Saint Joseph Dog Bite Lawyer

Saint Joseph Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are considered by many to be beloved parts of the family, but those who have seen their family pets become aggressive know that the relationship can be much more contentious. When large, aggressive dogs bite, it can cause substantial damage. If you’ve found yourself to be the victim of a dog bite injury, you need to hire a Saint Joseph dog bite lawyer right away.

Trust Northland Injury Law

The team here at Northland Injury Law has been taking on dog bite cases for years. We’re intimately familiar with dog bite laws and know how to apply them to our clients’ circumstances to maximize their payouts. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. You can schedule a consultation to discuss your case and find out whether you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Around 54% of American families own at least one dog, so it should come as no surprise that dog bite injuries are ranked as the 8th leading cause of nonfatal injury for children under the age of 15. Of course, it’s not just children who are at risk of being attacked by dogs. In 2024, over 6,000 USPS workers suffered dog bite injuries. Missouri ranked 9th worst among the states, with 207 injuries to postal workers inflicted by canines.

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what you’re doing at the time of the attack. If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, you should hire a dog bite lawyer and find out if you are eligible for compensation. Missouri holds dog owners to a high standard, so they’re often found partially to fully liable for attacks. Hiring a lawyer will give you access to someone who can answer questions, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court.

Missouri’s Dog Bite Laws

According to Missouri’s Revised Statute 273.036, a dog owner is liable for a dog bite injury if the injured person was either on public land or was lawfully present on private property and the animal was not actively provoked.

You may be eligible to receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for the bite as long as you did not provoke the dog. However, your damages may be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault. The dog owner must also pay a $1,000 fine.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you’re bitten by a dog, you should follow certain procedures both to ensure your health and safety and to improve the chances of receiving compensation. Here’s what to do following the attack:

1. Busque atención médica. Your first step should be to visit a doctor or hospital, especially if the wound is severe or you’re unsure of the animal’s rabies vaccination status. Even if the dog is vaccinated, dog bites are prone to infection, so it’s worth a visit to the Mosaic Medical Center.
2. Take pictures. While you’re waiting for care, be sure to get some pictures of the wounds as they appear before medical treatment. This step will help you to document the harm done before healing begins.
3. Exchange information. If you’re able to exchange information with the dog owner prior to seeking medical care, do so. If not, find their contact information after. You’ll need to contact them for insurance information and details about the dog. You should also exchange information with any witnesses present.
4. Contact animal control. Filing a dog bite report helps to protect the public, as it allows the agency to label animals as dangerous dogs if it’s deemed appropriate.
5. Document everything. In addition to taking pictures of the wound and exchanging information with everyone present, you should keep track of all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses associated with the injury. It’s also helpful to keep a journal that documents the effects of your injuries.

You should also contact a Saint Joseph dog bite lawyer as early as possible.

Preguntas frecuentes

Do Doctors Have to Report Dog Bites in Missouri?

Doctors have to report dog bites in Missouri. State law requires any medical professional who treats an animal bite to report it to the county health department, along with details about the animal’s owner. The county health department reports it to the state, and it can choose to quarantine the animal to test it for rabies if necessary.

What Can Happen Legally if Your Dog Bites Someone?

There are several things that can happen legally if your dog bites someone. You could be held financially liable for the bite victim’s medical bills and other damages, be subjected to fines, or even face criminal charges, depending on the circumstances of the attack. Missouri imposes strict liability on dog owners.

What Does a Level 3 Dog Bite Look Like?

A level 3 dog bite looks like one to four shallow puncture wounds from a single bite. The puncture wounds are typically not deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth, but the bite breaks the skin and can cause lacerations as the dog’s mouth moves along it. There is no significant tissue or nerve damage associated with level 3 bites.

What Is the Average Payout for a Dog Bite?

There is no average payout for a dog bite. The compensation you’re awarded will vary depending on the circumstances of the attack, the severity of your wounds, and the dog owner’s level of liability. You can be compensated for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Contact a Saint Joseph dog bite attorney for more information.

Your Saint Joseph Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering. Trust the team here at Northland Injury Law to help you file your claim, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We’ve been in practice for decades. In that time, we’ve taken on many dog bite cases and successfully fought for our clients’ rights in court. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to schedule your initial consultation today.