Dog bites can cause serious injuries—both physical and emotional—but many victims hesitate to take legal action, especially when an offending dog’s owner is a neighbor, friend or family member. It’s understandable to worry about the financial consequences of your situation, if you’ve recently been bitten by the dog of someone you know. However, it’s important to remember that pursuing a personal injury claim doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going after their personal assets. In many cases, compensation comes from insurance coverage—not out of the dog owner’s pocket.
Kentucky follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites, which means that a dog’s owner can be held legally responsible for any injury their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before or the owner was negligent. This rule is meant to protect victims and streamline the legal process, allowing for a clearer path to compensation. Even if the dog had no history of aggression, the owner is still liable under Kentucky law. That said, strict liability doesn’t mean the owner will be personally bankrupted. In most cases, compensation is handled through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.
How this all works
If the dog’s owner has a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, it will likely include coverage for liability related to dog bites. These policies often provide tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in coverage. Filing a claim against the insurance company can allow you to seek the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering without directly targeting the dog owner’s personal finances.
This approach can let you focus on recovery while maintaining the relationship you have with the dog’s owner. Many dog owners are relieved to learn that their insurance will take care of costs related to a bite, as they wouldn’t want someone to suffer without recourse due to their pet’s behavior, even if they are understandably worried about the situation impacting their financial stability.
What if there’s no insurance?
If the dog owner doesn’t have applicable insurance, things can get more complicated. However, legal action still doesn’t necessarily mean seizing someone’s home or life savings. A skilled legal team can work with both parties to explore settlement options, structured payments or alternative resolutions that avoid financial devastation.
Every dog bite case is different. Therefore, seeking legal guidance if you have questions or concerns is generally wise.