Sweat & Griffee Law Firm Sweat & Griffee Law Firm 2026-10-08T16:47:40Z https://www.sweatgriffee.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1103367/2023/08/cropped-SweatGriffee-site-icon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[Can you recover for grief in a Kentucky wrongful death case?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256296 2026-10-08T16:47:40Z 2026-10-08T16:47:40Z What damages can you recover? Kentucky law allows a wrongful-death claim to seek certain losses caused by the death. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Lost earnings
  • The value of services the deceased provided
  • Other damages allowed under Kentucky law
Grief alone is generally not a separate category of damages in a wrongful-death claim. Kentucky courts have said that family members generally cannot get money for their own grief after a wrongful death. Kentucky law provides certain claims based on the relationship between the deceased person and surviving family members. When a child who is a minor dies, for instance, the child's parents may seek compensation for the loss of affection and companionship.

Who brings a wrongful-death claim?

The deceased person's personal representative is responsible for filing the wrongful-death claim. Kentucky law also establishes how any recovery is distributed among eligible beneficiaries. The surviving spouse and children generally have priority to receive the recovery. Parents may be eligible when the deceased leaves no surviving spouse or children, depending on the circumstances. The exact distribution can depend on the facts of the case.

What evidence supports a claim?

Evidence can help show the losses covered by Kentucky law. This may include medical bills, funeral costs, pay records and details about the income or work the person provided. If you have a separate relationship-based claim, you may need additional evidence. For example, a parent seeking damages after the death of a minor child may need evidence showing the loss of affection and companionship.

What does Kentucky law allow?

Kentucky law generally does not compensate an adult relative for grief or emotional suffering alone. However, certain losses and relationship-based claims may allow recovery. Knowing which claims apply to your situation can make a meaningful difference in what your family may be able to recover under Kentucky law.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[How long do you have to sue after a Kentucky car crash?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256293 2026-09-30T18:56:21Z 2026-09-30T18:56:21Z Picture a sore neck that turns into weeks of physical therapy after someone rear-ends you on KY 44. Between doctor visits, missed shifts and calls from insurance adjusters, a court deadline may be the last thing on your mind. Kentucky law does set a time limit for filing an injury lawsuit after a car crash, though, and missing it can end your claim before it starts. Knowing how that clock works helps you protect your options while you heal.

The two-year deadline for most Kentucky crash lawsuits

A statute of limitations sets how long you have to file a lawsuit. For most personal injury claims in Kentucky, that window is only one year. Motor vehicle injuries receive different treatment under Kentucky's Motor Vehicle Reparations Act (MVRA). The law generally gives an injured person a two-year period to bring a claim against the driver who caused the collision. The starting point depends on what happens after the wreck. Kentucky may measure the filing period from the injury, a resulting death or the insurer's most recent qualifying no-fault payment, using the latest applicable date. In most cases, this longer window covers injuries that meet no-fault thresholds, such as more than $1,000 in medical bills, a broken bone or a permanent injury.

No-fault payments that can extend your filing window

Kentucky lets motorists choose whether to participate in its no-fault system. If you stay in, your policy generally includes basic personal injury protection or PIP. These benefits can cover certain treatment costs and part of your lost income after a crash. Later PIP payments can also affect when your lawsuit deadline ends. If your insurer pays a physical therapy bill 10 months after the crash, for example, that payment may become the date used to measure the next two years. Because the timing of motor vehicle accident claims often turns on these dates, tracking each payment matters.

Exceptions that may shorten or pause the clock

Not every crash follows the standard rule. Motorists who declined Kentucky's no-fault system before a collision may face a different filing deadline. If the injured person is a child, special rules may pause or extend the deadline. Claims under your own underinsured motorist coverage may carry a deadline set by your policy. Vehicle damage claims typically have their own two-year limit, starting on the crash date.

Dates worth tracking after a Bullitt County crash

Kentucky's crash deadline is more forgiving than the one-year rule for other injuries, but it does not last forever. Since each no-fault payment can move the date, your own records are the best guide. Write down the date of your crash, then ask your insurer for a written history of every no-fault payment issued on your claim. If you rejected no-fault coverage or if the crash injured a child, treat your deadline as uncertain until an attorney reviews those details. Acting well before the clock runs out keeps every option open while you recover.]]> by Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[Can a landlord be held liable for a tenant’s dog bite?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256291 2026-09-10T07:53:39Z 2026-09-10T07:53:39Z How Kentucky dog bite law works Kentucky dog bite claims may arise under strict liability, the common-law one-bite rule or negligence. Under KRS § 258.235(4), strict liability does not require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The one-bite rule requires actual or constructive knowledge of the dog's dangerous behavior. Negligence may apply when an owner fails to take reasonable steps to control the animal. The facts of each case determine which theory applies. Evidence of prior knowledge may include a previous bite or attack, aggressive behavior toward visitors or complaints about the dog's threatening behavior. Landlords generally are not liable simply because a tenant's dog lives on the property. Liability usually falls on the person who controls the animal and makes daily care decisions. When property owners may face responsibility Kentucky premises liability law requires property owners to address known hazards. Whether that duty covers a tenant's dog depends on the facts and the landlord's control over the property. Courts may consider:
  • Whether the landlord knew or should have known the dog was dangerous
  • Whether the landlord had legal authority to remove the dog
  • Whether the landlord controlled the area where the attack occurred
Simply knowing that a tenant kept a dog is not enough. Evidence such as a prior bite, aggressive behavior or complaints may show that the landlord knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. The attack's location also matters. A landlord may face greater exposure when an attack occurs in a common area under the landlord's control, such as a courtyard, parking lot or hallway, rather than inside the tenant's unit. After a dog attack, photos, witness statements and records of prior incidents may help establish the landlord's knowledge and ability to prevent the harm - both of which are typically required to support a bite injury claim against the landlord.

What to do if you were injured by a tenant's dog

Landlord liability for a tenant's dog bite is not automatic. It depends on whether the landlord knew the dog was dangerous, had authority to remove it and controlled the area where the attack occurred. Evidence of prior complaints, aggressive incidents or communications with the landlord may help support a claim. An attorney can assess whether the facts support a claim against the landlord as well as the dog's owner and help identify what evidence may be needed to move the claim forward.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[What to do after a hit-and-run in Bullitt County]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256289 2026-09-07T06:17:45Z 2026-09-07T06:17:45Z A hit and run can be a frightening and frustrating experience. You may be dealing with injuries, damage to your vehicle, medical bills and time away from work, all while the person responsible has left the scene. You may not know if the driver will be found or how you will cover the costs of the accident. Knowing what to do next can help you protect your health and your rights. If you were involved in a hit and run in Bullitt County, there are several important steps you should take as soon as possible.

Move to a safe location

If your vehicle can move safely, pull away from traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs emergency medical care or the crash creates a safety hazard. Do not chase the fleeing driver. A pursuit could put you and others at greater risk.

Record what you remember

Try to collect as much information as possible while the details remain fresh. Even a partial description can help investigators.
  • Write down the other vehicle's make, model, color and license plate details you remember.
  • Note the direction the vehicle traveled after the crash.
  • Record the time and location of the collision.
  • Look for witnesses and ask for their contact information.
  • Take photographs of your vehicle, the crash location and visible injuries.
  • Save nearby business or traffic-camera information if you know where cameras may have captured the collision.
Keep your notes and photos safe. They may become important if you later need to file a claim. 

Report the crash

Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement as soon as possible. Provide the information you remember and obtain a copy of the crash report when available. Under Kentucky law, drivers involved in qualifying crashes generally have duties to stop, provide information and assist when necessary. Leaving the scene can create separate legal consequences for the fleeing driver.

Notify your insurance company

Tell your insurer about the crash promptly. Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist coverage may help with certain losses when the responsible driver cannot be identified. Coverage rules vary, so review your policy carefully before assuming what it covers. A hit-and-run can leave you with unanswered questions and unexpected expenses. Prompt reporting, careful documentation and medical attention can help protect important evidence and support informed decisions about what to do next.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[How often should you update your estate plan?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256287 2026-08-28T14:41:03Z 2026-08-28T14:41:03Z After marriage or divorce Marriage or divorce can change who you want to inherit your property and who you trust to make decisions for you. After either event, review the people named in your will, trusts and other estate-planning documents. Kentucky law does not automatically revoke a will when you marry, while a divorce generally revokes certain provisions benefiting a former spouse unless the will says otherwise.

After having or adopting a child

Having or adopting a child can create new responsibilities that your existing plan may not address. You may need to name someone to care for your child if you cannot, as well as decide how you want property to benefit them. Kentucky law allows a parent to nominate a guardian, limited guardian or conservator for a minor through a will.

After acquiring significant new assets

Buying a home, receiving an inheritance or starting a business can change what you want your estate plan to accomplish. Review how those assets fit into your plan and whether their ownership or beneficiary arrangements still match your wishes. This step can help prevent a major new asset from being overlooked.

After the death of someone named in your plan

The death of a beneficiary, executor, trustee or other person named in your plan can leave your instructions outdated. Review the affected provisions and decide whether you need to name someone else to receive property or handle responsibilities.

When your wishes or circumstances change

You should also revisit your plan when your priorities or important personal circumstances change. You may want different people to receive your property, handle your affairs or serve in another role. Even without a major life event, these changes can justify a review.

Keep your estate plan current

If one of these changes has happened since you created or last updated your estate plan, consider scheduling a review with an attorney. Going through your current documents together can help you determine whether you need to change a beneficiary, appoint a different person to handle your affairs or make other updates to your plan.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[How to identify liability after a Shepherdsville dog bite]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256285 2026-08-18T18:23:26Z 2026-08-18T18:23:26Z make a claim against the party at fault. Several factors can affect liability after a dog bite, including who owned or controlled the dog, the circumstances of the attack and the available evidence.

Factors that determine liability

Under Kentucky law, a dog owner may be responsible for injuries caused by their dog. When determining who may be responsible after a dog bite, consider:
  • Identifying the dog’s owner or keeper: Since liability typically depends on who had ownership or control of the dog at the time of the attack, this is a key part of pursuing a claim.
  • Gathering evidence after the attack: Take photographs of your injuries, the location and the dog if possible. Keep medical records and bills, identify witnesses and obtain copies of police or animal-control reports.
  • Documenting the circumstances: Information about where the attack occurred, what happened immediately before the bite and whether there were previous incidents may help establish the facts of the claim.
Take note that a property owner who did not own the dog is not automatically responsible simply because the bite occurred on the property. Liability depends on the specific facts and applicable legal theories.

Getting help identifying the responsible party

After a dog bite, preserving evidence and seeking medical attention quickly can help protect your claim. A legal professional can review the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties and explain the options available under Kentucky law.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[How partial fault affects a Kentucky car accident claim]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256283 2026-08-07T10:54:26Z 2026-08-07T10:54:26Z Kentucky applies a pure comparative fault rule When more than one person contributed to a crash, Kentucky law looks at each person's share of fault. The state's rules for shared fault allow recovery even when the injured driver is partially at fault, but the court or insurer may lower the damages based on that percentage of fault. This rule matters because the case may still move forward even when fault is not entirely one-sided.

What evidence can affect the fault dispute?

Insurance adjusters may dispute the injured person's share of fault because that can reduce what the company pays. A dispute may focus on who had the right of way, whether a driver saw the danger soon enough or whether road conditions made the crash harder to avoid. The evidence may include:
  • Vehicle damage patterns
  • Witness statements
  • Traffic camera or dashcam footage
  • Skid marks and road conditions
  • Police reports and scene photographs
  • Cell phone records (when distracted driving is alleged)
  • Accident reconstruction reports
The stronger the evidence, the harder it may be for the insurer to overstate the injured driver's share of responsibility.

Even a small fault shift can reduce recovery

One of the most important issues in a car accident claim is how much fault the insurer assigns to the injured driver. Even a small increase in fault percentage can reduce the value of the claim more than people expect. Questions affecting the accident claim overall often turn on that issue. A lawyer can help push back before a disputed percentage cuts deeper into the recovery than it should.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[Kentucky’s pure comparative fault law: what happens after a car accident?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256281 2026-08-05T17:50:02Z 2026-08-05T17:50:02Z Kentucky's pure comparative fault standard Kentucky follows a pure comparative fault system. Under this rule, a court or jury assigns a percentage of fault to every party involved in the crash, and any financial award is reduced in direct proportion to the injured party's share of responsibility. What distinguishes Kentucky from many other states is that there is no threshold that bars recovery. Even a driver found to be 80% responsible for a crash can still recover 20% of their total damages from the other negligent party. States that use a modified comparative fault standard would bar that same driver from recovering anything at all.

How insurance companies use comparative fault

Because any fault percentage assigned to you directly reduces what the insurer must pay, adjusters have a financial incentive to argue that you share as much responsibility as possible. Common tactics include:
  • Claiming you were speeding or driving distractedly at the moment of impact
  • Arguing you failed to yield or braked without warning
  • Using recorded statements out of context to suggest an admission of fault
Knowing these tactics in advance makes it easier to avoid giving adjusters the ammunition they are looking for.

Protecting your right to recovery

Accurately determining fault requires physical evidence, accident reconstruction analysis, traffic camera footage, and objective witness accounts. If you were injured in a vehicle collision, consulting a personal injury attorney in Kentucky can help ensure that insurance companies do not unfairly inflate your share of responsibility or reduce the compensation you need to recover.]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[What happens if a playful puppy bite causes an injury?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256279 2026-07-22T07:00:49Z 2026-07-22T07:00:49Z Playful moments with a friendly dog often begin with nothing more than a game of fetch, tug-of-war or roughhousing in the yard. Even so, dogs can react in ways you do not expect. Excitement may turn into overstimulation, and a playful nip can become a bite that causes serious injuries. When that happens, you may hesitate to consider your legal options. You might wonder whether playing too roughly or encouraging the dog's behavior means you cannot pursue compensation. While the circumstances matter, a bite that occurs during play does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation in Kentucky.

Does playing with a dog prevent an injury claim?

Kentucky does not automatically deny an injury claim simply because you interacted with or played with a dog before the bite. Instead, each case depends on the specific facts. The dog's behavior, the owner's actions and your conduct may all play a role. For example, you may have played gently with a puppy before it suddenly became overexcited and bit you. That alone does not necessarily mean you acted unreasonably. On the other hand, intentionally provoking, striking or tormenting a dog could affect how your claim proceeds. 

Factors that may affect a Kentucky dog bite claim

Every dog bite case presents unique circumstances. A personal injury attorney may evaluate several details, including:
  • How the bite occurred and what happened immediately beforehand
  • Whether you intentionally provoked the dog
  • The severity of your injuries and the medical treatment you required
  • Whether the dog's owner took reasonable steps to control the animal
  • The available evidence, including witness statements, photographs and medical records
No single factor always determines the outcome. Instead, these details help build a clearer picture of what happened and whether compensation may be available. Understanding the full context often provides a stronger foundation than making assumptions about fault after a frightening event.

The full story matters after a dog bite 

A playful interaction should not leave you wondering how to pay medical bills or whether you have legal rights. Even when a bite occurs during a game, the facts may support a personal injury claim. An experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney can explain how the law applies to your situation and help pursue the compensation you may deserve.   ]]> On Behalf of Sweat & Griffee Law Firm <![CDATA[What are the 3 types of driving distractions?]]> https://www.sweatgriffee.com/?p=256277 2026-07-17T13:35:12Z 2026-07-17T13:35:12Z Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks statistics regarding distracted driving accidents. When you look at specific examples of distracted driving, there are many to choose from. They include texting and driving, talking to passengers, dealing with children, handling pets, changing the radio station, using a GPS, singing along with the radio, eating and drinking in the car, and much more. You will find that all of these kinds of practical distractions fit into one or more of the three categories of distraction “types” noted above.

Issues with texting and driving

A good example is texting and driving because it actually fits into each category simultaneously. To start with, if a driver is holding their phone in their hand while they write or read a text message, it is a manual distraction. Next, that driver may glance away from the road to look at the screen of their phone. Even when they are glancing back and forth, this is still a visual distraction because they do not have their eyes on the road the whole time. Finally, drivers are reading and processing the information in the text messages they receive or thinking about what to write in return. The driver is mentally engaged with the text, so it is a cognitive distraction that takes their focus away from driving the vehicle.

Seeking financial compensation

Distracted driving in any of these forms can lead to serious accidents. If you have suffered injuries as a result of a distracted driver’s negligence, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Connecting with a skilled legal team is a good way to get started.]]>