Dog Bite Lawyer
The Importance Of Hiring A Dog Bite Law Firm
As a victim of a dog bite, seeking the help of a dog bite lawyer is critical to navigating the complex personal injury legal process and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Dog bite lawsuits can be lengthy, often taking 9-24 months to resolve, and involve many complex factors. An experienced attorney who specializes in dog bite law will:
- Determine Liability: The dog owner may be liable for your injuries, especially if their dog has a history of aggression or they failed to take proper safety precautions. They can also help identify other potentially responsible parties, such as landlords or property owners.
- File a Lawsuit: If the dog owner is unwilling to accept responsibility and pay for your damages, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Initiate Settlement Negotiations: In many cases, dog bite claims are resolved through out-of-court settlements before a lawsuit even needs to be filed. An lawyer can initiate negotiations with the dog owner and their insurance company to pursue a fair settlement offer.
- Handle Insurance Claims: Dog owners are required by law in most places to carry liability insurance in case their dog bites or attacks someone. However, insurance companies are not always quick to pay out claims. A lawyer can deal directly with the insurance company to make sure your claim is paid promptly and in the right amount.
Our dog bite attorneys are well-versed in state laws regarding dangerous animals and the legal options available to victims. We will determine who is liable for the incident and be there every step of the process.
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Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re searching for a dedicated personal injury lawyer, look no further than Monsees & Mayer. Our firm is built on three pillars: experience, relationships, and results.
Our Experience and Dedication to Get Results
Our Kansas City and Springfield personal injury attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. We are passionate about representing individuals injured by the negligence of others. Our team has successfully handled numerous catastrophic injury settlement claims and can take a range of serious injury cases, including:
Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re searching for a dedicated personal injury lawyer, look no further than Monsees & Mayer, P.C. Our firm is built on three pillars: experience, relationships, and results.
Our Experience and Dedication to Get Results
Our Kansas City and Springfield personal injury attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. We are passionate about representing individuals injured by the negligence of others. Our team has successfully handled numerous catastrophic injury settlement claims and can take a range of serious injury cases, including:
A Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help Determine Liability In Your Case
To build a strong case, work with an attorney to collect evidence proving the defendant’s negligence and liability for your injuries. A Monsees & Mayer dog bite lawyer can help interview witnesses, obtain medical records, and review the details surrounding the attack to determine the best course of legal action. With the right evidence and a skilled attorney, you have a good chance of recovering damages from the liable parties in a dog bite lawsuit.
The owner is typically liable if their dog bites someone, without provocation. Owners are also usually liable if the dog was not vaccinated against rabies as required by law. However, an owner may avoid liability if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack.
Other possible liable parties include:
- Property owners who allowed a dangerous dog to roam freely. They have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for invitees.
- Dog breeders or sellers if they had reason to know the dog was aggressive or vicious but failed to disclose this to the buyer or take proper precautions.
- Animal control officers or humane societies if they released a dog with a known aggressive temperament to an irresponsible owner.
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Recovering Compensation With A Dog Bite Lawyer
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries as well as details surrounding the attack. You will need to determine and prove the damages incurred. Damages refer to the losses and harm suffered and can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages – The financial losses that can be calculated, such as:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, etc.)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Cost of hiring a caregiver during recovery
- Property damage (clothing, accessories, etc.)
Non-Economic Damages – The losses that can’t be precisely calculated but still have a major impact, such as:
- Pain and suffering (emotional and physical pain from injury)
- Loss of consortium (damage to relationship with spouse)
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
Punitive Damages – May also be awarded as a means to punish the defendant for negligent or intentional behavior.
- Less common
- Can be sizable
- Intended to deter similar conduct in the future
The specific damages awarded will depend on the details of your injury and case. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will help you determine and prove appropriate damages to seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Proving damages, both economic and non-economic, is a key element for success in any dog bite injury lawsuit.
What To Expect During Your Case With A Dog Bite Lawyer
When pursuing a dog bite lawsuit, it is important to understand the legal process and what to expect at each stage.
- Filing a Lawsuit: This is the first step after attempting to resolve the issue directly with the dog owner to no avail. This step can take 1 to 3 months, and your attorney will work with you to prepare necessary documentation.
- Discovery Process: This allows both parties to gather information related to the case. This may include interrogations, depositions, requests for documents, and witness interviews. The discovery process typically lasts 6 months to over a year.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Your dog bite lawyer will determine liability and estimate the value of your claim. Coming to an agreement on a settlement can take several months of back-and-forth communication.
- Trial: If the case goes to trial, both parties will present their arguments and evidence to a judge and jury. Expert witnesses like doctors, animal behaviorists, and veterinarians may be called to testify. The entire legal process may take 1 to 2 years or longer. The trial itself can span a few days to a few weeks.
A dog bite lawsuit and trial can be complicated and lengthy processes. However, with the help of an experienced dog bite attorney, justice can be served for the harm caused by a dangerous dog. By understanding the steps involved, you can feel more at ease through each stage of your case.
Time Limits To Sue For A Dog Bite
The time limits for filing a dog bite lawsuit can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific laws in place. These time limits are known as statutes of limitations, and they define the period within which a legal action must be initiated.
The injuries and trauma caused by a dog bite attack can be physically and emotionally devastating with exorbitant medical costs. Do not try to handle this on your own. Seek out a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
How To Properly Document Your Dog Bite Injuries
To prove your dog bite lawsuit, you will need evidence to substantiate your claims. Carefully document your injuries as soon as possible after the attack. Take photos of the wounds, both close up and full body, to show the severity and location. Get copies of all medical records, emergency room visits, treatments, prescriptions, and expenses. Keep a written log or journal detailing the entire experience from when the attack happened, who witnessed it, the events that unfolded, and your injuries.
- Consult a physician right away. Dog bites can easily become infected if left untreated. Seek medical care immediately, even for minor bites. Get stitches or other necessary treatment and obtain discharge papers, billing records, and a written report from the doctor regarding your injuries.
- Report the incident to the police and animal control. File an official police report about the attack in case you need it as evidence. Animal control may also investigate and take a report that could be useful. Get copies of all paperwork.
- Preserve evidence from the scene. If possible, take photos of the area where you were bitten and any blood stains or damage to clothing. Get contact information for any witnesses to the attack. Their statements could help prove your claim.
- Keep records of all expenses. Maintain receipts and bills for medical care, prescriptions, counseling or therapy, missed work, and other costs related to your recovery. These help demonstrate the financial impact of your injuries.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer. A Monsees & Mayer dog bite lawyer can advise you on the proper steps to take and ensure your claim has the necessary evidence for the best chance of receiving compensation. We will also handle the legal complexities involved in filing a dog bite lawsuit.
Dog Bite Frequently Asked Questions
Legal Process and Compensation FAQs
How much is my dog bite lawsuit worth?
The value of your claim will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries. Your attorney will review all details to determine fair compensation. Dog bite claims in the U.S. can be resolved for over $50,000. Settlements for severe injuries or permanent disfigurement often exceed $100,000.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Insurance companies aim to settle claims for as little as possible. Their initial offer is usually far less than the true value of your case. Your attorney has the knowledge and experience to determine if an offer is fair. They will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to maximize your settlement.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit?
Each state has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. For dog bites, the period is typically 2-3 years. However, it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the incident to begin building your case. The sooner you act, the fresher the evidence and witness testimony will be to support your claim.
Will I have to go to court?
Most dog bite cases settle out of court. Your dog bite lawyer will handle negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company to reach an agreement. Going to trial is less common and usually a last resort. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be fully prepared to argue your case in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?
Most dog bite attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and they receive a percentage of your final settlement or verdict as their fee. They only get paid if you win your case. If no compensation is recovered, you owe nothing. Be sure to fully understand the fee agreement before hiring an attorney.
Check out our attorney fees page for more information.
General Dog Bite FAQs
What should I do after being bitten by a dog?
- Seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can become infected if left untreated. You will also need medical records to prove your injuries.
- Call the police and animal control to report the incident. Get the contact information of the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Take photos of your injuries and the dog that bit you.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer to discuss your case and next steps for pursuing compensation.
Do I have grounds for a dog bite lawsuit?
In most cases, yes. If the dog owner was negligent in properly containing or controlling their dog, you may be entitled to damages. Some examples of negligence include:
- The dog was not on a leash or contained in a fenced area.
- The dog had a history of aggression that the owner was aware of.
- There were no “Beware of Dog” signs posted.
- The dog was not properly trained or socialized.
Who is responsible if a dog bites someone?
In most cases, the dog owner is legally responsible for any injuries caused by their dog. Some states have laws, including Missouri, known as “strict liability” statutes, that hold owners strictly liable for dog bites, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. However, if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing, the owner may not be liable.
Do I need to hire an attorney for a dog bite claim?
While it is possible to handle a dog bite claim yourself, hiring an experienced attorney is usually in your best interest. Dog bite laws can be complex, and insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting the dog owner, not the victim. An attorney can help determine who is liable, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for maximum compensation.
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- Bobby Thrasher