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Dog attacks are, unfortunately, all too common in Florissant, Missouri. Luckily, the dog bite lawyers at Powell Law Firm are dedicated to helping dog bite victims across Florissant. People may contact the law office today or set up a free consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer from the firm who is dedicated to fighting their client's dog bite case.
The dog bite laws in Missouri hold the dog owner strictly liable for any dog bite caused by their dog, meaning that those who sustained a dog bite injury may be entitled to claim compensation from the dog owner in a dog bite claim.
Complications of Dog Bites
Even if it may seem minor, one of the biggest complications of dog bites is an infection. Diseases from animals that are transmitted to humans can be dangerous, and the most common aerobic pathogens that cause infections from dog bites are Staphylococcus and Pasteurella multocida.
Physical Dog Bite Injuries
Skin wounds, including scrapes, cuts, and bruises
Damaged nerve tissue and torn muscle tissues
Broken bones
Rabies infection
Disfigurement and scarring
Loss of limbs
Emotional Dog Bite Fatalities
Anxiety
Nightmares
Diminished self-confidence
Who Is More at Risk of a Fatal Dog Bite Attack?
In particular, children are more at risk to sustain serious injuries from dog bite attacks. It was reported by the Safety Around Dogs that:
Seven in 10 children suffer a fatal dog attack
Injuries caused by a dog bite are highest in children aged five to nine.
The odds that a dog bite victim is a child is 3.2 to one
At least 77% of all injuries from dog bites occur to the face
Thus, the medical expenses associated with dog bite injuries can be incredibly expensive, in addition to the lasting physical damage, trauma, and emotional scarring, it is clear why dog bite attorneys are needed by an injured person to recover compensation for a dog bite lawsuit.
What Should Occur After a Dog Bite?
After a dog bite occurred, the victim should take the necessary actions to protect their health, as well as legal rights, especially if they are wanting to file a dog bite lawsuit in the near future. Below are important tips that one should follow after severe injuries have been sustained from an animal attack:
Leave the scene immediately. Don't stick around to discuss the attack with the dog's owner.
Either contact animal control or the police. A personal injury report is needed to be filed with the proper authorities. When reporting the incident, be sure to name all witnesses and provide all the identifying information about the pet owner's dog.
Next, request a copy of the initial incident report and ensure that all the names and contact information of all corresponding officers have been obtained.
Seek medical attention.
Lastly, contact experienced dog bite attorneys. This is one of the most efficient ways to ensure that the rights and interests of a victim remain protected in dog bite claims.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
Under Missouri law, the statute of limitations for filing dog bite lawsuits is five years. While this may seem like a long time, it is still necessary for a victim to be in touch with personal injury lawyers or a dog bite law firm in St Louis as soon as possible; waiting too long after the bite occurred can:
Make it more difficult to prove the case of the plaintiff because witnesses forget some vital details.
The amount of compensation awarded to the plaintiff may be reduced, as medical bills and other important documents that prove the injuries and losses suffered may be lost.
Which Dog Breeds Bite?
While all animals could potentially bite someone, the 10 dog breeds that tend to bite the most are:
Pit Bulls
Chihuahuas
Bulldogs
Australian Shepherds
German Shepherds
Jack Russell Terriers
Cocker Spaniels
Bull Terriers
Lhasa Apsos
Pekingese
Obviously, the popularity of certain dog breeds will differ according to location, making it more likely for a person to be attacked by dangerous dogs if that dog is common. This means that everyone is responsible for practicing caution when around dogs and teaching that same caution to their kids. This is absolutely essential for anyone who is wanting to prevent dog bites.
Dog bites can be prevented by:
Approaching a dog only once the dog owners have expressed permission
Touching or reaching out to a dog only with the permission of the dog owners
Appropriate playing with the dog and avoiding any type of behavioral provocation
When a dog is approached, it is important that an individual does so without trepidation or fear. Any jerking or halting movements can frighten the animal and provoke it to protect itself.
Understanding the Legal Options
Each state, including Missouri, will have laws that will dictate what compensation a victim of a dog attack is entitled to in terms of their injuries and losses. In order for the victim to be eligible for compensation from the pet owner, they must be able to prove liability:
That their injuries were caused by the dog.
The defendant owns the dog that caused the injuries.
The dog was not provoked by the plaintiff, causing the animal to attack or bite.
That the plaintiff possessed the legal right to be in the location where the attack occurred, and not on private property.
The owner of the dog knew that their dog was aggressive and likely to bite people and did not take the necessary precautions to prevent their dog from biting.
When the factors above can be proved, the personal injury victim may seek compensation for the following damages:
Medical costs and the cost of ongoing treatment
Lost wages
Mental anguish
Permanent disabilities
The best way to secure fair compensation is through legal action. This is where a dog bite attorney at Powell Law Firm can help. To learn more about a dog bite case, people may call an experienced attorney today for a free case evaluation.
Other Florissant Practice Areas
Why Choose Powell Law Firm?
A professional attorney at Powell Law Firm has the extensive knowledge and experience to defend the legal rights of those involved in a dog attack or who have been bitten. These skilled lawyers have a proven track record of successfully handling the following cases:
No history of the dog previously attacking other individuals
Severe injuries, extensive scarring, and disfigurement, as well as permanent disabilities
Cases where the victim was a child or baby
Dogs attacking other dogs
Police dog attacks
The dog bite lawyers at Powell Law Firm are ready to take their client's claim as far as necessary to help them secure maximum compensation. People may contact them today to get a free consultation.
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