Dogs are regularly known for being playful and friendly, however when man’s best friend becomes a threat, the situation can become complex quickly. Understanding your rights and responsibilities under Kansas dog bite laws can be critical to a legal claim based on being bitten by a dog. We’ll share what you should know if you ever find yourself in a dog bite incident and how dog bite laws in Kansas could apply to your case.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Kansas, it’s first and foremost important to prioritize your health and safety. Be sure to keep these steps in mind:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get evaluated immediately for your injury even if it seems minor. Your health is the main concern and infections or complications can arise later on from dog bites.
- Report the Incident: Get in contact with law enforcement or local animal control. They may conduct further investigation into the dog and the situation.
- Identify the Owner: Collect contact information and pet records like a dog license or vaccinations if possible. This can all be useful later on if you choose to file a claim.
- Document the Incident: Be sure to gather evidence. This includes taking photos of the injuries and documenting the location of the attack.
- Seek Legal Advice: Dog bite situations can be tricky. Consult an experienced dog bit attorney to understand your options. They can help you navigate the complexities of the laws in Kansas.
One Bite Rule
Kansas follows the one bite rule when it comes to dog bites. The dog’s owner must have known or had reason to believe that his or her dog would bite. This means that owners are not liable for the first instance of their dog biting someone if they had no prior knowledge of bites or aggressive tendencies.
A lawyer would need to prove that the dog owner was being negligent or that the owner knew the dog is predisposed to biting. In most cases, this is most easily done if the dog has had prior incidents or had shown signs of aggression in the past. Examples of this could include growling or lunging at people, being trained to protect, resource guarding, etc.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
Kansas’ statute of limitations for personal injury cases gives victims a time limit of two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Those that are filed after are considered expired and are usually dismissed without a hearing.1
In cases like this, it makes it highly crucial for you to get in touch with legal support as soon as possible. Due to the rules surrounding dog bite cases in Kansas, it can take some time to gather evidence and prove negligence.
Dog bite investigations can be extensive but pursuing your claim early can help in giving you the best chance at receiving fair compensation. This can cover a variety of economic and non-economic losses and damages like:
- Medical care including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation or medication and medical equipment.
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, trauma.
- Lost income and wages currently and any future lost earnings.
- Disfigurement or disabilities
- Funeral and burial expenses
Why DiPasquale Moore
Handling a dog bite claim can be challenging in a variety of ways. DiPasquale Moore has an experienced team of attorneys who understand these cases inside and out. We can help you gather evidence and navigate the legal process. Don’t let a dog bite injury disrupt your life. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you seek justice while you focus on recovering from your injuries.