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Karl Truman: Trusted Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Offices in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN
We love dogs at Karl Truman Law. But we also know from more than 100 dog bite cases that serious animal attacks can cause devastating, permanent injuries. Severe punctures and lacerations. Nerve damage. Permanent scarring. Infections including MRSA, tetanus, and rabies. These cases deserve serious legal representation.
Attorney Karl Truman brings the discipline and leadership of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army to every dog bite and animal attack case. Kentucky and Indiana have very different laws governing dog bite liability. Knowing which state’s rules apply and how to use them is critical to your case.
Our legal team handles:
- Dog bites and attacks by domestic and mixed-breed dogs
- Attacks by dogs known to be dangerous under Indiana’s one bite rule
- Cases in Kentucky where the strict liability standard applies regardless of prior behavior
- Animal attacks by dogs, cats, livestock, and exotic animals
- Attacks on children, elderly victims, and others particularly vulnerable to severe injury
No fees unless we win. Available 24/7. 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We have represented more than 100 dog bite victims in Kentucky and Indiana.
Count on the Colonel
Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army
Karl Truman: Trusted Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Understanding Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Kentucky is a strict liability state. A dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before or shown any prior aggression. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You just need to prove the dog bit you and you were not trespassing or provoking the animal.
Indiana is a one bite rule state. The owner is liable if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, based on prior bites or other obvious signs of aggression. However, Indiana provides an exception for postal carriers and government officials on duty, who are protected by strict liability even in Indiana.
In both states, insurance coverage for dog bites typically runs through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Do not give statements to the insurer without speaking to us first.
Why Dog Bite & Animal Attack Cases Are Different
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KY Strict Liability
In Kentucky, the owner is liable, period. No prior bite history required. No proof of dangerous propensity required. This is a strong legal standard that we use to its full advantage.
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IN One Bite Rule
In Indiana, prior aggression is the key. We investigate the dog's history, any prior incidents, and the owner's knowledge. We also check whether the exception for duty-related visitors applies.
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Landlord Liability
In rare circumstances, a landlord who knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act may also bear liability in both states. We investigate the full ownership and housing chain.
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Severity of Injuries
Dog bites can cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, bone fractures, organ damage, and serious infections. The physical and psychological impact, particularly on children, must be fully quantified.
How We Handle Dog Bite & Animal Attack Cases
From the moment you call, we take over the legal fight. You focus on recovery. We handle everything else.
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Thorough Investigation
We move immediately to build the strongest possible case: gathering records, securing evidence, consulting experts, and documenting every aspect of your situation before anything is lost or altered.
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Handle All Paperwork
From insurance claims to medical records, legal filings, and demand letters, we manage every detail so you can focus on healing. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
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Fight for What You Deserve
The party on the other side of your claim has professionals working to minimize what they pay you. We deal with them directly and protect you from every tactic designed to undervalue your claim.
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Trial-Ready Representation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. The other side knows we will not back down, and that gives us the leverage to secure maximum compensation.
Knowledge Center
Dog Bite & Animal Attack Resources
Free educational guides and resources to help you understand your rights, the legal process, and how to protect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers about personal injury law in Kentucky and Indiana. Find the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
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Does the dog have to have bitten someone before for me to have a case in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky is a strict liability state. The dog owner is responsible for a bite regardless of whether the dog has any prior history of aggression. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
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What about Indiana's one bite rule?
In Indiana, an owner is generally only liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, typically evidenced by prior bites or obvious threatening behavior. However, Indiana provides an exception for postal carriers and government officials legally required to be on the property, who are protected under strict liability even without prior incident.
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Can I sue a landlord if I was bitten by a tenant's dog?
Possibly. If the landlord was aware the tenant’s dog was dangerous and took no steps to address it, they may share liability in both Kentucky and Indiana. We investigate the full chain of ownership and knowledge.
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What if the dog bite happened while I was on someone's private property?
You may still have a claim. Trespassing can be a defense, but lawfully invited guests, visitors, and even social guests are generally protected. The circumstances of your presence on the property matter. Call us and we will evaluate your situation.
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What compensation can I recover after a dog bite?
Medical expenses for bite treatment, surgery, and infection care. Lost wages during recovery. Permanent scarring and disfigurement damages. Pain and suffering. Psychological counseling for trauma. In cases involving children, courts and juries take scarring and disfigurement extremely seriously.
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How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In Kentucky, generally one year from the date of the attack. In Indiana, generally two years. Contact us immediately.
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How much does a dog bite attorney cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
Still Have Questions About Your Dog Bite or Animal Attack Case?
Get personalized answers from Colonel Karl Truman and our experienced legal team during your free consultation.
Serving Personal Injury Victims Across Kentucky & Indiana
Karl Truman Injury Law represents clients in Louisville, Jeffersonville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and throughout Kentucky and Indiana. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall cases, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability, and all types of personal injury claims. Available 24/7 for free consultations.
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Count on the Colonel
Take the first step toward justice. Contact The Colonel today for a no-obligation case review and experience the difference disciplined authority makes.