Did you get hurt after someone else’s dog bit you? Dog bites often stem from instances in which dog owners fail to properly control their pet, and in turn, people in close proximity to the dog in question end up sustaining injuries as a result.
Not only is the bite itself an uncomfortable experience, but the recovery process can also be very confusing. Thankfully, you don’t have to figure everything out all by yourself. Instead, let a dog bite lawyer in Gladstone advocate for you throughout the entire process.
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have 45 years of experience and counting. In that time, we have recovered over $1 billion in compensation. With us as your Gladstone personal injury lawyer, we can offer clarity and support during a challenging time.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can produce a variety of injuries, some of which require urgent medical care. Here are examples of common types of injuries sustained in dog-related incidents:
- Puncture wounds: A dog’s teeth can puncture deep into your skin and its underlying tissues, causing damage to muscles, tendons, and—in worst-case scenarios—bones.
- Lacerations: Dog bites often tear the skin, leading to irregular wounds that may require stitches or surgical repair.
- Infections: Dog mouths harbor bacteria that can lead to infections, such as cellulitis, or even more serious conditions—like rabies—if the animal is not vaccinated.
- Nerve and tissue damage: Severe bites can sever nerves or blood vessels, leading to loss of function or sensation in affected areas.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Deep wounds may leave permanent scars or disfigurement, especially when bites occur on the face or other visible areas.
- Emotional and psychological trauma: Beyond physical harm, victims may suffer anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a heightened fear of animals after an attack.
Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries from dog bites due to their smaller size and overall inability to defend themselves effectively. Your Gladstone dog bite lawyer can help you identify the types of injuries you’ve sustained and how to proceed from there.
Causes and Circumstances of Dog Bites in Gladstone
Dog bites occur in a variety of circumstances. Furthermore, the behavior of both the animal and the victim at the time of the attack can influence the outcome.
Let’s take a look at common situations where dog bites often happen:
- Unprovoked attacks: In some cases, a dog attacks without any apparent provocation, striking fear and causing injury unexpectedly.
- Territorial behavior: Dogs may bite to defend their territory or protect their owners from perceived threats.
- Fear or pain response: A dog may bite when frightened or in pain, reacting defensively.
- Negligent handling or training: Dogs that are poorly trained, socialized, or restrained may be more likely to bite.
- Owner negligence: Failure to properly secure or supervise a dog can lead to attacks on passersby or guests.
- Children and dog interactions: Many dog bites involving children occur due to improper supervision or accidental provocation, such as pulling a dog’s tail or disturbing its food.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
In the state of Missouri, dog bite victims must be aware of what’s known as the statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline that dictates how much time you have to file a claim or a lawsuit in pursuit of compensation.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims—which includes dog bites—is five years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this period of time could result in you losing the right to take legal action altogether, so time is of the essence.
Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases
To establish a dog bite claim, the injured party must demonstrate the following:
- Establishing who owns or controls the dog that caused the injury
- Proving that the injuries were caused by the dog bite
- Showing that the owner is responsible for the dog’s actions
- Documenting the harm suffered, including expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering
Your Gladstone dog bite attorney will likely rely on the following forms of evidence when advocating for you and your right to pursue justice:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Animal control reports
- Professional testimonies
Call Our Gladstone Dog Bite Lawyers Today To Learn More About How We Can Help You With Your Case
If you or someone you love was injured in a dog bite incident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Injuries like these can be very painful—not to mention confusing and overwhelming—but you don’t have to handle everything by yourself.
Instead, reach out to Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers to meet with our Gladstone dog bite attorneys. We have the experience it takes to handle your case and advocate for your rights. You deserve compensation, and we can help you work towards that.
Don’t wait to contact us for help—we’re here for you. The sooner you call our dog bite law firm in Gladstone, the sooner we can start holding the dog owner accountable on your behalf.
