St. Charles Dog Bite Lawyer
Do you need a St. Charles dog bite injury lawyer? Get in touch with our attorneys today for a consultation.
Many people keep dogs for companionship, hunting, and therapeutic assistance but, like any animal, dogs can be unpredictable. Even a normally friendly dog might become aggressive under the right circumstances, and their owner might be unable to predict what sets them off.
Dog bites can cause severe physical injuries and lifelong psychological trauma. An uncontrolled dog has the potential to be a dangerous weapon, so the law makes owners responsible for harm their dog does to others. If you have suffered injuries in a dog attack, you could bring a case for damages against the dog’s owners with the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney. A St. Charles dog bite lawyer could help you bring your claim and hold the dog’s owner accountable.
When Are Dog Owners Strictly Liable?
Missouri Revised Statute §273.036 imposes strict liability on a dog owner if the dog bites someone. This means that the owner could be liable to an injured party the first time the animal bites.
There are some significant limitations to this law, however. Firstly, the dog must have bitten the plaintiff, and an owner is not necessarily liable if a dog knocks someone over and injures them. An injured person can only hold the owner liable if the bite took place on public property, or private property if the plaintiff had permission to be there. A trespasser cannot seek damages for a bite that happened while they were on private property without permission.
An owner is also not liable if the plaintiff provoked the dog. A local dog bite lawyer could review the events around the incident to advise whether provocation might be a plausible defense that would defeat a claim for damages in a particular case.
What Damages Am I Entitled to in St. Charles?
It is difficult to put a number on the damages you might receive from your St. Charles dog bite case. From our experience, you might be entitled to anything from $10,000 to up to $100,000 for bites that cause extreme injury, and is designed to cover your medical expenses.
To put an accurate number on how much you will receive, it is best to bring your case into our St. Charles dog bite lawyers to help you build your case. In summary, the amount that you receive is directly related to how severe the injury was that you sustained.
There are two types of damages available to you, economic and non-economic damages. Some of the economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of benefits
- Cost of ongoing medical expenses
- Counseling
Non-economic damages include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional pain
- Physical pain
- Loss of consortium
How much you receive really depends on many variables; therefore, it is best to hire a St. Charles dog bite lawyer to assemble your case. At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we are here for you every step of the way. We will put together comprehensive evidence, gather eyewitness testimony, and consult experts to help you prove your case.
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, there are also a few situations that could impact how much you receive in damages. These include:
- Who is held liable?
- Insurance policy coverage limits
- Economic losses incurred
- Medical expenses
- Settlement negotiations
Although it is not possible to determine exactly how much you will receive without first assembling your case, on average, most individuals who hire a St. Charles dog bite lawyer receive a larger settlement than those who choose not to seek legal representation.
Determining Liability in St. Charles
So, who is responsible for your St. Charles dog bite injury? When you trust The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers to help you with your case in St. Charles, you can be confident that you have the best possible legal team on your side. With us on your side, we can help you get the most out of your dog bite claim and help you retrieve the losses you’ve incurred.
Section 273.036 of the Missouri Revised Statute introduces strict liability in dog bite injury suits. So, what is strict liability? Strict liability is meant to hold the party liable regardless of intention or fault.
Therefore, your St. Charles dog bite lawyer only has to demonstrate that you were injured in the incident. In Missouri, if you have sustained the following injuries, the dog owner is held liable:
- You were injured
- The incident took place on public property
- The dog was not provoked
The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers will help you throughout your case, and provide you with a comprehensive settlement for your injuries and losses. If you have been a victim of a dog bite in St. Charles, get in touch with the Mutrux Firm today!
Who Should Be Held Liable in My St. Charles Dog Bite Case?
There could be a number of parties at fault in your case, as there are often negligence claims outside of strict liability. Depending on where the bite occurred, and the individuals involved, there could be a number of different parties held liable. These liable parties are often:
- Employers
- Landlords
- Government entities
- Businesses
Regardless of who is liable for your dog bite injury, your St. Charles dog bite injury lawyers will support you every step of the way. Your attorney will help you assemble a convincing case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve to get your life back.
How Does Comparative Negligence Rules Apply in These Cases?
Although strict liability makes a dog’s owner liable for any damages a bite victim suffers in most circumstances, the injured party’s behavior can impact the damages they can collect. If the plaintiff was negligent in some way and that negligence contributed to them getting bitten, or affected the severity of their injuries, the law takes that negligence into account.
In a case seeking damages, a judge apportions liability among all the parties. If the plaintiff was partially at fault, the judge must reduce any award of damages by a percentage that reflects the victim’s degree of responsibility. A St. Charles attorney experienced in dog bite cases could determine if the plaintiff is likely to be found at partial fault for their injuries.
Dog Bite Injuries
Sometimes dog owners overlook the severity of the damage a dog bite can do. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 800,000 dog bite injuries require medical attention every year.
Children suffer nearly 70 percent of the bites that require medical attention. Sadly, their injuries often include bites to the face that lead to permanent scars. Injuries dog bite victims might suffer include:
- Soft tissue damage that temporarily or permanently restricts function
- Complex wounds requiring sutures
- Amputations
- Complications due to infection of the bite area
- Significant psychological trauma
These injuries can incur high medical costs and lasting consequences, and the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries can affect how much compensation they recover through a personal injury claim.
Let a St. Charles Attorney Take On Your Dog Bite Case
People injured by dog bites sometimes try to negotiate with an owner or their insurance company on their own after their incident. This may be unwise because securing money damages that adequately compensate for an injury is not a straightforward process and often requires someone who is knowledgeable about the law and can view the case objectively. A St. Charles dog bite lawyer could examine the facts of your case and help you obtain the compensation that you need. Call today to schedule a consultation.
St. Charles Dog Bite Injury Lawyer FAQ
- What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident? After a dog bite, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention. Report the incident to local authorities and gather information about the dog and its owner. Document the scene, take photos of your injuries, and collect witness contact information.
- When should I consult a St. Charles, MO, dog bite lawyer? You should consult a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. They can guide you on your legal rights, help gather evidence, and assess the potential for a personal injury claim.
- What compensation can I seek for a dog bite injury? Compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A skilled dog bite lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the appropriate damages to pursue.
- Is the dog owner always liable for a dog bite? In Missouri, dog owners are generally held liable for injuries caused by their dogs. However, specific circumstances may affect liability. An experienced lawyer can assess the details of your case to determine liability.
- How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in St. Charles, MO? Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites, is typically five years. However, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to meet all deadlines.
- Can I still file a claim if the dog has no history of aggression? Yes, you can pursue a claim even if the dog has no previous history of aggression. Missouri follows a strict liability standard for dog bites, holding owners responsible regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
- Do I have to go to court for a dog bite case, or can it be settled out of court? Many dog bite cases are resolved through settlements without going to court. An experienced dog bite lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement, but they are prepared to go to court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
- How much does it cost to hire a St. Charles, MO, dog bite lawyer? Most dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. This allows victims to pursue legal action without upfront costs.
- Can I still file a claim if the dog owner is a friend or family member? Yes, you can still file a claim if the dog owner is a friend or family member. In most cases, compensation is covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, minimizing personal strain on relationships.
- What sets apart a good dog bite lawyer in St. Charles, MO? A skilled dog bite lawyer should have experience in personal injury law, knowledge of Missouri dog bite statutes, a successful track record, and a commitment to advocating for your rights. Always choose a lawyer with a strong reputation and client testimonials.