Dog Bite Lawyers in Weldon Spring, MO
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You're Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in Weldon Spring, MO. Halvorsen Klote serves victims and their families in Metro St. Louis and Southern Illinois. There are more than 4.5 million dog attacks in the United States every year leading to millions in damages. It's essential to find qualified legal service as soon as possible after an incident. As personal injury lawyers, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the Weldon Spring, 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
A dog might be considered "man's best friend, but that doesn't mean they're not dangerous. Our dog attack lawyers in Weldon Spring, MO, understand how victims can be affected. For instance, below are some of the most common injuries related to dog bites:
- Rabies
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
- Eye 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 caused by how the person interacts with the dog and the environment it was raised in.
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 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 Attacked by a Dog?
The first step, of course, is to get medical attention. You or another victim's safety is paramount. If you are seeking future reimbursement for your injuries, having medical records is incredibly important. Reaching out to Halvorsen Klote's dog bite lawyers in Weldon Spring, 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 crucial to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Weldon Spring, MO, if you've been attacked.
Dog Bite Settlements in Weldon Spring
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 4.5 million serious dog bites per year in the United States. Medical assistance can cost thousands of dollars when you take into account 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 Weldon Spring, MO, will look at various types of special and general damages. These include:
- Medical Expenses: You 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 reimbursement.
- Lost Wages: If you or your child have been injured because of 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 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 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.
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 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 Weldon Spring. Contact Halvorsen Klote's Weldon Spring, MO, dog bite lawyers today 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 Weldon Spring, MO, Now
If you've been attacked by a dog, reach out to Halvorsen Klote now for a consultation. Call us at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529 for a case review and consultation. Our Weldon Spring, MO, dog bite attorneys 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 attorneys would be more than happy to discuss your case. 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 type of accident you're in, it is crucial to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Weldon Spring, MO, as soon as possible if there are financial damages. Legal assistance 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 Weldon Spring, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to win.
