Over 4.7 million Americans suffer dog bite injuries each year with approximately 800,000 requiring some form of medical attention and treatment. The most common victims of these attacks are minor children for whom dog bites are the second leading cause of injury. The prevalence of dog bite injuries cannot be overstated with such injuries accounting for 33% of all homeowner’s liability insurance claims and more than one billion dollars in insurance claims per year.
Kansas does not currently have a statute or law known in other states as “dog bite law.” This is why a dog bite victim should consult an experienced Kansas dog bite lawyer. The skilled and experience attorneys at Cummings & Cummings, LLC can guide you through the process of seeking fair compensation for your dog bite injuries.
Although Kansas does not have a dog bite law or statute, it is a duty on dog owners to keep a dog “under reasonable control and not running at large.” A dog owner may be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog to a person who is in a public place or lawfully on private property.
Choosing the an attorney when you or a loved one was attacked by a dog
A dog bite or attack is a terrifying experience that will likely result in very serious injuries, medical expenses, and mental anguish, especially in children. Dog bite cases are a complex legal process which requires legal representation that is skilled and experienced in personal injury litigation. Cummings & Cummings, LLC recommends the following immediate action should you or a loved one be mauled or attacked by a vicious dog:
- Report the attack to animal control authorities
- Secure evidence such as pictures and on scene evidence
- Track down witnesses, obtain phone numbers, identification and statements
- Establish ownership of the dog along with photographic evidence of the loose or “at large” dog
- Identify any other responsible parties such as other owners or property owners
- Make sure to request or get a copy of the incident report
- Collect all related medical records and bills
- Call the responsible party’s insurance companies to establish a claim
The experienced Kansas dog bite lawyers at Cummings & Cummings, LLC can navigate the requirements of the Kansas personal injury statutes as it applies to your claim. Some factors we may use to help establish and owner’s knowledge of a dog’s vicious tendencies may include the following:
• Type of Dog: Some types of dogs based on their size or breed have a much greater propensity for viciousness including the pit bull or Rottweiler.
• Role of Dog: Some dogs are specifically trained to be guards dogs and are kept for protection purposes.
• History of Dog: The dog may be shown to have a history of attacking or biting.
• Confinement or Muzzling: If an owner can be shown to have frequently confined or muzzled the dog, it suggests knowledge of vicious propensities.
• Owner Warning: Some owners will put up Beware of Dog signs or warn neighbors about their dog.
These are just a few of the ways that the experienced dog bite lawyers at Cummings & Cummings, LLC may establish that the dog owner knew of their dog’s dangerous propensities. If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog bite related incident, the experienced attorneys of Cummings & Cummings, LLC will help you or your loved ones seek just compensation.
