Dog Bite Lawyers in Arnold, MO

Arnold, MO Personal Injury Lawyers

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Call 866-382-4167 for a Complimentary Consultation | Arnold, MO Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog Bite Lawyers in Arnold, MO. Dogs can add a great deal of fun, love and companionship to our lives. But when Arnold, MO dog owners don't keep their dogs in check, it can cause injuries and other damages to innocent people. It is essential to get qualified legal counsel ASAP after an incident. As personal injury lawyers, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients in Arnold, MO and on both sides of the river hold negligent dog owners accountable to get the financial recovery they deserve. If you were attacked by a dog, don't wait another second to call us at 866-382-4167 or contact our Arnold, MO dog bite lawyers online. Halvorsen Klote represents clients in the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois.

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Dog Bites: Numbers to Know

Based on research from the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over 4.5 million serious dog bites each year across the country. Dog bites are associated with high medical expenses, as medical treatment can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Each day, nearly 1,000 people visit an emergency room for serious dog bites, and the average dog bite-related hospital stay is $18,200.

In 2022, across the country there were 17,597 dog bite claims, which resulted in $1.136 billion in compensation.

How to Know if You Have a Dog Bite Claim in Arnold, MO

If a dog attacked you for no reason, you may be thinking about if you have a case for legal action. The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack:

• The extent of your damages — If you want to have a valid case, your injuries must be significant enough to warrant medical attention. You can generally receive compensation for injuries such as puncture wounds, lacerations or broken bones, as well as less tangible damages like post-traumatic stress disorder. For less significant injuries that didn't require medical treatment, such as a small cut, you may not be able to make a claim .
• Circumstances surrounding the bite — If you were attacked while you were on public property or on private property you had permission to be on, you may have a case. However, if you were there illegally or threatened the dog or their owner, you may not have a case.
• Insurance coverages available — Most dog bites are covered under a homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy. If not, you may need your attorney to do some "creative lawyering" to help locate the policy that covers your injuries.
• Dog bite laws — The validity of your claim is, at least to a degree, based on local ordinances and state statutes. Typically, in Missouri and Illinois, you can seek compensation for a dog bite any time you were bitten by someone else's dog if:
  • You were lawfully allowed to be where you were
  • You did nothing to provoke or excite the dog or its owner

If you don't know if you have a viable case for legal action, you should discuss your case with a qualified Arnold, MO dog bite lawyer. They can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you on what the best path forward is.

What Do I Do if I'm Bitten by a Dog in Arnold, MO?

If you've been attacked by a dog, it's important to take certain steps to protect your health and your legal rights. While it can be hard to keep your wits about you, after being bitten by a dog you should:

• Acquire evidence — While you're still at the scene, take pictures of the surrounding scene and any injuries. Ask for the contact info of the dog's owners and any people who saw the attack, but do not start an argument with the owner.
• Seek medical treatment — Even if the bite doesn't seem significant, you need to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Dog bites often cause infection, and you may need to receive a tetanus shot or other treatment to prevent complications. Additionally, you'll need documentation of your injuries in order to make a claim.
• Report the incident — Depending on where you were bitten, you may need to file a report with your local municipality. This can help to ensure that the dog is observed to see if they're a danger to others, and that there is an official record of the attack to corroborate your claims.
• Don't believe insurance companies — If the dog's owner has insurance, their insurance company may reach out to you to offer a settlement. Never agree to a settlement without consulting with a lawyer, as it may not fully cover the costs of your medical bills and other expenses.
• Reach out to a personal injury lawyer — A lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases can help you to understand your legal rights and options. They can look into the details of your case and help you to determine how much compensation you are owed for your dog bite injury in Arnold, MO.

What Can a Dog Bite Lawyer in Arnold, MO Do for Me?

A dog bite lawyer in Arnold, MO can provide a range of services to help you with your case. Here are some of the benefits to hiring an attorney for your claim:

• Analyze your case — A dog bite lawyer can evaluate your case and offer insight into your chances of success. They will review the circumstances surrounding the bite, including the severity of your injuries and any relevant laws.
• Help you understand your rights — A dog bite lawyer can help you understand the injury claim process and what you're entitled to. They can explain the laws that govern dog bites in Arnold, MO, and they can help you navigate the legal system from filing a claim with the appropriate insurance to going to court if necessary. Throughout the duration of your case, your Arnold, MO dog bite lawyer will be available to answer any questions you have about personal injury claims.
• Gather evidence — A dog bite lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements and any surveillance footage or other evidence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies — A dog bite lawyer can talk to the dog owner's insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies want to avoid paying claims, but a dog bite lawyer can fight on your behalf and ensure you get a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court — If your lawsuit goes to court, a dog bite lawyer can present your case to a judge and jury and argue for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws

Any law regarding personal injury is designed to keep innocent people from harm and to hold people liable for the damages they cause. Each state makes their own dog bite laws, and the laws in Missouri and Illinois have most of the most important aspects in common.

Neither state implements a "one bite rule" – where the dog had to have bitten somebody before for the owner to be liable – or uses negligence – requiring the dog owner to actively forgo safety precautions – to determine if an owner can be liable.

Instead, both states adhere to "strict liability", meaning that a dog owner can be sued for any damages their dog causes, whether or not the dog has a history of aggression or or if the home owner did anything wrong. Strict liability recognizes that dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their dog, while allowing dog bite victims who did nothing wrong to get full compensation without having to prove wrongdoing on the part of the dog owner.

The dog bite laws in each state can be found in Missouri Revised Statute §273.036 and 510 ILCS 5/1.

The only major difference in dog bite law between Missouri and Illinois is in regards to the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years to file a dog bite claim, while in Illinois you have two years.

Common Dog Attack Injuries

As harmless as they seem, "man's best friend" can be dangerous. Our dog bite attorneys in Arnold, MO, know how victims and their families can be affected after an incident. For instance, here are a few of the most common injuries related to dog bites:

Often, people stereotype certain breeds. There are facts to back this stigma, but it's not always the case. Every dog is able to bite someone. This can be caused by how the person interacts with the dog and the environment it was raised in.

Breeds often associated with danger include (in no particular order) bull terriers, cocker spaniels, jack russells, German shepherds, pit bulls, bulldogs, and even chihuahuas. The size and age of the dog rarely matters; the important thing to keep in mind is how a dog was raised and how you interact with the dog. People have a similar tendency to attack others when they're scared or aggravated.

What Compensation Can I Get for My Dog Bite in Arnold, MO?

A dog bite lawyer in Arnold, MO, will look at a number of damages. These include:

• Medical Expenses — You may be able to recover all expenses related to medical treatment caused by a dog bite. It is important to document everything (recovery, scarring, prescriptions, etc...) if you want reimbursement.
• Lost Wages — If you've been bitten by a dog, you might lose your earning capacity for a certain period of time. The money you lost from not working can be reimbursed to you.
• Pain and Suffering — Being attacked by a dog can be traumatic. Emotional stress, scarring, ongoing fear, and other factors can have lifelong consequences. These types of non-economic damages are factored into personal injury settlements and verdicts.
• Punitive Damages — Though rare, in some circumstances a victim can sue for punitive damages if the dog owner's conduct was intentional or extreme.
• Property Damage — This can include a broken phone, if you crashed a bike, if a dog tore up your siding and other things that may have been damaged during an attack.

One of the most important aspects of a dog bite lawyer's job is to accurately value how much your personal injury claim is worth. At Halvorsen Klote, our Arnold, MO personal injury lawyers will ensure that no money is left on the table in your claim.

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Other cases we take on and win in Arnold, MO include:

• Bike Wreck Lawyer
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• Automobile Injury Attorney
• Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
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Schedule a Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Arnold, MO Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, don't hesitate to reach out to Halvorsen Klote now for a consultation. It is important to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Arnold, MO, right away if there are financial damages. Legal counsel doesn't cost you anything. Here, we charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we don't win your case you don't owe us anything and there aren't any upfront fees. Our Arnold, MO, dog bite lawyers are ready to win. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Our attorneys would be more than happy to speak with you. We've won numerous cases and you can view our testimonials here.

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