Dog Bite Lawyers in Mexico, MO

Mexico, MO Personal Injury Lawyers

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Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Case Evaluation | Mexico, MO Dog Bite Law Firm

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

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Dog Bite Statistics

Based on research from the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over four and a half million dog bites every year nationwide. Dog bites are associated with high medical expenses, as medical assistance can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Each day, almost 1,000 people seek emergency medical treatment for significant dog bites, and the average dog bite-related hospital stay is $18,200.

In 2022, in the U.S. there were 17,597 dog bite claims, which ended up costing $1.136 billion in compensation.

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

If a dog bit you for no reason, you may be thinking about whether or not you can seek compensation from the dog owner. The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding the bite:

• The extent of your damages — If you want to have a valid case, your injuries your injuries have to have resulted in monetary loss. 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. It's harder to get compensation for small injuries like bruises or scrapes .
• The specifics of the attack — 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 trespassing or if you provoked the dog, you likely don't have a case.
• Insurance coverages available — For more serious dog bite cases, you'll likely 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 that covers your injuries.
• Dog bite laws — The validity of your claim is, at least to a degree, dictated by local ordinances and state statutes. Generally, 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 are unsure whether or not you have enough to make a claim, you should speak to a qualified Mexico, MO dog bite lawyer. They can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your dog attack and advise you on what the best path forward is.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Mexico, 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:

• Acquire evidence — As soon as you can afterwards, take pictures of the dog, your injuries, any injuries the dog sustained and where the attack occurred. Get the name and information of the dog's owners and any witnesses you can, without getting into 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 your injuries treated by a doctor or other medical professional. Dog bites can be prone 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 bite — Depending on where you were when you were attacked, you may need to file a report with the local animal control agency or police department. 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 incident to show the insurance company.
• Be cautious with insurance companies — Insurance companies want to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. Never agree to a settlement without consulting with a lawyer, as the first offer is likely to be less than the true value of your claim.
• Call a personal injury lawyer — An attorney who specializes in dog bite cases can help you determine the best way to move forward. They can evaluate the circumstances of the incident and help you to determine the true value of your dog bite injury in Mexico, MO.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Mexico, MO Can Help

A dog bite lawyer in Mexico, 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:

• Evaluate your case — A dog bite lawyer can go over the details and tell you whether you have a valid claim. 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 your legal options. They can explain the laws that govern dog bites in Mexico, MO, and they can help you navigate the legal system from filing an initial insurance claim to going to trial if necessary. Throughout the duration of your case, your Mexico, MO dog bite lawyer will be there to answer any questions you may have.
• Acquire evidence — A dog bite lawyer can obtain evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements and photographs of your injuries.
• Negotiate with insurance companies — A dog bite lawyer can negotiate 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 ensure the compensation covers all of your damages.
• Represent you in court — If your case goes to court, a dog bite lawyer can represent you and advocate for your rights.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws

Any law regarding personal injury is designed to keep innocent people from harm and to hold people liable for the harm they cause. Each state makes their own dog bite laws, and the laws in Missouri and Illinois are similar.

Neither state has a "one bite rule" – where you can't hold the owner liable if it's the dog's first aggressive incident – or uses negligence – requiring the dog owner to actively forgo safety precautions – as the standard in dog bite cases.

Instead, both Missouri and Illinois operate under the doctrine of "strict liability", in which 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 main 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 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 Mexico, MO, know how victims and their families can be affected. For instance, here are some of the most common injuries related to dog bites:

Too often, people stereotype certain breeds. There are facts to back this up, but it's not always the case. Any 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 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 the same tendency to strike others when they're scared or aggravated.

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

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

• Medical Expenses — Victims might 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 compensation.
• 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 — 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 could include damages to your home, your clothes, a bike or motorcycle, your phone 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico, 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

Call a Dog Bite Lawyer in Mexico, 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. It is important to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Mexico, 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 Mexico, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to win. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary case review.

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

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