Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer
From Labradors to French Bulldogs, man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes, and many of us love our pets like a member of our family. As a result, you may be caught off guard when you encounter an attacking, aggressive dog.
If you or someone you love are injured from a dog bite and are considering legal action to hold the dog’s owner accountable, you should consult with a Columbia dog bite lawyer. Dog bites can leave traumatic and lifelong injuries that may be both medically expensive and psychologically damaging. Therefore, it may be advisable to seek the counsel of a practiced injury attorney who can pursue a favorable outcome to your situation.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites
The height, weight, bite force, and overall viciousness of a dog can vary dramatically depending on the breed of animal. As such, there is an equally wide range of injuries that a plaintiff may sustain in an attack. Some common injuries suffered in the event of a dog bite attack include:
- Puncture wounds
- Infection or disease, such as rabies and sepsis
- Fractured and broken bones
- Lacerations
- Tissue Loss
- Scarring
A plaintiff who has undergone injuries to this degree may desire an experienced Columbia dog bite attorney to advocate on their behalf. The severity of these injuries could entitle the plaintiff to substantial financial compensation.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Dog Attack?
Under Missouri Revised Statutes §273.036, a dog’s owner is generally liable for the resulting injuries from the bite. Plaintiffs are required to prove that their injuries were caused by an attack, were on public property or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite, and they did not provoke the dog to strike.
What is the Role of Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases?
The Missouri dog bite statute is a strict liability standard, meaning that even if the dog’s owner is found to have reasonably restrained the animal, they are still responsible for the dog’s bite. If the owner is found to be liable for the attack, they generally must pay the plaintiff $1,000 in addition to any other damages that are proven, such as medical expenses.
Time Limit to Bring a Claim
In a personal injury lawsuit, the statute of limitations is a law that sets a legal timer that begins to run down from the moment an individual is injured. A plaintiff can bring a lawsuit within that statutory period. If a claim is brought after, the claim would expire and would be dismissed.
Under Miss. Stat. §516.0120, a plaintiff has five years from the day they were bitten by the dog to bring a claim against the owner. While this is a relatively long time, a plaintiff should keep in mind that over time, evidence can disappear, the dog can die, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Therefore, the sooner a Columbia dog bite lawyer can begin interviewing witnesses, taking depositions, and gathering other evidence, the better for the plaintiff’s chances with their case.
Consult with a Columbia Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dog bite can leave significant can cause immediate physical trauma, cause infection, and result in long-term injury. These injuries generally result in substantial financial expenditures for the injured person. A Columbia dog bite lawyer may be able to advocate for your rights if you are injured from such an attack.
Call today to discuss your rights, legal strategies, and whether a favorable outcome to your situation can be pursued.