A dog bite can happen when you least expect it. If you’ve been the victim of a dog attack, a Liberty personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Dog bites can result in severe injuries and costly medical bills. In the aftermath of such a traumatic event, it’s natural to wonder about your legal options.
Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered over $1 billion for our clients. If a dog has bitten you, a dog bite lawyer in Liberty can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Missouri?
Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in Missouri. According to state law, dog owners are generally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.
A Liberty dog bite lawyer can evaluate the incident and determine the strength of your case.
How Can a Liberty Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
If a dog has bitten you, a Liberty dog bite attorney can help by:
- Evaluating your case: A lawyer can assess the circumstances of your injury to determine if you have a valid claim.
- Gathering evidence: An attorney can collect medical records, witness statements, and photographs to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: A lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can advocate for you in court.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Dog Bite?
The dog bite lawyers at Foster Wallace work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if you win your case. Your attorney’s fee will be a prearranged percentage of your settlement or court award, which you can discuss at your consultation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite in Missouri?
Settlements for dog bites can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $100,000. Factors that can affect the value of a claim include injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Cases involving severe injuries, permanent scarring, or psychological trauma typically result in higher payouts.
A Liberty personal injury attorney can assess your case and provide a more precise estimate.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive
As a dog bite victim in Missouri, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatments.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement: If the bite leaves permanent scars, you can seek damages for their impact on your appearance and self-esteem.
- Property damage: If the incident resulted in damage to personal property, you can recover compensation for it.
A Liberty personal injury attorney can help calculate your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is five years from the date of the incident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
A dog bite attorney can make sure you file on time.
What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?
To build a strong case, you’ll need to provide evidence such as:
- Medical records
- Photographs
- Witness statements
- Animal control reports
A dog bite lawyer can help gather and organize this evidence for your case.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite?
In most cases, the dog owner’s insurer will pay for your injuries via homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, as these policies typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. If the dog owner does not have insurance or their policy limits are insufficient, the owner may be held personally responsible for your damages.
An attorney can help make sure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries.
Common Injuries Caused By Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Infections, such as rabies or cellulitis
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, follow these steps to protect your rights and start building a strong case:
- Report the incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to report the bite. This will create an official record of the incident.
- Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the location where the bite happened, and the dog, if possible.
- Gather witness information: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the attack.
- Seek medical attention: Get professional medical care to prevent infection and document your injuries.
- Consult a dog bite lawyer: Reach out to an experienced attorney in Liberty to learn about your legal options.
Speak with a Dog Bite Attorney in Liberty
If a dog has injured you, don’t wait to seek legal help. A Liberty dog bite lawyer from Foster Wallace can guide you through the legal process and help fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today to start building your case.
