St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer

Do you need a St. Louis dog bite lawyer? Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers is here to help! Many people in St. Louis 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.

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 St. Louis dog bite attorneys are here to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, ensuring we have the evidence needed to build a strong case for you. Through our legal actions, we have won millions for our clients, and our experienced attorneys are willing and able to fight for you, every step of the way.

A St. Louis County dog bite lawyer could assist if you suffered injuries caused by a dog. A skilled injury attorney could determine whether you may be entitled to compensation and represent your interests throughout the claims process to help you achieve a fair outcome.

Why Choose Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers?

We know from experience that dog bites can cause irreparable trauma to a victim and severely impact their daily functioning. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Mutrux Firm:

• Our attorneys have recovered hundreds of thousands on dog bite cases for our clients, making us the premier attorney for dog bite cases in St. Louis.
• As your St. Louis dog bite lawyers, we will advocate for you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to potential litigation; we have your best interests in mind.
• We believe everyone has a right to legal counsel, regardless of their ability to pay.  Therefore, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win!
• Our experienced team of dedicated dog bite lawyers provides you with updates on your case. When you work with Mutrux, it’s a partnership, and we want to ensure we communicate with our valued clients.

As your St. Louis personal injury attorneys, we will fight for you every step of the way. Dog bites can be extremely difficult to deal with, however, with a trusted attorney by your side, you have a better chance at receiving the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Am I Entitled To in St. Louis?

When you become the victim of a dog bite attack in St. Louis, you are entitled to a number of economic and non-economic damages, 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 in St.Louis?

If you are the victim of a dog bite, 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 does occur, you should first seek medical attention. You should then consult an experienced St. Louis 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.

Determining Whether I Have a Dog Bite Case

You could be eligible for compensation 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.

When Is My St. Louis Dog Bite Claim Settled?

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.

What Responsibilities Do Dog Owners Have?

In St. Louis County, dogs may be prohibited from roaming at large and are required to be kept in a cage, building, or restrained on a leash.

Dog owners may also be required to use reasonable care to prevent their dogs from causing harm to others, such as by jumping on them or knocking them over. A St. Louis County dog attack attorney could argue that failure to fulfill these responsibilities is proof that a dog owner was negligent and should be held liable for harm caused by their dog.

Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute in St. Louis County

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 St. Louis County 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?

There are a number of economic factors that may come into play in a damage award, as a dog bite or other injury caused by a dog could have many consequences for the victim. For example, victims may miss time at work in order to heal from their injuries. Furthermore, they may also incur medical costs, which could prove to be expensive.

In addition, victims may be able to receive compensation for non-economic factors such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. A St. Louis County dog bite lawyer could calculate an appropriate value for these consequences based on prior case law.

Missouri Law for Dog Bite Claims

Missouri Revised Statute §273.036 explains the specifics of a lawsuit involving a dog bite. The owner of the dog is always held responsible for the damages to the victim, whether that be physical or mental. However, this value is subtracted from the total value if they were partially liable for the attack.

An individual can be partially liable if they have angered or provoked the dog; however, if the dog was being walked or running loose, resulting in an unprovoked bite, the owner would be liable for all damages.

This concept is called comparative negligence, which means the individual who owns the dog is liable for its actions.

Have you been the victim of a dog bite, and you believe the owner is not at fault? The owner is still liable under negligent entrustment, which states the although the dog was not with the owner at the time, they failed to leave the dog with a trusted individual.

Therefore, if you were the victim of a dog bite in Missouri due to the owner’s negligence, you would likely be eligible for compensation. However, according to the Missouri dog bite law, if you had provoked the dog in any way, you could be found partially at fault.

At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we are ready and able to fight for you and get you 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: 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.
• Infections: 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.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD): 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.
• Broken Bones: 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 St. Louis?

In order to ensure safety and appropriate medical assistance, you or someone else who has been bitten by a dog in St. Louis must act quickly:

• Determine the severity of the bite before seeking medical attention. For small bites, wash the area well with soap and water, treat the wound with an antibiotic cream, and then wrap it in a fresh bandage. However, get medical attention right away if you have serious bites, deep wounds, or significant bleeding. Infections can result from bites that appear insignificant.
• Report the Event: Notify St. Louis animal control or the local authorities of the dog bite. They can record the occurrence and take the required action to stop such events in the future.
• Obtain Information: Make an effort to learn as much as you can about the dog’s owner. Make a note of the dog’s breed, color, and any other distinguishing characteristics. Obtain the owner’s contact details if at all possible.
• Legal Action: If the bite is severe, you might think about getting legal counsel. Although there are differences in the laws regulating dog bites, there are instances where the owner may be held accountable for the bite’s damages and medical costs.
• Follow-up Care: If redness, swelling, increasing pain, or discharge appear, even if the wound appears minor, keep an eye out for signs of infection and seek medical assistance.
• Record the aftermath of the event: Take pictures of the bite wound and document any doctor visits and costs associated with the dog bite. If legal action is required, this documentation is critical.

Recall that dog bites can range in severity, and you should never undervalue the risks involved—particularly with regard to illnesses. Even for bites that appear to be minor, getting medical help is essential to avoid complications.

If you need medical attention right away or are unsure of what to do, call emergency services or go to the closest hospital.

Consult a St. Louis County Dog Bite Attorney

Improperly restrained dogs may cause someone a significant amount of harm and pain. When those injuries require medical treatment, it may be wise to consult a St. Louis County dog bite lawyer to discover your options for recovering compensation.

The Missouri statute of limitations allows five years from the time of an injury for someone to file a claim seeking damages. However, to obtain evidence that can be used to establish liability, it is wise to act well before the statutory deadline becomes an issue. For a free consultation, call now. You can trust Mutrux Firm Injury Law to handle your case.

St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs