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Columbia Dog Bite injury Lawyer
Do you need a Columbia dog bite injury lawyer? Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers is here to help! Many people in Columbia County consider their dogs to be an important part of their family. Others see dogs merely as a tool they use for security or other purposes. Regardless of the attitude displayed by a dog owner, the owner is required to take responsibility for the dog’s actions. When a dog bites someone or causes other injuries, the owner may be liable to pay for the consequences.
Have you been the victim of a dog bite? It’s important not to try and navigate the legal process on your own. If you have been involved in a dog bite incident in Missouri, it is a strict liability state; therefore, if you are a victim of a dog bite, you are eligible for compensation. Furthermore, local governments have laws in place, such as ordinances on dog leashes and the type of dog you could have.
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In most of the dog bite cases we’ve dealt with, many times, traumatic events such as a dog bite leave behind emotional distress that, unfortunately, lasts a lifetime. You can trust Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers to help you with your case. Our skilled Columbia dog bite attorneys are here to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Winning Justice for Dog Bite Victims in Columbia
Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf. Over the years, we have helped clients recover millions in compensation, and we are committed to fighting for you every step of the way.
If you have suffered injuries from a dog attack, a Columbia dog bite lawyer can provide the legal guidance you need. By assessing your case, determining your eligibility for compensation, and advocating for your rights throughout the claims process, we can help you pursue the fair outcome you deserve.
Selecting the Right Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Case
At Mutrux Firm, we understand that dog bites can cause lasting trauma and significantly disrupt your daily life. If you’ve been injured, you deserve legal support that puts your needs first. Here’s why we stand out as your Columbia dog bite lawyer:
- Proven Results – Our attorneys have recovered hundreds of thousands in dog bite settlements, making us a trusted choice for victims in Columbia.
- Comprehensive Legal Support – From the initial case review to potential litigation, we are committed to fighting for your best interests every step of the way.
- No Upfront Costs – We believe legal representation should be accessible to everyone, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win.
- Transparent Communication – We keep you informed throughout your case, ensuring you always know what to expect and feel confident in your legal team.
A dog attack can be overwhelming, but with a Columbia dog bite attorney by your side, you have a better chance of securing the compensation you deserve. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Who Is Responsible For My Injuries After a Dog Bite in Columbia?
Any individual who’s negligence contributed to your injuries could be held liable for your injuries. These individuals could include:
- The dog’s owner
- The individual in charge of watching the dog
- Landlords and property owners
If you have been bitten by a dog in Columbia, it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side during your case, as your attorney will know the legal system and how it operates throughout Columbia. This will also give you the opportunity to focus on recovery while your attorney focuses on the legalities of your case.
What Damages Am I Entitled To in My Dog Bite Lawsuit in Columbia?
When you become the victim of a dog bite attack in Columbia, you are entitled to a number of economic and non-economic damages in your dog bite lawsuit, let’s check this out in more detail below.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible assets, such as:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Future medical costs
- Property damages
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to put a monetary value on and include:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional pain
Regardless of which type of damages you’re seeking, Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers is here to help you when you need it most. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
What Rights Do I Have After a Dog Bite injury in Columbia?
If you are the victim of a dog bite injury, it is always the owner’s responsibility to prevent the bite from happening in the first place. Oftentimes, dogs bite when they feel threatened or are mistreated at one time or another. If a dog bite injury does occur, you should first seek medical attention. You should then consult an experienced Columbia dog bite lawyer to handle your case.
We take great pride in providing the maximum amount of compensation for our clients and want to help you cover your expenses, especially mounting medical bills, which are quite common in dog bite cases. When we receive your case, we will immediately ensure the dog is tested for any diseases, such as rabies, and search for any history of past incidents the dog might have. If necessary, we will begin filing claims and fight for you in court. Our experienced dog bite attorneys know exactly how to handle a dog bite case; therefore, we are ready and able to go against entities such as the defendant’s homeowner’s insurance.
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients!
“Tyson is not just an exceptional attorney, but an exceptional individual in every regard. Whether you work with Tyson as a fellow attorney or client, you will quickly learn that he values honesty, integrity, and sincerity in his dealings with you. Take one look at his curriculum vitae and you’ll see the undeniable evidence of a driven individual who will use all of his resources and talents to assist you in your situation.”
-Jason Going
What are Some Legal Considerations in a Missouri Dog Bite Lawsuit?
You could be eligible for compensation and have a dog bite lawsuit if you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri. This will allow you to file your claim and seek compensation for your damages. Some of the damages available to you are medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life. Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers will advocate for you and fight for your rights every step of the way.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much your case is worth, especially when you consider the many factors that contribute to your specific case. Depending on the severity of injuries, the award you receive could vary significantly, therefore, it is best to consult an attorney to get a better idea of your case’s value.
Depending on the specifics of your case, the average dog bite case settles in about 18 months. However, it is important to note that this varies greatly depending on your specific case.
If your child has been bitten by a dog, it is best to get in touch with Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers right away, as our attorneys are experienced in all types of dog bite cases and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
In most cases, dog bite claims that involve minor injuries are usually settled in small claims court, or even sometimes, between the victim and the dog owner. However, if serious injuries are present, the claim is often escalated further, as you are entitled to significant financial compensation.
In most cases, a dog bite could happen anywhere: while walking in the park, in front of your home, or even at a sporting event for your child. In Missouri, dog bites are dealt with under strict liability, therefore, the owner of the dog is responsible for the damages accrued. In some rare cases, the victim could also be partially at fault if they were performing any action that could make the dog feel threatened, making it more likely for a dog bite to occur.
In Missouri, you are allowed to walk your dog without a leash, except when you are in a state park. However, the dog owner has a “duty of care,” which means they are responsible for control over the dog, regardless of location.
Our Columbia Dog Bite lawyers are here to help! We can help you recover the compensation you deserve and ensure you have the best representation possible.
What Responsibilities Do Dog Owners Have?
In Columbia, dogs must not roam freely and should be confined in a cage, building, or secured with a leash.
Dog owners are also responsible for preventing their pets from causing harm, such as jumping on people or knocking them over. If an owner fails to uphold these responsibilities, a Columbia dog attack attorney can argue that their negligence led to the injury, making them legally liable.
Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute in Columbia
According to Mo. Rev. Stat. §273.036, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone “without provocation.” If someone is on public property or lawfully enters private property and suffers a dog bite, the owner of the dog is liable regardless of whether the owner has knowledge of a previous propensity to bite. This statute applies even if the dog bite occurs on the dog owner’s property.
Since the statute only applies to those who are “lawfully” on property, a dog owner could argue that the person bitten was trespassing. A dog bite lawyer in the Columbia area could gather evidence to demonstrate lawful entry onto the property.
If the person bitten was partially to blame for the incident, the statute specifies that the contributory responsibility would not prevent recovery of damages. However, the amount received would be “reduced by the same percentage that the damaged party’s fault contributed to the incident.”
What Damages May Be Recovered After a Dog Bite?
Several economic factors can influence a damage award in a dog bite case. Injuries from a dog attack may cause victims to miss work, leading to lost wages. Additionally, medical expenses can quickly add up, creating a financial burden.
Beyond economic losses, victims may also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. A Columbia dog bite lawyer can assess these factors and determine a fair compensation amount based on previous case outcomes.
Missouri Law for Dog Bite Claims
Dog Owner Responsibility in Missouri
Under Missouri Revised Statute §273.036, dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets, whether physical or emotional. If the victim provoked the dog, their compensation may be reduced due to comparative negligence. However, when an unprovoked attack occurs while the dog is loose or being walked, the owner bears full responsibility.
Negligent Entrustment and Dog Bite Claims
Even if the owner wasn’t present during the attack, they can still be held responsible. Missouri law recognizes negligent entrustment, meaning owners must leave their dog with a responsible individual. Failure to do so can make them liable for any injuries their dog causes.
Seeking Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury
Victims of dog bites in Missouri can pursue compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages. However, if they provoked the dog, their claim might be partially reduced. Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping dog bite victims recover what they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, we recommend filing as soon as possible and not waiting for the statute of limitations to expire, as failure to file before the statute of limitations expires is unlikely to allow you to be awarded any damages. Get in touch with a trusted attorney, like Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, to file your claim right away, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Are Dog Bites Common in St. Louis?
When you think of dogs, you probably think of your loyal companion that never leaves your side. You rarely think that they would harm anyone. So, are dog bites common in St. Louis? Let’s check out some stats below over a two-year period of time:
- Dog bites affect 1 of every 222 people
- 1 of every 83 children 5 to 9 years old are bitten by a dog
- Nearly 20% of all children were bitten on either their face or head
- 10% of bites involve serious injuries.
- In 48% of the cases, the bite occurred near the dog owner’s property.
These statistics are staggering and tell us how very common dog bites are around St. Louis. So, if you are a victim of a dog bite, it is important to have an experienced St. Louis dog bite lawyer handle your case, as you are likely entitled to compensation.
What Types of Damage Does a Dog Bite Cause?
Where a dog bites a victim can seem unpredictable. Therefore, there are a variety of different injuries that a victim could sustain. These include:
Puncture wounds are very common in dog bites, as dogs have sharp teeth that cut through the skin. This could lead to significant bleeding and must be tended to right away.
If you’ve ever had a dog, you know that they eat everything; therefore, they could be carrying significant amounts of bacteria, which could cause infections in the event of skin puncture.
PTSD is common among dog bite victims, as being attacked by a dog can be a scary, life-altering moment. This could cause PTSD and require counseling to improve symptoms.
Dogs have sharp jaws, which can cause broken bones if they bite hard enough. This is especially prominent with larger dog breeds.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite Occurs in Columbia?
Take Immediate Action
Acting quickly after a dog bite can prevent complications and ensure safety:
Assess the Bite Severity: For minor bites, clean the wound with soap and water, apply antibiotic cream, and cover it with a bandage. Seek medical help immediately for deep wounds, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection. Even small bites can lead to serious infections.
Report the Incident: Contact Columbia Animal Control or local authorities. Filing a report helps document the case and may prevent future attacks.
Gather Information: Try to identify the dog’s owner and note important details such as the dog’s breed, color, and other distinguishing features. If possible, get the owner’s contact information.
Seek Legal Guidance: If the bite causes serious harm, speak with a Columbia dog bite lawyer about your legal options. Missouri law holds dog owners accountable for damages in many cases.
Monitor for Infection: Watch for redness, swelling, worsening pain, or discharge. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately.
Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, keep records of doctor visits, and track medical expenses. This documentation will be valuable if legal action becomes necessary.
Why Legal Help Matters
An improperly restrained dog can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma. If a bite leads to medical treatment, consulting a Columbia dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
Missouri law gives victims five years to file a claim, but waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence. Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you. Call 888-550-4026 today for a free case investigation and let us handle your case.
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Columbia Dog Bite Injury Lawyer FAQs
FAQ
There are quite a few common questions we receive when it comes to Dog Bite cases. Whether it be about filing a claim, whether to accept settlements, or when to hire an attorney, you can find the answers to all of your questions below.
- Settlements for dog bite cases vary depending on the severity of your injuries and property damages. However, on average, a dog bite case in Columbia settles for anywhere between $15,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. To receive a more accurate number, it is important to first consult with your attorney.
- Missouri does not use the “one-bite” rule. Dog owners in Missouri are held responsible for any dog bite, regardless of whether the dog is a first-time offender.
- If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, the owner could receive a hefty fine and be held liable to pay for the victim’s damages. If you plan to file suit, it must be filed within five years of the incident.
- If a tenant’s dog bites an individual on their property, the landlord is not held liable. Rather, it is the dog owner who is held liable for the injuries.