California, MO Dog Bite Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorneys | Halvorsen Klote

California, MO

Dog Bite Lawyers in California, MO

California, MO Personal Injury Lawyers


Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Case Evaluation | California, MO Dog Attack Attorneys

California, MO Dog Bite Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorneys Near California

Dog Bite Lawyers in California, MO. Dogs can add a great deal of fun, love and companionship to our lives. But when California, MO dog owners don't keep their dogs in check, it can cause injuries and other damages to innocent people. It's essential to get experienced legal representation as soon as possible after a dog bite. As personal injury lawyers, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients in California, MO and beyond fight insurance companies to get the financial recovery they deserve. If you were bitten by a dog, don't hesitate to call us at 866-382-4167 or contact our California, MO dog bite lawyers online. Halvorsen Klote represents clients in the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois.


Dog Bites: Numbers to Know

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over four and a half million dog bites annually across the country. These injuries can carry high medical bills, as medical assistance can cost tens of thousands of dollars when you consider surgery, medication and other factors. Each day, almost 1,000 people go to an emergency room for significant dog bites, and the average medical costs for a dog bite is $20,000.

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

Do I Have a Dog Bite Case in California, MO?

If a dog bit you for no reason, you may be wondering whether or not you can seek compensation from the dog owner. The answer depends on your unique situation:

  • The extent of your damages — In order to have a valid claim, your injuries your injuries have to have resulted in financial damages. You can generally receive compensation for injuries such as puncture wounds, lacerations or broken bones, as well as emotional damages like emotional distress. For less serious injuries that didn't require medical treatment, such as a bruise, you may not have a claim .
  • Circumstances surrounding the attack — If you were bitten while lawfully on public or private property, you may have a case. However, if you were there illegally or if you provoked the dog, you likely don't 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 coverage that covers your injuries.
  • Dog bite laws — Whether or not you're able to make a valid claim for a dog bite also depends on local and state law. Typically, in Missouri and Illinois, you have a dog bite claim any time you were bitten by another person's dog if:
    • You were at the location legally
    • You did nothing to provoke or excite the dog or its owner

If you are unsure whether or not you have enough to make a claim, you should speak to a qualified California, MO dog bite lawyer. They can look at the specifics of your case and advise you on your best options for compensation.

What Should I Do if I'm Bitten by a Dog in California, 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 photos of the surrounding scene and any injuries. Ask for the contact info of the dog's owners and any witnesses you can, without getting into an argument with the owner.
  • Get medical treatment — Even if you don't think your injuries are significant, you need to get your injuries treated by a doctor or other medical professional. Dog bites can be prone to 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 attack — Depending on where you were when you were attacked, you may need to report the dog bite to the local animal control agency or police department. This can help to ensure that the dog is quarantined and observed for signs of rabies or other diseases, and that there is an official record of the attack to show the insurance company.
  • 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 before you speak to an attorney, as the first offer is likely to be less than the true value of your claim.
  • Reach out to a personal injury lawyer — A lawyer who specializes in injury claims can help you determine the best way to move forward. They can look into the details of your case and help you to determine the true value of your dog bite injury in California, MO.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer in California, MO Can Help

A dog bite lawyer in California, MO can handle all the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing. Here are some of the things they can do for you:

  • Evaluate your case — A dog bite lawyer can go over the details and determine whether you have a valid claim. They will review the circumstances surrounding the bite, including the severity of your injuries and the relevant state statutes.
  • Help you understand your rights — A dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal options. They can explain the laws that govern dog bites in California, MO, and they can help you navigate the legal system from filing a claim with the appropriate insurance to going to trial if necessary. Throughout the duration of your case, your California, MO dog bite lawyer will be available to answer any questions you have about personal injury claims.
  • Gather evidence — A dog bite lawyer can obtain 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 handle your claim with the dog owner's insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible, but a dog bite lawyer can fight on your behalf and make sure the compensation covers all of your damages.
  • Represent you in court — If your case 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 accountable for the harm they cause. Each state has their own laws regarding dog bites, and the laws in Missouri and Illinois have most of the most important aspects in common.

Neither state has a "one bite rule" – where the dog had to have bitten somebody at an earlier date 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", in which a dog owner is liable for a dog bite even if the owner did nothing wrong. Unlike other forms of liability, such as negligence, strict liability does not require the victim to prove that the dog owner did anything wrong. Instead, the mere fact that the dog caused harm is enough to establish liability.

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 has to do with the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years to file a dog bite claim, while in Illinois dog bite claims must be filed within two years.

Common Dog Attack Injuries

A dog might be considered "man's best friend, but that doesn't mean they're not dangerous. Halvorsen Klote's dog bite lawyers in California, 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:

  • Rabies
  • Nerve Damage
  • Scars
  • Facial Injuries
  • Puncture Wounds
  • Broken Bones
  • PTSD
  • Infection

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

Breeds that are often associated with bites 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 remember is how a dog was raised and how you interact with the dog. People have a similar tendency to lash out others when they're scared or aggravated.

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

A dog bite lawyer in California, MO, will look at a number of special and general damages. Some of these include:

  • Medical Expenses — You may be able to recover all expenses related to medical treatment caused by a bite. It's important to document everything (recovery, scarring, prescriptions, etc...) if you want reimbursement.
  • Lost Time at Work — If you or your child have been injured because of 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 a traumatic experience. Emotional stress, scarring, ongoing fear, and other factors have lifelong consequences. These types of non-economic damages are factored into personal injury settlements and verdicts.
  • Punitive Damages — Although rare, in certain circumstances a victim can sue for punitive damages if the dog owner's conduct was intentional or extreme.
  • Property Damage — This may 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 California, MO personal injury lawyers will ensure that no money is left on the table in your claim.


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

California, MO Dog Bite Lawyer | Personal Injury Law Firm Near California

Reach out to a Dog Bite Lawyer in California, MO Now

If you've been attacked by a dog, reach out to Halvorsen Klote today for a consultation. It's crucial to contact a local dog bite lawyer in California, MO, right away if there are financial damages. Legal counsel doesn't cost you anything. At Halvorsen Klote, we charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that there aren't any upfront costs and you only pay if we win the case. Our California, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to help. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a no risk, no obligation consultation.

Our lawyers would be happy to discuss your case. We've won numerous cases and you can view our testimonials here.


Joel Halvorsen

Joel Halvorsen

Attorney at Law

Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.


Greg Klote

Greg Klote

Attorney at Law

Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.

Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.