Dog Bite Lawyers in Columbia, MO
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You're Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in Columbia, MO. Halvorsen Klote serves victims and their families in Metro St. Louis and Southern Illinois. There are more than 4.5 million dog bites in the United States every year leading to millions of dollars in damages. It's essential to find qualified legal counsel ASAP after an incident. As personal injury attorneys, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the Columbia, MO, area settle cases and fight insurance companies. If you have a claim, don't hesitate to contact our dog bite lawyers.
Typical Dog Bite Injuries
As harmless as they seem, "man's best friend" can be dangerous. Halvorsen Klote's dog attack attorneys in Columbia, MO, understand how victims and their families can be affected. For instance, below are a few of the most common injuries related to dog bites:
- Rabies
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
- Eye Injuries
- Puncture Wounds
- Broken Bones
- Emotional Trauma
- Infection
Too often, people stereotype certain breeds. There are facts to back this stigma, but they're not always applicable. Any dog is able to bite a human. This can be attributed to the dog's environment and interaction with the victim.
Breeds that are 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 strike others when they're scared or aggravated. You should be mindful of a dog's breed, not afraid of it.
What Do I Do if I'm Attacked by a Dog?
The first step, of course, is to get medical attention. You or any other victim's safety is paramount. If you are seeking potential compensation for your injuries, having medical records is extremely important. Reaching out to Halvorsen Klote's dog bite lawyers in Columbia, MO, should be your second priority.
It's usually better to settle a case out of court. Trials can take months or even years. Each case is different and there are advantages to go to trial or accept an immediate settlement. With so many factors to consider, it's important to contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Columbia, MO, if you or a family member have been injured.
Dog Bite Settlements in Columbia
According to the CDC, there are more than 4.5 million serious dog bites per year in the United States. Medical assistance can cost thousands of dollars when you consider surgery, medication, and other factors like time off of work. According to this source, the average medical costs for a dog bite is $20,000.
A dog bite lawyer in Columbia, MO, will look into a variety of special and general damages. Some of these include:
- Medical Bills: Victims may be able to recover all expenses related to medical treatment caused by a 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. Not being able to work due to an injury is a reimbursable expense.
- Pain and Suffering: Being attacked by a dog can be traumatic. Emotional stress, scarring, ongoing fear, and other factors have lifelong consequences.
- Punitive Damages: Though rare, in certain circumstances a victim can sue for punitive damages if the owner's conduct was intentful 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.
States differ when it comes to dog bite liability and insurance. In Missouri, dog owners can be held "strictly liable" for any damages. There may or may not be a settlement cap. Owners can opt-in for dog bite coverage and pay higher premiums, however this may be difficult depending on the breed. One of the most important factors in winning a dog bite case is if the owner knew that their dog had a tendency for violence or wasn't following leash laws in your Columbia. Contact our Columbia, MO, dog bite lawyers today if you think you have a dog bite case. It's up to us to help victims receive fair compensation after an incident and help you through the process.
Reach Out To a Dog Bite Lawyer in Columbia, MO, Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, don't hesitate to reach out to Halvorsen Klote today for a consultation. Call us at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529 for a case consultation. Our Columbia, MO, dog bite attorneys handle a variety of other cases as well, including:
- What to Do After a Car Accident
- Premises Liability Attorneys
- Automobile Injury Attorney
- Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
- Lawyer for Bicycle Accident
- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Injury Claim Lawyer
- Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
- Auto Crash Attorney
- Truck Crash Lawyers
Our lawyers would be happy to speak with you. We've settled numerous cases and you can view our testimonials here.
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
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.
No matter what type of accident you're in, it is essential to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Columbia, MO, right away if there are financial damages. Legal assistance doesn't cost you anything. Here, 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 Columbia, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to win.
