Dog Bite Lawyers in Harrisburg, MO

Harrisburg, MO Personal Injury Lawyers

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Call 866-382-4167 for a No Risk, No Obligation Case Review | Harrisburg, MO Dog Bite Law Firm

Dog Bite Lawyers in Harrisburg, MO. Dogs can add a great deal of fun, love and companionship to our lives. But when Harrisburg, MO dog owners don't keep their dogs in check, it can cause injuries and other damages to innocent people. It is crucial to find qualified legal representation as soon as possible after a dog bite. As personal injury lawyers, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients in Harrisburg, MO and beyond hold negligent dog owners liable to get the compensation they are owed. If you have a claim, don't hesitate to call us at 866-382-4167 or contact our Harrisburg, MO dog bite lawyers online. Halvorsen Klote fights for the rights of the injured in the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois.

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Dog Bites: Figures to Know

Based on research from the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than four and a half million dog bites annually nationwide. These injuries can carry high medical expenses, as medical assistance can cost tens of thousands of dollars when you consider procedures, prescriptions and other factors. Every day, nearly 1,000 people visit an emergency room for significant 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 $1,136,000,000 in compensation.

How to Know if You Have a Dog Bite Case in Harrisburg, MO

If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be thinking about whether or not you can seek compensation from the dog owner. The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack:

• The extent of your damages — In order to have a viable claim, your injuries must be significant enough to warrant medical attention. This may include physical injuries that led to medical treatment, as well as less tangible injuries such as emotional distress. For less serious injuries that didn't require medical treatment, such as a scrape, you may not have a claim .
• The specifics of the bite — If you were attacked while lawfully on public or private property, 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 — For more serious dog bite cases, you'll probably need to find an insurance policy that covers the injuries a specific dog causes. Most times, this will be under a homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy. If not, you may need some "creative lawyering" to help find the policy you need.
• Dog bite laws — The validity of your claim is, to some extent, 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 another person's dog if:
  • You were at the location legally
  • You were acting peacefully and did not provoke the dog

If you are unsure whether or not you have a viable case for legal action, you should discuss your case with a qualified Harrisburg, MO dog bite lawyer. They can analyze the specifics of your case and advise you on your best options for compensation.

What Do I Do if I'm Attacked by a Dog in Harrisburg, MO?

If you've been bitten 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:

• Obtain evidence — While you're still at the scene, take pictures of the dog, your injuries, any injuries the dog sustained and where the attack occurred. Get the contact info of the dog's owners and any witnesses you can, but do not start a confrontation with the owner.
• Get medical attention — Even if you don't end up going to the emergency room, it's important to get evaluated by a doctor or other medical professional. Dog bites often lead to infection, and shots or medications may be necessary to get you fully healthy. Furthermore, you'll need proof that you were injured in order to make a claim.
• Report the attack — 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 quarantined and observed for signs of rabies or other diseases, and that there is documentation of the incident to back up your story.
• Don't believe insurance companies — If the dog's owner has insurance, their insurance company may reach out to you to offer a settlement. Be wary of accepting a settlement before you speak to an attorney, as the first offer is likely to be less than what your claim is worth.
• Schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer — An attorney with experience in injury claims can help you to understand your legal rights and options. They can evaluate the circumstances of the incident and help you to determine the true value of your dog bite injury in Harrisburg, MO.

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

A dog bite lawyer in Harrisburg, MO offers expertise and peace of mind. Here are some of the benefits to hiring an attorney for your claim:

• Evaluate your case — A dog bite lawyer can go over the details and offer insight into your chances of success. They will review all of the evidence and how it fits with law and case precedent.
• 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 Harrisburg, MO, and they can help you navigate the injury claims process from filing an initial insurance claim to going to trial if necessary. Throughout your case, your Harrisburg, MO dog bite lawyer will be there 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 handle your claim with the dog owner's insurance company for you. 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 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 the public safe and to hold negligent actors responsible for the damages they cause. Each state implements 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 in an earlier incident for the owner to be liable – or uses negligence – requiring the dog owner to actively forgo safety precautions – as the standard in dog bite cases.

Instead, both Missouri and Illinois follow "strict liability", meaning that a dog owner can be sued for any damages their dog causes, whether or not the dog has been aggressive before or if the home owner did anything 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

As harmless as they seem, "man's best friend" can be dangerous. Halvorsen Klote's dog bite attorneys in Harrisburg, 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 up, but they're not always applicable. Any dog is capable of biting 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) bulldogs, pit bulls, shepherds, terriers, pekingese, 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 the same tendency to strike others when they're scared or aggravated.

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

A dog bite lawyer in Harrisburg, MO, will look into various types of special and general damages. These include:

• Medical Expenses — Victims might be able to recover all costs related to medical treatment caused by a dog bite. It's important to document everything (recovery, scarring, prescriptions, etc...) if you want compensation.
• Lost Time at Work — If you or a family member have been injured 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 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 owner's conduct was intentional 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 might've 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 Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, MO include:

• Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Auto Accident Attorney
• Bike Wreck Lawyer
• 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

Schedule a Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Harrisburg, MO Today

If you've been attacked by a dog, don't hesitate to reach out to Halvorsen Klote now for a consultation. It is important to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Harrisburg, MO, as soon as possible if there are financial damages. Legal representation doesn't cost you anything. At Halvorsen Klote, 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 Harrisburg, MO, dog bite lawyers are standing by to help. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.

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

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