, especially around children or strangers, can increase the likelihood of biting. It's vital for dog owners to supervise their pets at all times and to keep them securely restrained when necessary.
• Provocation - Dogs can also bite when they feel threatened or provoked. This agitation can take many forms, including physical or verbal abuse, teasing, or taunting. In some cases, dogs may even bite out of fear or confusion. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over 50 percent of dog bites occur on the owner's property, which indicates that dogs may feel threatened or territorial. It helps keep everyone safe to treat all dogs with respect and to avoid provoking them in any way.

The Dog Breeds That Are Most Likely to Bite

While any dog can bite, certain breeds are more likely to do so due to genetics, training, and environmental factors. According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), these breeds include:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds 

According to a 13-year dog bite fatality report by DogsBite.org, between 2005 and 2017, Pit Bulls were responsible for 66 percent of dog bite fatalities in the United States. Other dog breeds known for aggression and biting tendencies include Doberman Pinschers, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes.

Types of Harm Inflicted By Dog Attacks

You may suffer from various physical and emotional injuries if a dog has bitten you. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year, with approximately 800,000 of those bites requiring medical attention. Here are the different types of injuries resulting from a dog bite:

Physical Injuries

• Puncture wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth that can puncture the skin and cause serious injuries that may bleed profusely and become infected.
• Fractures: A dog's powerful jaws can cause bone fractures in the hands, arms, legs, and face.
• Nerve damage: A dog bite can cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation and motor function in the affected area.
•  Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to severe infections such as tetanus, MRSA, and sepsis. 
• Rabies: Although rare in the United States, dog bites can transmit the rabies virus, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can cause emotional and psychological trauma that can have long-lasting effects. These injuries can include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder: People bitten by dogs may develop PTSD, which can cause intense fear, anxiety, and flashbacks.
• Depression: The emotional trauma of a dog bite can cause sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities.
• Anxiety: Dog bite victims may experience anxiety and panic attacks, especially in situations that remind them of the attack.
• Fear of dogs: After a dog bite, some people may develop a phobia of dogs, impacting their daily life and limiting their ability to go outside or interact with others.
• Difficulty sleeping: The emotional stress of a dog bite can make it difficult for some victims to fall or stay asleep.

Tips for Keeping Safe from Dog Attacks in Kansas

Dog bites can happen when you least expect them, and they often cause severe physical and emotional injuries. You can prevent dog bites and protect yourself with the following tips:

• Ask permission before approaching a dog: Always ask the owner's permission before moving toward a dog. Some dogs may be anxious or fearful around strangers, and getting close to them without permission can cause them to feel threatened and react aggressively.
• Learn to read a dog's body language: Understanding a dog's body language can help you recognize signs of aggression or fear. Avoid approaching a dog that is growling, barking, or showing signs of anxiety, such as raised fur or a stiff tail.
• Keep your distance: Even if you know the dog and it is friendly, keep a safe distance. Don't get too close to a dog's face or personal space, and avoid hugging or trying to pick up a dog unless you are sure it is safe.
• Avoid making direct eye contact: Dogs may perceive direct eye contact as a threat or challenge. Instead, avoid staring directly into a dog's eyes.
• Never leave children unattended with a dog: Children may not understand how to interact with dogs safely, and their unpredictable behavior can cause a dog to react aggressively. Always supervise children around dogs, and teach them how to interact with dogs safely.
• Avoid disturbing dogs while sleeping or eating: Dogs can become territorial over their food and sleeping areas. It's best to avoid disturbing a dog while it is eating or sleeping, as this can cause them to feel threatened and react aggressively.
•  Be cautious around unfamiliar dogs: If you encounter a strange dog, avoid approaching it. If the dog seems aggressive or threatening, try to distance yourself and the dog by slowly backing away.

Steps to Hold Negligent Parties Responsible in Kansas Dog Bite Cases

If you or a loved one is a dog bite victim in Kansas, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. However, determining liability in these cases can be complex, and it requires thoroughly investigating the attack's circumstances, identifying the responsible parties, and proving liability.

Investigate the Circumstances of the Attack

An investigation includes gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the injuries sustained. Act quickly and preserve any evidence relevant to the case, as memories can fade and physical evidence can be lost or destroyed.

Identify the Responsible Parties

In many cases, the dog's owner is the liable party in a dog bite case. However, other parties may share responsibility for the attack, such as a property owner who allowed a dangerous dog to roam free or a dog trainer who failed to train and control the animal properly.

The identification of all liable parties is necessary to recover compensation. Sometimes, multiple insurance policies may cover the victim's dog bite injuries.

Prove Liability

The final step in determining liability is to prove that the responsible parties are liable for the attack. Proving liability can be challenging, and it often requires the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. A dog bite lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on behalf of the victim.

Financial Recovery 

for Kansas Dog Bite Victims In the context of Kansas dog bite cases, damages refer to the monetary compensation that may be awarded to the dog bite victim for the losses or harm they have suffered due to the dog bite. These damages may include:

Medical Expenses

The most common damages awarded in dog bite cases are medical expenses. This monetary relief includes any costs associated with treating your injuries, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that over 800,000 dog bites a year require medical treatment.

Lost Wages

If your injuries from a dog bite have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover compensation for lost wages. This financial support includes any income you would have earned when you could not work and any future lost earning capacity if your injuries have left you permanently disabled.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to economic damages, you may also recover compensation for pain and suffering. This compensation includes any physical pain, emotional distress, or mental anguish you have suffered due to the dog bite. In Kansas, there is no cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, that can be awarded in a personal injury case.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, a court may award punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages aim to punish the defendant for their actions and deter similar future behavior. In Kansas, courts only award punitive damages in cases where the defendant's conduct was willful, wanton, or malicious.

How a Kansas Dog Bite Lawyer Can Make a Difference in Your Case

It's a beautiful day in Kansas, and you decide to walk around your neighborhood. Suddenly, you hear barking behind you, and before you know it, a dog has sunk its teeth into your leg. You're in pain, bleeding, and don't know what to do next. You might think that you can handle this on your own, but the truth is that dealing with a dog bite situation can be complex. 

Here's how a skilled attorney can help you achieve the best results for your dog bite claim:

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Our Kansas dog bite lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. This includes gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and photos of the injuries. They will also investigate the dog owner's history and determine if they have a track record of negligence or other incidents of dog bites. This investigation will help to determine liability and build a strong case.

Building a Strong Case

Once the investigation is complete, your Kansas dog bite lawyer will use the evidence gathered to build a compelling case on your behalf. They will work to prove liability and show that the dog owner was negligent in their handling of the animal. You must be able to show that the dog owner breached their responsibility to restrain the dog correctly or that they knew the dog had a history of aggressive behavior but failed to take appropriate precautions.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

After a dog bite incident, the dog owner's insurance company will likely contact you to offer a settlement. Insurance companies are not on your side; they aim to pay as little as possible. A Kansas dog bite lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement covering your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Representing Clients in Court

Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement for dog bite victims in Kansas. In such cases, a tenacious and determined lawyer can take your case to court. They will argue your case before a judge and jury and work to ensure you recover compensation. Having an experienced dog bite lawyer in your corner improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

We Fight for Kansas Dog Bite Victims - Call Us Now

A dog bite injury can stop you in your tracks and result in severe physical and emotional trauma, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a lifetime of pain and suffering. You deserve justice and compensation for the harm you've endured.

Martin Law Group is here to help. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will fight to hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of dog bite cases and have a track record of success in representing clients just like you. 

Don't wait any longer to get fair compensation. Contact Martin Law Group today for a consultation at 913-754-9700. Let us help you on the road to recovery and justice.