Dog Bite Lawyers in Versailles, MO
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You're Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in Versailles, 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 every year leading to millions of dollars in damages. It is essential to find experienced legal service ASAP after an incident. As personal injury attorneys, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the Versailles, MO, area settle cases and fight insurance companies. If you have a claim, don't hesitate to contact our dog bite lawyers.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
As harmless as they seem, "man's best friend" can be dangerous. Halvorsen Klote's dog bite lawyers in Versailles, MO, know how victims and their families can be affected. For example, here are some 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 breeds. There are facts to back this stigma, 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 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 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 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're looking for potential reimbursement for your injuries, having medical records is extremely important. Reaching out to our dog bite lawyers in Versailles, MO, should be your second priority.
It's usually better to settle a case out of 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 important to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Versailles, MO, if you've been attacked.
Dog Bite Settlements in Versailles
According to the CDC, there are approximately 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 Versailles, MO, will look into a number 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's 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. Not being able 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 can 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 can 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.
States differ when it comes to dog bite liability and insurance. In Missouri, owners of dogs 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 can 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 Versailles. Contact your Versailles, 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 Versailles, MO, Today
If you've been attacked by a dog, contact Halvorsen Klote today for a consultation. Call us at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529 for a case review and consultation. Our Versailles, MO, dog bite lawyers handle a variety 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 firm 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's essential to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Versailles, MO, right away 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 Versailles, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to help.
