Covington Dog Bite Lawyers

Personal Injury Counsel in Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

While dogs may be man’s best friends, they can also cause serious harm, especially to children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually nationwide, with about 800,000 requiring medical attention. Between 2011 and 2021, 468 fatalities due to dog bites or attacks occurred, averaging 43 deaths per year. 

Dog bites can result in severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. At Adams Law, we assist clients and their families who have been victimized in this way, aggressively pursuing the compensation they deserve through personal injury claims. 

In many cases, the dog that caused the injury belongs to a friend, family member, or neighbor, which can make it uncomfortable to pursue a legal claim. We help clients understand that compensation often comes from insurance coverage, such as a homeowner’s or renter’s policy, rather than directly from the dog owner’s pocket. When you work with a dog bite attorney Covington residents trust, we guide you through each step of the process so you can focus on medical care and recovery while we address the legal and insurance issues on your behalf.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a Covington dog bite attorney at Adams Law. Call (859) 681-6877 or submit our online contact form.

Ohio Dog Bite Law

Ohio operates under a "strict liability" statute concerning dog bites. This means that a dog's owner, keeper, or harborer is liable for any injury or damage the dog causes, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of such behavior. Victims are not required to prove negligence; they must only demonstrate that the injury occurred due to the dog's actions. 

Strict liability does not mean that insurance companies will automatically agree to pay fair compensation. We help clients document where and how the attack occurred, identify the correct property owner or keeper, and evaluate how Ohio law may apply to parks, sidewalks, or apartment complexes in and around Hamilton County courts. By building a clear factual record and anticipating common defenses, we put our clients in a stronger position when negotiating with insurers or presenting a claim in an Ohio court.

Kentucky Dog Bite Law

Similarly, Kentucky enforces a strict liability approach. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 258.235(4), a dog owner is liable for all damages caused by their dog, irrespective of the dog's history or the owner's awareness of any aggressive tendencies. This includes injuries from bites and other forms of attacks.

Because our office is located close to the Kenton County Justice Center and regularly serves clients throughout Covington, we understand how local judges and juries may view dog bite incidents under Kentucky law. We help clients evaluate how the facts of the attack, any prior complaints, and the location of the incident might influence liability and damages. A dog bite lawyer Covington families turn to can also coordinate with your medical providers to ensure your injuries, scarring, and psychological symptoms are thoroughly documented for your claim.

Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites may experience deep lacerations, nerve damage, concussions, dental damage, scarring, organ damage, and even death from attacks. 

Compensation for such injuries can include the following.

• Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to inability to work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Damages for permanent physical changes resulting from the attack.
• Property damage: Costs associated with damaged personal property during the incident.

Beyond these categories, some clients may need compensation for long-term therapy, future surgeries, or career changes if their injuries affect their ability to return to the same work. Children who suffer facial injuries or significant scarring may face unique psychological challenges and social impacts as they grow older. We work closely with you and your medical team to understand how the incident has changed your daily life, and we factor those long-term needs into the value of your claim so that any settlement or award reflects more than just your initial emergency room visit.

What To Do After a Dog Bite Incident

The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can affect both your health and your legal options. Getting prompt medical attention is important even if the wound seems minor, because bites can lead to infections or complications that are not obvious at first. When it is safe to do so, you should also try to gather basic information about the dog, the owner, and any witnesses who saw what happened. These early actions help us later verify what occurred and connect your injuries to the incident if you decide to pursue a claim.

If possible, take photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog, and keep copies of medical records, discharge instructions, and any bills you receive. Reporting the incident to local animal control or law enforcement in Covington or the surrounding area can create an official record and may help identify prior complaints involving the same dog. You should avoid giving detailed statements to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney, because comments made in the stress of the moment can sometimes be used to question your claim later. When you contact our office, we review what has already been done, help you complete any remaining reports, and advise you on the next steps that fit your situation and goals.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Covington

Navigating the aftermath of a dog bite can be complex. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny dog bite claims by arguing that the victim provoked the dog, was trespassing, or that the injuries are less severe than reported.

Our experienced attorneys can take the following actions:

• Investigate the incident: Gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records that document the full extent of your injuries.
• Determine liability: Identify responsible parties, evaluate how Ohio or Kentucky law applies, and locate all available insurance coverage.
• Negotiate settlements: Communicate with insurance companies, respond to low offers, and pursue a resolution that fairly reflects your losses.
• Litigate if necessary: Prepare filings, present evidence, and represent your interests in court if a satisfactory settlement is not reached.

At Adams Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll a dog bite can take. Our team is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support, and we work diligently to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

From the first call, we explain how the process works, what documents you should keep, and how to communicate with insurance adjusters so you do not unintentionally harm your claim. Because we regularly represent injury victims across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, we are familiar with local hospitals such as St. Elizabeth Healthcare and area clinics that often treat dog bite injuries. We stay in close contact with you as your medical care progresses, answer your questions about timelines and settlement discussions, and help you decide whether to accept an offer or proceed to litigation based on your goals and the facts of your case.

Call (859) 681-6877 or contact us online to consult a Covington dog bite attorney about your case.