Don’t Suffer alone. Let a Dog bite Lawyer fight for you

Dog bites can be a traumatic experience that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Often, victims of dog bites suffer alone, unsure of how to fight for their rights against the dog owner or their insurance company. However, there’s no need to suffer alone. A Missouri dog bite lawyer can help fight for your rights and represent you in court if necessary. With the backing of a skilled law firm, a Missouri dog bite lawyer can prove that the dog owner failed to prevent the dog’s attack and is liable for the injuries sustained. This may encompass seeking reimbursement for medical expenses and recompense for prospective medical costs, in addition to compensating for emotional distress resulting from the dog bite or attack.. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite or attack, contact a personal injury lawyer to see if you may be entitled to compensation.

Tell me the dog bite statistics.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites that occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites require medical attention . While these statistics may not be the most recent available, they do provide an estimate of the prevalence and severity of dog bites in the US.

It is important to note that dog bite statistics can vary depending on the source and methods of data collection. However, the available statistics suggest that dog bites remain a serious issue that can result in significant harm and medical attention.

What Happens When You Report a Dog Bite?

When you report a dog bite, animal control or local law enforcement records and investigates the incident. The dog owner may face consequences such as fines, mandatory training, or even having their dog taken away from them. If you suffer from injuries as a result of the bite, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, consulting with an experienced dog bite attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Reporting a dog bite not only protects you, but it also helps prevent future dog bites and promotes responsible pet ownership.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in Missouri?

If you are a dog bite victim in Missouri, it is important to know the statute of limitations that applies to your injury claim or potential dog bite lawsuit. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for dog bites is generally five years from the date of the bite. This means that if a dog bites you, you have five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.  However, I can see some situations where a dog bite could be considered an assault (if someone sicked their dog on you), and the statute of limitations in Missouri is two years.  It is important to act quickly and consult with a dog bite lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Waiting too long to file a claim can result in the loss of your legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one have been a dog bite victim, contact a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

Do I have a case for my dog bite injury?

If you have suffered a dog bite or attack injury, you may have a case to recover compensation. First of all, it is important to seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. This not only ensures your health and safety but also creates a record of your injuries that can support your case. Additionally, if the owner of the dog knew that their dog had a history of aggression, they may be considered negligent for failing to take appropriate steps to prevent an attack. The dog owner may also be held liable for not properly securing their dog, such as by failing to use a leash or keeping their dog in a fenced area. If these factors apply, you may have a case to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the incident.

Who is liable for dog bites?

When a dog bites someone, the owner of the dog is usually held liable for the incident. This means that the owner of the dog may be responsible for paying any damages or expenses that result from the dog bite. A dog bite lawyer can be helpful in navigating this process and ensuring that the victim receives fair compensation. Depending on the circumstances, other parties may also be liable for the dog bite, such as property owners or caregivers. However, in most cases, the legal responsibility falls on the owner of the dog. It’s important for dog owners to take proper precautions to prevent their dogs from biting others and to understand their legal responsibilities in case an incident does occur.

Can a landlord be held liable for a dog attack in Missouri?

Dog Attacks and Homeowners Insurance Dog attacks can be a nightmare for homeowners, as they can lead to serious injuries and legal complications. When a dog bites or attacks someone on a homeowner’s property, the owner may be liable for the victim’s medical treatment and other damages. In some cases, homeowners insurance policies may cover these expenses, but it depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. If the homeowner was negligent or knew that their dog was dangerous, they may be unable to recover compensation through their insurance. This is why it’s important to work with a Missouri dog bite lawyer who can help you prove that the dog owner was at fault and hold them accountable for their actions. Our law firm is dedicated to helping victims of dog attacks recover the compensation they deserve.

Dog Attacks and Homeowners Insurance

Dog attacks can be a serious issue, both for the victim and for the dog owner. Homeowners insurance companies often have policies that cover dog bite claims, but such coverage may be limited or absent in some cases. The reason for this is that insurers can view dog attacks as a high-risk event that can result in a large payout. As a result, some insurance companies may require specific types of dog breeds to be excluded from coverage, such as pit bulls or Rottweilers. On the other hand, some insurers may offer coverage only if the dog owner completes a training program or if the dog has a clean record of behavior. If a dog attack occurs, the dog owner should immediately inform the insurance company and provide necessary documentation to support the claim. It is important to ensure that the insurance coverage is adequate to cover any potential costs of a dog attack.

Who pays if bitten by a dog?

If a dog attack occurs, the responsibility for paying for any resulting dog bite injuries usually falls on the dog owner. The owner may have to pay for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of the bite victim. In some cases, insurance companies may cover the costs of the injury claim. In general, however, the owner of the dog is liable for any injuries caused by their pet. If a dog bite injury claim is filed, the owner may need to hire a lawyer to help them navigate the legal system. The injury victim should also seek legal help to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. Overall, it’s important to remember that dog owners are responsible for their pets’ behavior and must take appropriate measures to prevent dog attacks.

Does the dog have to bite me in order to file a dog bite claim?

No, the dog does not have to actually bite you in order to file a dog bite claim. Even if the dog did not actually bite you, you may still be able to file a dog bite claim if the dog’s actions caused you harm or injury. For example, the dog may have jumped on you, knocked you down, or scratched you, still leading to an injury. It is important to note that proving a dog bite claim may be more difficult if there is no actual bite, but it may still be possible with the help of witnesses and other evidence. It is always best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite claims to ensure you have the best chance of receiving compensation for any injuries you may have sustained.

What if you’re not sure who owns the dog that attacked you?

If you are not sure who owns the dog that attacked you, it can make it difficult to pursue a potential dog bite claim. However, it is important to try to ascertain the identity of the dog owner as soon as possible. This can involve speaking to any witnesses that may have seen the incident or contacting local animal control or the police. In some cases, the dog may have been microchipped, which can help in identifying the owner. If all attempts to identify the dog owner fail, it may be necessary to enlist the help of a dog bite lawyer who can help with filing a claim against the unknown owner. It is always better to act promptly in these situations to avoid complications further down the line.

Tell me about the level of dog bites.

Dog bites are classified into three levels based on their severity. Level 1 bites are minor and only cause surface-level scratches or abrasions. Usually, puppies or dogs who are not aggressive bite people. Level 2 bites are more severe and cause moderately deep puncture wounds. These bites are inflicted by dogs who exhibit some level of aggression but are still relatively mild-mannered. Level 3 bites are the most severe and can cause serious injury or death. Dogs that have a history of aggression or who have received special training to attack are the ones who bite people. Level 3 bites can result in permanent physical and emotional damage and are a cause of concern for both dog owners and society at large. It is important for individuals to be aware of these levels and take appropriate measures to prevent dog bites from occurring.

How to prove liability in a dog bite lawsuit?

Proving liability in a dog bite lawsuit can be a challenging task. The first step is to identify the dog’s owner and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. If the owner had knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior or failed to properly restrain or control the animal, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog. Evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the injuries can be used to support the claim. Additionally, it is important to show that the victim did not provoke the dog or trespass on the owner’s property. In some cases, state laws may offer specific provisions for holding certain parties liable, such as landlords or animal control agencies. A skilled personal injury attorney can help to build a strong case and pursue full compensation for the victim’s damages.

One free bite?

Does a dog get one free bite?  NO. But in the past, this was a common defense.  As the law developed, the focus expanded from prior bites to investigating whether the dog had displayed other aggressive behavior in the past such that the owner knew, should have known, or could have known that the dog was a danger to others.

We look high and low for evidence of the dog’s prior aggressive or vicious tendencies.  We talk with the owners, of course; we speak with neighbors; we look at the county animal control records; there may be prior owners; and the veterinarian’s records for a dog are often a gold mine for evidence of the dog’s prior behavior. In a recent case, the vet records took our case from a low offer to a settlement of over $250,000.

Dog Bite Injuries

We had a recent case with serious upper extremity injuries that left our client with a hand and arm that never worked the same again.  Dogs often go for the face, and we often find that facial scarring and injuries occur.  Scarring, infection, and the psychological trauma of the attack are just some of the injuries we commonly see.  Injuries to children are some of the worst cases we see.  Unfortunately, dogs can be especially destructive because the injuries are not just puncture wounds but tearing, which can lead to even more devastating injuries.  Plastic surgery is often needed, and still clients are left with disfiguring scars.

7 tips to avoid dog bites when you see a dog

Dog bites can cause serious injury or even death, so it’s important to know how to avoid them. Here are five tips to help you stay safe when you encounter a dog:

1. Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching their dog.
2. Avoid eye contact with the dog, and try to make yourself appear smaller.
3. Never approach a dog who is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
4. If a dog appears aggressive or is growling, slowly and calmly back away.
5. Carry a walking stick or pepper spray.
6. If you have a jacket or other removable clothing use it as a shield.
7. If the dog starts to attack, get big and yell and scream, find something to use a shield, get big and try to give it back. You want to surprise the attacking dog with some kind of defensive counterattack.  I bike in rural areas and always carry pepper spray.  On more than one occasion I have used the bike as a shield and kept the bike between me and the dog.  Unfortunately, I had a friend biking on a rural gravel road in Iowa and the dog attacked, throwing my friend from the bike and into a ditch.  He almost didn’t make it but thank God he survived.  He has been left with life-altering injuries.

If the owner knew their dog was aggressive or was negligent in controlling their pet, you may be able to recover compensation for any injuries or other damages sustained. By following these tips, you can help prevent dog bites and stay safe around dogs.

Negligence vs. Strict Liability in Missouri Dog Bite Cases

In a Missouri dog bite case, two legal theories that may be used are negligence and strict liability. Negligence is the failure of a dog owner to control their dog and prevent harm from happening to others. In contrast, strict liability dog bite means that the dog owner may be liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether or not they were negligent.   Leash laws, fencing, and other laws and local ordinances often set forth strict liability for violation of these laws designed to prevent dog bites.

In a dog bite lawsuit, the injured party may be entitled to compensation if they can prove that the dog owner was negligent or that strict liability applies. If the dog owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the injury, then they may be found negligent. However, if the dog was known to be dangerous or aggressive, then the owner may be strictly liable for any injuries the dog caused. Ultimately, the owner may be held liable for their dog in either situation, and the injured party may be entitled to compensation.

Is a Bite Required?

A bite is not required. We had a nice client who worked for FedEx and was delivering a package to a residence where the homeowner worked from home.  My client went to the front door, rang the doorbell, waited a short time, and when there was no answer, left the package and started back to her truck.  Around the corner came this big dog, snarling and running directly toward my client.  My client ran as fast as she could to flee the dog.  Tearing her rotator cuff, she fell onto her outstretched arm after slipping on the wet grass, necessitating surgery.  The injury took her off work for almost a year because she couldn’t meet the lifting requirements of work.

There was a big dispute in the case because either the dog was already out or the dog ran through the “doggie door” when it heard the doorbell.  There was no fence and no leash. The property had an “invisible fence,” which permitted the dog to run free within the confines of the yard. It was our position that the dog’s behavior of running out in an aggressive manner when our client rang the doorbell was a learned response, but the homeowner would never admit that the dog had done this before. When this dog reached my client, there was no aggression or bite. The defense position was that my client’s instinct to run was irrational.

Our position on liability in the absence of a bite or evidence of prior aggressive behavior was two-fold, negligence in having a doggie door and no fence.  And second, that the leash and fence laws were violated. We ended up settling the case on favorable terms.  It would have been a fun case to try to a jury.  We had planned to send a private investigator to the front of the house to see if the ding-dong-doggie would come out but the case settled before we got that far.  So no, a bite is not required, if the dog is aggressive and is charging and you are hurt trying to flee, liability attaches as long as you can prove negligence.

No case is exactly alike which is why you should contact a lawyer to discuss your case.

Tell me the cost of a dog bite injury Lawyer?

The cost of hiring a Missouri dog bite lawyer can vary depending on the law firm and the complexity of your case. However, most personal injury attorneys will offer a free consultation to assess your case and determine if they can help. If the attorney takes your case, they will typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.  At Wolfgram Law we will never ask you for money.  With a skilled Missouri dog bite lawyer, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages. It is important to have an experienced lawyer to prove that the dog owner was negligent and responsible for the dog’s actions.

Schedule a free consultation with a Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite lawyer is a personal injury lawyer who specializes in representing victims of dog bites. Wolfgram and associates Law Firm offers no fee unless you win. We have experienced dog bite attorneys to help you with your case. This means that you will not have to pay any upfront fees, and the lawyer will only receive payment if your case is successful. Compensation in dog bite lawsuits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, there may be criminal liability for dog bite incidents, depending on the circumstances surrounding the attack. It is important to seek legal representation from an experienced dog bite lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.