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Dog bites are more common than most people think, and they can lead to serious, even life-altering injuries.
However, several myths surrounding dog bite injuries and personal injury claims can mislead victims and their families about their rights and the legal process.
Anyone seeking a dog bite claim in Missouri should reach out for a free consultation with a skilled personal injury attorney. Experienced lawyers know what to expect from lawsuits involving confusing accidents. They also have insight on common slip and fall injury myths in Missouri.
Myth One: Liable Dog Owners Must Pay Damages Out of Pocket
In Missouri, dog owners are generally held responsible for the injuries their pets cause, thanks to strict liability laws.
This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for damages regardless of the dog's previous behavior or the owner's knowledge of any aggressive tendencies.
Many people think that this means owners must pay for these damages directly from their own pockets, but that's not entirely accurate.
When a canine causes harm, the insurance company typically steps in to handle the claim.
This coverage helps protect the owner from having to pay out of pocket for medical bills and other damages related to dog bite injuries.
Myth Two: All Personal Injury Claims Take a Long Time to Settle
It is a common belief that personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, drag on for months or even years.
While some cases do take longer to resolve, this is not true for all claims. The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim can vary widely based on several factors:
Complexity of the Case: Simple cases with clear liability and straightforward medical expenses may settle quickly. In contrast, cases involving disputes over fault or complicated medical issues may take longer.
Insurance Company Response: The speed at which an insurance company responds can affect the timeline. Some companies are more efficient than others in processing claims and making settlement offers.
Negotiation Process: The negotiation stage can also affect how long a claim takes to settle. If both parties are willing to negotiate fairly, a resolution can be reached more quickly. However, if there are disagreements, negotiations may extend the timeline.
One way to speed up the process is by gathering thorough documentation right after the incident. This includes medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any police reports.
Myth Three: Insurance Companies Are Honest with Dog Bite Victims
People naturally assume that insurance companies will act in good faith when handling dog bite claims.
Unfortunately, this is often not the case. While insurance companies play a crucial role in providing financial support to victims, their primary goal is to protect their bottom line.
The Reality of Insurance Practices
Insurance companies are businesses that aim to minimize payouts. When someone files a dog bite claim, the insurance adjuster assigned to the case will investigate the incident.
This process includes gathering information from various sources, such as medical records and witness statements.
However, it’s important to remember that the adjuster’s loyalty lies with the insurance company, not the victim.
Low Initial Offers
One tactic commonly used by insurance companies is to make low initial settlement offers.
These offers may seem appealing at first, especially for victims facing mounting medical bills and lost wages. However, they often do not reflect the true costs of recovery or pain and suffering.
Myth Four: All Fatal Dog Attacks Must Go Through Trial
The assumption that every fatal dog attack automatically results in a trial is misleading.
While some cases may indeed go to court, many others can be resolved through settlements or other legal processes without ever reaching a trial. Our team can also provide insight on common workplace accident myths in Missouri.
Depending on the findings, the pet's owner may face civil claims for damages or even criminal charges if negligence or intent can be proven.
Settlements can provide immediate financial relief for medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional distress to the injured family member without the uncertainty of a court decision.
Myth Five: Dog Owners Can Turn to the "One-bite Rule"
In states that recognize the one-bite rule, it works under the premise that an owner is not liable for a first-time bite unless they already have an idea about their dog's dangerous tendencies.
For example, if a dog has never shown aggression before and suddenly bites someone, the owner might argue that they were unaware of any potential risk.
However, this does not mean that all states, including Missouri, follow this rule strictly.
Many jurisdictions have adopted strict liability laws, which hold owners accountable for any injuries their dogs cause, regardless of prior behavior.
In short, the one-bite rule can create a false sense of security for pet owners.
Myth Six: Only Certain Dog Breeds Can Show Aggressive Behavior
Many believe that only specific dog breeds, like the American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, are prone to aggressive behavior.
This is far from true. While certain breeds have a reputation for acting out, more than half of dog bite cases involve breeds not typically considered dangerous.
Any breed can bite if it feels threatened or scared. Responsible ownership and proper training are key to preventing bites in the first place.
Myth Seven: Dog Bite Injuries Are Minor and Heal Quickly
Dog bites are often dismissed as minor injuries, but they can be far more painful and traumatizing than people realize.
These injuries often leave behind physical scars and emotional trauma, requiring extensive medical care.
In some cases, the injured party faces hefty medical bills, especially if the bite leads to infections or nerve damage.
Myth Eight: Hiring a Lawyer Is Too Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions about personal injury law is that hiring legal representation is unaffordable.
However, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This allows victims to focus on their recovery while their dog bite attorney in St Louis, MO handles the legal process.
Final Words
From the belief that only aggressive breeds bite to the idea that all fatal dog attacks must go through court trials, these myths can create a false sense of security or fear.
The reality is that any dog can bite, regardless of its size or breed.
Moreover, Missouri's strict liability laws mean that owners can be held accountable for injuries caused by their pets, even if it’s the dog's first offense.
Victims need to know their rights and the steps they can take to seek compensation for their injuries.
For those affected by dog bites, it’s vital to consult with a personal injury attorney who understands Missouri's laws. Powell Law Firm is always ready to help victims navigate the legal complexities of such tricky lawsuits.
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