Dog Bite Lawyers in New Florence, MO
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You've Been Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in New Florence, MO. Halvorsen Klote represents clients in the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. There are upwards of 4.5 million dog bites in the United States each year leading to millions of dollars in damages. It's important to find qualified legal counsel ASAP after an accident. As personal injury attorneys, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the New Florence, 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 New Florence, MO, understand 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
- Scarring
- Facial Injuries
- Puncture Wounds
- Broken Bones
- Emotional Trauma
- Infection
Too often, people stereotype certain dog breeds. There are facts to back this up, but it's not always the case. Every dog is capable of biting a person. This can be attributed to the dog's environment and interaction with the victim.
Breeds 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. 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 future compensation for your injuries, having medical records is extremely important. Contacting our dog bite lawyers in New Florence, MO, should be your second priority.
Rarely is it beneficial to settle a case in 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 crucial to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in New Florence, MO, if you've been attacked.
Dog Bite Settlements in New Florence
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 4.5 million serious dog bites every year in the United States. Medical assistance can cost tens of thousands of dollars after 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 New Florence, MO, will look into a variety of damages. These include:
- Medical Bills: Victims might be able to recover all costs related to medical treatment caused by a bite. It's 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. Being unable to work due to an injury is a reimbursable expense.
- Pain and Suffering: Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience. Emotional stress, scarring, ongoing fear, and other factors can have lifelong consequences.
- Punitive Damages: Though rare, in some circumstances a victim can sue for punitive damages if the dog 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.
Different states have different rules about dog bite insurance and liability. In Missouri, dog owners may be held "strictly liable" for any damages. There may or may not be a settlement cap. Owners often 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 New Florence. Contact your New Florence, MO, 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.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in New Florence, MO, Today
If you've been attacked by a dog, don't hesitate to reach out to Halvorsen Klote now for a consultation. You can call us at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529 for a case review and consultation. Our New Florence, MO, dog bite lawyers manage a number of other cases too, 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 firm would be more than happy to speak with you. We've settled numerous cases and you can view our case results 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 New Florence, MO, as soon as possible if there are financial damages. Legal assistance 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 New Florence, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to win.
