Were you or someone you know injured when a dog attacked and bit you? Dog bite incidents like these can leave victims like you grappling with serious physical injuries and ongoing emotional trauma, all of which is often due to the negligence of the dog’s owner.
Recovering from an incident like this can feel stressful and confusing, but there are ways to empower yourself, and it all starts with contacting a dog bite lawyer in Warrensburg. The key to protecting your rights after an injury is knowing what the law says about liability.
A Warrensburg personal injury lawyer from the law firm of Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers can make all the difference when it comes to pursuing compensation on your behalf. We have 45 years of experience, and in that time, we have recovered more than $1 billion.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause a wide array of injuries. The nature and severity of them will often depend on factors such as the dog’s size, breed, and behavior, as well as the location and force of the bite.
Here are examples of common injuries people like you face:
- Puncture wounds: This type of wound is caused by the dog’s sharp teeth penetrating the skin, which often means damaging muscles, tendons, or bones.
- Lacerations: These are deep cuts or tears in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth and jaws.
- Infections: Dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause serious infections if it is introduced into an open wound. Rabies is a rare but potentially fatal infection that can arise if the dog that bites you is not vaccinated.
- Nerve and tissue damage: Severe bites may damage nerves, blood vessels, or muscle tissue, resulting in a loss of sensation or overall function.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Bites on visible parts of the body—especially the face—may cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Emotional trauma: The psychological effects of a dog bite can be severe, leading to long-term fear, anxiety, or PTSD.
Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries because their bodies are smaller and more fragile. Even so, no matter your age, reach out to a Warrensburg dog bite lawyer as soon as possible for representation in your case.
Common Circumstances Leading to Dog Bites
Dog bites in Warrensburg can occur under a variety of circumstances, including the following:
- Unprovoked attacks: Sometimes, dogs bite without any apparent provocation. Instead, they end up surprising the victim and causing severe injuries.
- Defensive bites: Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, frightened, or cornered.
- Territorial behavior: Dogs sometimes attack to protect their territory, especially if they view you as an intruder.
- Negligent supervision: Owners who fail to properly restrain or control their dogs contribute to the risk of bites.
- Interactions with children: Many bites occur when children unknowingly provoke dogs or play too roughly with them.
Understanding the context in which a dog bite occurred can influence how liability is determined under Missouri state laws. Your Warrensburg dog bite attorney can look into the details of your case to determine what caused the situation that resulted in you getting hurt.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Legal Standards for Dog Bite Liability in Missouri
Missouri applies a “one bite” rule in many dog bite cases. This rule states that dog owners are generally not able to be held liable for injuries caused by a dog’s first bite unless the owner knew—or should have known—the dog was dangerous.
Here’s a closer look at what this rule entails:
- Knowledge of vicious propensities: Liability often hinges on whether the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
- Negligence: In some cases, the owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent a bite may be considered negligence.
- Trespassing: Dog owners might not be found liable if the victim was trespassing on private property when he or she was bitten.
- Statutory provisions: Missouri law also contains specific provisions that may impose liability under certain circumstances, which are considered on a case-by-case basis.
This legal standard means that victims must often demonstrate that the dog’s owner had prior knowledge of the animal’s aggressive behavior to hold the owner responsible. Don’t worry—your lawyers can take on this responsibility on your behalf.
Statutes of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
Timeliness is very important when it comes to pursuing legal claims related to dog bites. In the state of Missouri, the statute of limitations is five years, which goes into effect the moment a dog bites you.
This 60-month restriction allocates how much time you—as the injured party—have to take legal action. If you fail to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires, you could lose your right to seek justice in your personal injury case.
The sooner you contact Warrensburg dog bite lawyers, the sooner your attorneys can start filing paperwork on your behalf. Your legal counsel will make sure you don’t miss the deadline as long as you contact them right away.
Reach Out To Our Warrensburg Dog Bite Law Firm Today For More Information About How We Can Help You
If you or someone you love was injured after encountering a dog that bit you, you’re not alone. This may feel like an isolating set of circumstances, but you don’t have to figure everything out all by yourself. Instead, give the law firm of Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers a call.
When you meet with our Warrensburg dog bite attorneys, you’ll quickly learn that they have the experience lawyers need to handle your case, advocate for compensation on your behalf, and fight for your rights. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and we’ll help you pursue it.
Don’t wait to contact us for help—we’re here for you. The sooner you call our dog bite law firm in Warrensburg, the sooner we can work toward holding the dog owner accountable for the injuries you sustained. Call now.
