Dog Bite Lawyers in Wellsville, MO
Call for a Case Review and Consultation if You're Attacked by a Dog
Dog Bite Lawyers in Wellsville, MO. Halvorsen Klote serves victims and their families in Metro St. Louis and Southern Illinois. There are more than 4.5 million dog bites in the U.S. every year leading to millions in damages. It's crucial to find experienced legal service ASAP after an incident. As personal injury lawyers, Halvorsen Klote has helped clients throughout the Wellsville, 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
As harmless as they seem, "man's best friend" can be dangerous. Halvorsen Klote's dog bite attorneys in Wellsville, MO, know how victims can be affected. For example, here are a few of the most common dog bite injuries:
- Rabies
- Nerve Damage
- Scars
- Facial Injuries
- Puncture Wounds
- Broken Bones
- Emotional Trauma
- Infection
Too often, people stereotype certain dog breeds. There are facts to back this up, but they're not always applicable. Every 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 bite 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 keep in mind is how a dog was raised and how you interact with the dog. People have a similar 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 another victim's safety is paramount. If you are looking for future reimbursement for your injuries, having medical records is incredibly important. Contacting Halvorsen Klote's dog bite lawyers in Wellsville, 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 attorney in Wellsville, MO, if you've been attacked.
Dog Bite Settlements in Wellsville
According to the CDC, there are approximately 4.5 million serious dog bites each year in the United States. Medical assistance can cost thousands of dollars when you consider surgery, medication, and other factors like time off of work. According to this source, the average medical costs for a dog bite is $20,000.
A dog bite lawyer in Wellsville, MO, will look into a variety of damages. Some of these include:
- Medical Expenses: You may 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 reimbursement.
- Lost Wages: If you or a family member have been injured 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 damage.
- Pain and Suffering: Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience. Emotional stress, scarring, ongoing fear, and other factors have lifelong consequences.
- Punitive Damages: Although 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 may have been damaged during an attack.
Different states have different rules about dog bite insurance and liability. 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 Wellsville. Contact your Wellsville, 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.
Reach Out To a Dog Bite Attorney in Wellsville, MO, Now
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, 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 Wellsville, MO, dog bite lawyers handle 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 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 type of accident you're in, it is crucial to contact a local dog bite lawyer in Wellsville, 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 Wellsville, MO, dog bite lawyers are here to help.
