Dog Bite Lawyers in Fairview Heights, IL
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You're Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in Fairview Heights, IL. Halvorsen Klote represents clients in the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. There are upwards of 4.5 million dog attacks in the United States each year leading to millions in damages. It is important to get qualified legal representation ASAP after an accident. As personal injury lawyers, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the Fairview Heights, IL, 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
A dog might be considered "man's best friend, but that doesn't mean they're not dangerous. Our dog attack attorneys in Fairview Heights, IL, know how victims can be affected. For example, here are a few of the most common dog bite injuries:
- Rabies
- Nerve Damage
- Scars
- Facial Injuries
- Puncture Wounds
- Broken Bones
- Emotional Trauma
- Infection
Too often, people stereotype certain breeds. There are facts to back this up, but they're not always applicable. Any dog is able to bite a person. This can be attributed to the dog's environment and interaction with the victim.
Breeds often associated with bite include (in no particular order) bulldogs, pit bulls, shepherds, terriers, pekingese, 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. You should be mindful of a dog's breed, not afraid of it.
What Do I Do if I'm Bit by a Dog?
The first step, of course, is to get medical attention. You or another 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 Fairview Heights, IL, should be your second priority.
It's usually better to settle a case out of court. Trials can take a long time before anyone reaches a decision. Each case is different and there are advantages to go to trial or accept an immediate settlement. There are a lot of factors at play, it's crucial to contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Fairview Heights, IL, if you or a family member have been injured.
Dog Bite Settlements in Fairview Heights
According to the CDC, there are more than 4.5 million serious dog bites each year in the United States. Medical care can cost tens of thousands of dollars when you consider surgery, medication, and other factors like time off of work. According to one source, the average medical costs for a dog bite is $20,000.
A dog bite lawyer in Fairview Heights, IL, will look into a number of special and general damages. These include:
- Medical Bills: You might be able to recover all costs 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 or your child have been injured because of a dog, you might lose your earning capacity for a certain period of time. Being unable to work due to an injury is a reimbursable damage.
- 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 could 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.
Different states have different rules about dog bite insurance and liability. 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 Fairview Heights. Contact Halvorsen Klote's Fairview Heights, IL, dog bite lawyers now if you or a family member has been attacked. It's our job to help victims receive fair compensation after an incident and help you through the process.
Reach Out To a Dog Bite Lawyer in Fairview Heights, IL, Now
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, contact Halvorsen Klote now for a consultation. Call us at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529 for a case consultation. Our Fairview Heights, IL, dog bite attorneys handle a number 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 more than 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 your accident is, it is essential to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Fairview Heights, IL, as soon as possible if there are financial damages. Legal assistance 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 Fairview Heights, IL, dog bite lawyers are here to win.
