Dog bites are not a joke. They hurt, they traumatize, and they even leave their own scars sometimes. If you’ve been bitten in Missouri, however, you do have rights. An experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney can help you do something about it.
Why Dog Bites Are Such a Big Deal
Dogs make wonderful pets. However, if they do bite, the injuries are severe. Bites result in:
- Ripped or deep laceration skin
- Fractures of bones
- Infections
- Damaged nerves
- Emotional trauma
Most bites are unprovoked. The victims tend to be children or the elderly. These groups are also more prone to lasting damage. Dog bites also cause post-traumatic stress. A few of them become afraid of dogs. Others sleep poorly or struggle to resume normal life. For children, it affects school, play, and socialization.
Missouri Dog Bite Law
Missouri dog bite laws are strict. Missouri follows a “strict liability” rule. That is:
- If the dog bites, the owner is responsible.
- It doesn’t matter if the dog never bit anyone in the past.
- The victim doesn’t have to prove that the dog was vicious.
There are exceptions. The bite will need to be in a public place or where the victim was legally on private property. If the victim was trespassing or harassing the dog, they may not win with the suit. Just because the dog owner says the victim “provoked” the dog doesn’t necessarily mean the case is closed. An attorney can explain what is and isn’t provocation.
What to Do When Bitten by a Dog
- Seek medical attention. Small bites can get infected.
- Report it. Call the animal control or police.
- Photograph the evidence. Take a picture of the wound, the dog, and where the biting occurred.
- Get facts. Find out the owner’s name and number.
- Keep records. Keep medical receipts, reports, and all documentation regarding the bite.
Also, tell what happened. Tell when, where, and what the dog was doing before it bit. Your attorney can then readily understand the case.
What a Kansas City Attorney Can Do
An attorney explains your rights for you. They guide you through each step. This is how they help:
Investigate the Case
They find out what happened. They talk to witnesses. They look at the dog’s history. They look for any previous attacks or grievances. They also look up local legislation and previous cases. This helps them find good points in your case. A good investigation can really make a difference in your outcome.
Talk to Insurance Companies
Most homeowners who own dogs have homeowners’ insurance. Your lawyer negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf. This protects you from being intimidated into a small settlement. Insurance adjusters are friendly-looking people. But they have one thing in mind: pay out as little as possible. A lawyer is working for you and knows how to counter.
Get You Money for Your Losses
You can recover money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income if you needed to be absent from work
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
- Cost of therapy
- Scars or permanent impairment
Lawyers understand what is reasonable. Lawyers negotiate to obtain the appropriate amount.
File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If negotiations do not yield a reasonable settlement, the attorney can sue. They do all the court proceedings. Most cases resolve without going to the courtroom. But if a trial is necessary, your attorney will be prepared. They do all the paperwork, evidence, and arguments.
Why Use a Kansas City Attorney?
Dog bite cases are difficult. Each city is unique. A local lawyer knows the local courts and statutes. Kansas City lawyers also know how the local judges and insurance adjusters work. That is good for you. Most lawyers offer free first consultations. They don’t charge unless you win a lawsuit. That means they only take your case if they feel that you have a good chance of prevailing. Also, attorneys in the area will be aware of any previous problems with a particular dog or dog owner. This is a solid case.
Kansas City Dog Bite Hot Spots
There are locations that experience more bites. They include:
- Public parks
- Apartment complexes
- Sidewalks in densely populated neighborhoods
- Residences where visitors frequently drop by
Crowded areas tend to raise the risk of bites. If a dog owner cannot keep control in such a setting, they can be more readily blamed.
How Long Do You Have to File?
You have five years to file a claim in Missouri. But don’t procrastinate. It is easier to gather evidence immediately after the bite. Witnesses forget things. Documents get lost. You want to take action in a timely manner to make your case stronger. Procrastination can also result in insurance problems. Some policies have timely notice of claims. An attorney can jog your memory.
What If the Dog Is Owned by a Friend or Neighbor?
This is natural. Individuals typically do not wish to sue a person with whom they have a relationship. Remember, though, that most claims are covered by insurance. You’re not reaching into your friend’s pocketbook. You’re requesting their insurance company to pay for your losses. You do not have to have a poor relationship and be unlucky. An attorney can remain professional and discreet regarding the claim. This alleviates stress as well as your relationship.
How Much is Your Dog Bite Case Worth?
Each case is different. Factors to consider are:
- How severe the injury is
- How long you were off work for days or weeks
- Whether long-term care is required
- Whether or not the bite was scarring
- Your age and overall health
- Cost of therapy or rehab
- Pain and emotional injury
An attorney can estimate the value of your case based on your documentation. They can also speak with doctors and specialists to validate your needs.
Children and Dog Bites
Children are common victims of bites. Children do not perceive warning signs. In the case of child injuries, circumstances are worse. Children may need extra medical and psychological attention. Parents are helped to receive complete compensation for the child by an attorney.
Some children need play therapy or trauma therapy after a bite. Others get teased if the wound leaves a scar. These are real damages. An attorney makes sure that they are included as part of the claim.
Don’t Try To Handle It By Yourself
Bites are scary. You don’t have to navigate the legal practice system alone. A Kansas City lawyer is by your side. They work to get what you need to heal and continue with your life. Dog bite cases aren’t about something else aside from money. They help victims receive their justice. They educate owners to be careful. In the event that you are injured, seek help.
FAQs
1. Can I still claim it if I didn’t go to the hospital straight away?
Yes. It is better, however, to visit a doctor straight away. Medical reports can be helpful to your claim. Even if you did wait, you can still get help from an attorney in progressing your claim.
2. What if the dog was on a lead?
Leashed dogs bite, too, if the owner had not been in control of the dog, you may still be able to bring a claim.
3. Do I have to know the type of dog?
Not always. Some breeds provide for higher awards because they are known dangers. But any dog bite can form the basis of a claim no matter what the breed.
4. What if my skin wasn’t broken?
You may still have a case. Bruises, bad scrapes, or emotional trauma might qualify. Consult with an attorney so you’ll know for certain.
5. Can I sue if I was bitten in the workplace?
Yes. You may have a workers’ comp case and a personal injury case. Both can be covered with an attorney who can advise you.
Endnote
Dog bites hurt more than your body. They shake your serenity. You need guidance and support. A Kansas City dog bite lawyer can guide you step by step. Don’t wait. Call a lawyer today to find out your rights. It could make all the difference.