A dog bite can leave behind more than just physical scars; it can also lead to emotional trauma, medical expenses, and even lifelong injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, you deserve compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, our Belton dog bite lawyers bring over 45 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success, with over $1 billion recovered for our clients.
Reach out to our Belton personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you move forward.
What Are The Challenges of Dog Bite Injury Claims?
Dog bite injury claims come with unique challenges. One common issue is proving liability, particularly in cases involving non-bite injuries where the victim must demonstrate that the owner’s negligence caused their harm. Even under Missouri’s strict liability law, challenges may arise if the dog owner argues that the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing.
Another hurdle is dealing with insurance companies, which often try to minimize payouts by disputing the severity of injuries or questioning medical expenses. Gathering strong evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and photos of the injuries, is crucial to counter these tactics.
Additionally, victims may face difficulties calculating non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional trauma, as these losses are subjective. Our dog bite injury attorneys in Belton can help you overcome these challenges and seek fair compensation.
Missouri’s Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know
Missouri follows a strict liability law for dog bites. This means that dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries and property damage caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before.
Unlike the “one-bite” rule used in some states, Missouri does not require victims to prove that the dog owner knew their pet was dangerous. If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Missouri, you can seek compensation by showing:
- You were injured by the bite.
- The attack occurred on public property or while you were lawfully on private property.
- You did not provoke the dog.
In addition to paying damages, dog owners in Missouri may face fines of up to $1,000 for attacks.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Liability for Non-Bite Injuries
Missouri’s strict liability statute only covers injuries caused by dog bites and property damage. However, victims of non-bite injuries, such as being knocked over or tripped by a dog, can still pursue compensation through a negligence claim.
To prove negligence, you must show that:
- The dog owner had a duty to reasonably control their dog.
- The owner failed in that duty.
- This failure directly caused your injuries.
For example, if a dog owner lets their pet off-leash in a park, and the dog runs at full speed and trips you, the owner could be held liable. This is especially likely if the owner knew the dog had a habit of running uncontrollably. Proving this type of negligence can be difficult without help from a dog bite lawyer in Belton.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for the following losses:
- Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work during recovery
- Pain and Suffering: To address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack
- Property Damage: For torn clothing, broken glasses, or other damaged personal items
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries keep you from participating in activities you once loved.
- Future Medical Care: For long-term rehabilitation or permanent injuries
How Can A Lawyer Help Me With A Dog Bite Injury Claim?
A lawyer can be an invaluable ally when pursuing a dog bite claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you need. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Determine Liability: Identifying whether the dog owner is liable under Missouri’s strict liability law or through negligence
- Evaluate Your Damages: Accurately calculating both economic damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional trauma).
- Gather Evidence: Collecting critical evidence, including medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and expert testimony
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handling discussions with insurers to counter lowball offers and ensure a fair settlement
- Meet Legal Deadlines: Ensuring your claim is filed within Missouri’s statute of limitations to avoid dismissal
- Provide Legal Expertise: Representing you in court if necessary and building a strong case to maximize your compensation
Having a skilled lawyer by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri law gives victims five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). Missing this deadline will likely result in your case being dismissed.
It’s important to act quickly to ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met. If you’re unsure about the timing of your claim, consult an experienced Belton dog bite injury attorney. That can make all the difference.
Why Choose Foster Wallace as your Belton Dog Bite Attorneys?
At Foster Wallace, we understand the life-changing impact of a dog bite or attack. That’s why we’re committed to pursuing maximum compensation in your case. Our experienced team has the knowledge, resources, and passion to stand up for injured victims in Belton, Missouri.
If you’ve been injured by a dog, don’t wait to take action. Your injury is our fight. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on your path to recovery.
