Dog Bite Lawyers in St. Clair, MO
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You're Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in St. Clair, MO. Halvorsen Klote represents clients in the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. There are more than 4.5 million dog attacks in the United States each year leading to millions of dollars in damages. It's essential to get qualified legal representation ASAP after an incident. As personal injury attorneys, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the St. Clair, MO, area settle cases and fight insurance companies. If you have a claim, don't hesitate to contact our dog bite lawyers.
Typical Dog Attack Injuries
A dog might be considered "man's best friend, but that doesn't mean they're not dangerous. Halvorsen Klote's dog bite attorneys in St. Clair, MO, understand how victims and their families can be affected after an incident. For example, below are some of the most common injuries related to dog bites:
- Rabies
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
- Facial Injuries
- Puncture Wounds
- Broken Bones
- Emotional Trauma
- Infection
Often, people stereotype certain breeds. There are facts to back this stigma, but it's not always the case. 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) 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 a similar tendency to attack others when they're scared or aggravated. You should be mindful of a dog's breed, not afraid of it.
What Should I Do if I'm Bit by a Dog?
It's important to get safe and 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 incredibly important. Contacting our dog bite lawyers in St. Clair, 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. There are a lot of factors at play, it's crucial to contact an experienced dog bite attorney in St. Clair, MO, if you or a family member have been injured.
Dog Bite Settlements in St. Clair
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 4.5 million serious dog bites each 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 St. Clair, MO, will look into a variety of damages. Some of these include:
- Medical Bills: You 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 reimbursement.
- 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. Not being able to work due to an injury is a reimbursable damage.
- 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 certain circumstances a victim can sue for punitive damages if the dog owner's conduct was intentful or extreme.
- Property Damage: This may include damages to your home, your clothes, a bike or motorcycle, your phone, and other things that might've been damaged during an attack.
Different states have different rules about dog bite insurance and liability. In Missouri, owners of dogs 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 St. Clair. Contact your St. Clair, 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 St. Clair, MO, Now
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, 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 St. Clair, MO, dog bite attorneys 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 lawyers would be more than happy to discuss your case. 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 crucial to contact a local dog bite lawyer in St. Clair, MO, as soon as possible if there are financial damages. Legal representation 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 St. Clair, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to win.
