Hit Batter by pitch

Question
If a pitched ball hit the ground first then hit the batter, is it a dead ball or does the batter gets first base if he made a reasonable attempt to get out of the way?

Answer
Any time the ball hits the batter, whether the pitcher throws it and hits him or he hits the ball which then procedes to hit him (either a foul ball or an out depending on where he is when the ball hits him in this case), the ball is dead immediately with no exceptions.  If in the umpire's opinion the batter made an attempt of some sort to avoid the pitch, he is then awarded first base.  If the umpire determines that no attempt was made, then the ball is still dead and the umpire rules the pitch a ball or strike based on the location of the pitch.  Keep in mind that unless the batter actually leans into a pitch to get hit, the umpire is generally going to rule that he made an attempt to get out of the way.  I hope this answers your question.