Dog Bites in Kansas
Learn what steps to take after a dog bite—and how to reduce the risk of one happening again.
You may never expect the beloved pet of a friend, family member, or even a stranger to become aggressive, but dog bites happen far more often than most realize. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year. With nearly 90 million dogs living in the United States, these incidents are unfortunately common. No matter the breed or temperament, every dog has the potential to bite under the right circumstances.
With such high numbers of incidents, insurance companies are often responsible for significant payouts in dog bite claims. In 2023 alone, insurance providers paid out $1.12 billion in liability claims related to dog bite injuries and other physical harm caused by dogs. Dog bite litigation is a complicated matter because of the difficulty in determining liability; therefore, it should not be handled alone. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kansas, contact our dedicated dog bite attorneys at Wallentine Injury Law. Our team has extensive experience handling dog bite cases, whether through litigation or negotiating favorable settlements with insurance companies. We will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after an unexpected injury.
Common Sources of Dog Bites
Dog bites can stem from a variety of situations. Some may be accidental, occurring during playful activities like tug-of-war or fetch. While others are more intentional, often triggered by a dog feeling threatened, scared, stressed, or startled. It’s important to recognize and respect these warning signs. If you observe such behavior in a dog, don’t dismiss it– stay alert and take heed. More distinct sources of dog bites can include:
- The dog has a history of aggression
- The dog is not secured in a public place.
- The dog is not secured within its yard with a fence, leash, pen, etc.
- The dog is forced into an uncomfortable situation- loud noises, crowds, etc.
- The dog is engaging in rough play with other dogs.
- The dog is not properly socialized
- The dog is engaging in resource guarding- food, toys, territory, etc.
As mentioned previously, dog bites are often unexpected and seemingly unavoidable, but understanding the common causes behind these attacks can go a long way in helping prevent them.
How Can I Prevent Dog Bites?
While our team is here to support you in the unfortunate event of a dog bite, our goal is to help you avoid the situation altogether. Prevention is key when it comes to sparing yourself from the lasting consequences of a dog attack. Dog bites can cause serious harm, leaving deep puncture wounds and a high risk of infection. Here are a few simple, yet effective tips to help prevent dog bites:
- Owner permission– Always ask permission from the dog’s owner before petting it. Even if the dog seems friendly, it is good practice to receive approval from the owner.
- Pet permission- Even after you have received approval from the owner to pet the dog, it is important to get consent from the animal as well. Simply allowing the dog to see and sniff you before petting it should do the trick.
- No petting- Never attempt to pet or get close to a dog that already seems angry. Likewise, it’s best to give a dog space if it seems sick, frightened, or is hiding.
- Unfamiliar dog- In the event an unknown dog approaches you, stay calm, avoid eye contact, and try saying phrases such as “go home” or “no” in a low but firm voice.
Tips such as these listed above are conducive to dog bite prevention; however, they are not an end-all be-all for avoiding an injury. Dogs are unpredictable creatures, and ultimately, whether a dog bites is up to the animal. Even with the best preventive measures, some incidents are simply unavoidable. If you find yourself in this tragic situation, contact our team for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the next steps.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Even with the right knowledge and preventive steps, dog bites can still happen to you. If you become the victim of a dog bite, being prepared can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal options. Here are the essential steps to take immediately after a dog bite:
Seek medical attention
It is crucial to receive medical attention immediately after you’ve been bitten by a dog. Not only does it ensure you receive any necessary medical treatment for wounds or infections, but it also provides documentation if a legal claim is pursued. If you are unable to seek professional medical attention immediately, be prepared with these steps:
- Wash the wound
- Slow the bleeding
- Apply antibiotic cream
- Wrap the wound with a sterile bandage
- Keep the wound bandaged- changing it frequently and checking for infection until a doctor is seen
Exchange information
Just as drivers exchange information after a car accident, the same principle applies to a dog bite incident. It’s important to identify the dog’s owner and gather key details, including their name, address, phone number, and any applicable insurance information. You should also collect information about the dog itself, such as its breed, age, and vaccination history, especially rabies vaccination status.
Document the incident
One of the most important elements of a successful dog bite personal injury claim in Kansas is thorough documentation. If you’re able to do so after the incident, take clear photographs of the scene, the dog involved (including tags or collar), the exact location, and any visible injuries. Speak with any witnesses of the attack, record their account, and collect their contact information for future reference. Another valuable piece of evidence is a personal journal. Documenting the incident, your injuries, medical treatment, and the recovery process can provide compelling support for your claim and help demonstrate the ongoing impact of the attack.
Report the incident to Animal Control
Not only is reporting the incident to Animal Control required by law in the state of Kansas, but it also serves as another crucial piece of evidence in a personal injury claim. When Animal Control is aware of the issue, proper investigation of the animal can begin. Investigation may include deeming the dog as dangerous or even quarantining it to check for rabies and other diseases. Additionally, it protects your community from future incidents with the same dog or others.
Contact a personal injury attorney
Dog bites are far too often due to the negligence of their owners. A trusted personal injury attorney can help you build a strong claim by gathering crucial evidence, obtaining official reports, and establishing liability. Don’t wait—contact a trusted dog bite attorney to protect your rights and pursue the recovery you’re entitled to.
Dog Bite Law in Kansas
If you’ve decided to proceed with a dog bite personal injury claim in Kansas, it’s essential to understand the state laws that govern these cases. Dog bite litigation in Kansas is strictly governed by the “one-bite” rule. Simply put, the “one-bite” rule holds owners liable in a dog bite incident if they “know” or “should know” their dog is dangerous. Dangerous may mean that their dog has bitten in the past or is prone to biting behavior. Even if an owner has no reason to believe their dog is dangerous, they can still be held liable if they are negligent in providing reasonable care for their pet.
Contact our Dog Bite Attorneys Today
At Wallentine Injury Law, we’re here to guide you through every step of your dog bite injury claim. You shouldn’t have to compile evidence, retrieve reports, or understand Kansas law alone. Let our team do the legal work to ensure you receive maximum compensation while you focus on recovery after a traumatic incident. Call us now at (913)-934-6333 or contact us online to get started.
