Springfield Dog Bite Attorneys
Did you get attacked by a dangerous animal in Missouri? Let us help you.
Despite their domestication, dogs are still descendants of wild animals, a fact that can be easily overlooked in the age of social media. However, it is important to remember that when dogs are scared, startled, or in protection mode, they have the potential to cause serious harm to those around them.
Dog bites can result in victims, particularly children and the elderly, being hospitalized. In addition to the physical injuries, there is also a risk of contracting diseases. In the most severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to repair the damage caused by the bite. Furthermore, there are instances where a dog unintentionally injures someone by knocking them over in a moment of excitement.
If you have been injured by someone else's dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. It is possible to receive compensation even if the dog has no prior history of aggression or did not intend to cause harm.
Contact our dog bite injury attorneys in Springfield and let them fight for your rightful compensation. Schedule a free consultation by calling 417-512-2333 today!
Filing A Dog Bite Lawsuit In Missouri
If you have been the victim of a dog attack in Missouri, you have the opportunity to pursue legal action. Missouri's strict liability laws ensure that if you were lawfully present on someone else's property, they are held accountable for the behavior of their dog. This protection extends to individuals such as dog park visitors, guests, delivery drivers, and utility workers. As long as you were not trespassing at the time of the incident, you have grounds to file a claim.
In order to seek financial compensation for a dog bite, you must establish the following elements of your case:
- The person responsible for the dog at the time of the attack had a duty to ensure your safety. They were obligated to protect you from the dog.
- The owner or caretaker of the dog failed to fulfill this duty. For instance, they may have allowed the dog to roam freely in a public area despite knowing about its aggressive tendencies.
- As a result of this negligence, you suffered an injury. This is known as proximate cause, which establishes a direct connection between the owner's liability, the dog's aggressive behavior, and the harm you experienced.
When you visit Rah Law, our dog bite lawyers in Springfield can assess your case during a complimentary consultation and guide you through your next actions. Reach out to us today to begin!
Injuries Caused By Animal Attacks
While many animal bites are small wounds, these injuries can actually cause permanent scarring and other complications. For example, if the wound becomes infected, then you will need serious medical care urgently.
Dog bites can result in:
- Lacerations
- Permanent scars
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Tendon damage
- Infections
- Diseases such as rabies
Treatment For Animal Bites
If you have been bitten by a dog or pet, especially if it is unfamiliar to you, it is important to go to urgent care. There is always a risk that an animal bite may introduce bacteria and viruses into your body, which can turn a seemingly minor cut into a serious health issue within a few hours or days. When you visit the doctor, make sure to explain what happened so they can provide you with a suitable treatment plan. Additionally, they will make a note in your medical record regarding the dog bite incident, which can serve as valuable evidence in your favor if needed.
It is crucial to take any dog bite that breaks the skin seriously. Even if the cut appears to be minor, it is essential to seek immediate attention and medical care from a professional.
Can I File A Claim For A Non-bite Injury?
If you were injured in a different type of dog attack, such as being knocked over by the animal, it may be slightly more challenging to win your case in court. This is because you will need to provide evidence that the owner was negligent, as the mere fact of an attack without a bite is not sufficient proof. In such a situation, our attorneys can examine the evidence to determine if the owner was aware of the potential danger posed by their dog and should have taken measures to prevent it. By utilizing the existing injury laws, we can assist you in making a strong claim.
Comparative Negligence In Dog Bite Claims
When a dog attacks someone, dog owners may try to shift the blame to the victim in order to avoid being held responsible. In Missouri, if you are injured in a dog attack, you can only receive compensation if you are found to be less than 50% at fault. If any percentage of blame is assigned to you, your final settlement can be reduced by that amount. To protect yourself against unfair accusations of blame, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Springfield dog bite lawyer.
Here are some important things to keep in mind as you contemplate filing a claim:
What Is The Provocation Defense?
A dog owner who is defensive may argue that you provoked their dog, implying that you are responsible for the attack. Although this claim may make it more difficult for your case to succeed, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot seek compensation. Even if provocation is alleged, the dog owner can still be held liable if it can be proven that the dog has aggressive and dangerous tendencies, regardless of whether provocation actually occurred. In most situations, claims of provocation are unfounded, but the lack of concrete evidence may make it challenging to prove your case against the dog owner's denial. Our team of attorneys can assist you by searching for video evidence and interviewing witnesses to strengthen your claim.
Can Children Be Held Liable For Dog Bite Injuries?
Although Missouri law does not specify the age at which children can be deemed negligent, it is generally understood that judges will not hold a young child responsible if they are attacked by a dog. It would be unreasonable to do so. However, it is possible for the owner of the dog that bit the child to attempt to make this argument.
In cases where a child is bitten, a parent may be considered negligent if they, for example, left their child unsupervised around a dog. This negligence could impact the parent's ability to seek compensation for their child.
If you are filing a lawsuit on behalf of a child, it is crucial to be aware of and prepared for these complexities. Our attorneys are available to assist you in navigating this process.
A Trusted Springfield Firm
Our team at Rah Law is ready to help. We’ve been fighting for the injured for 45 years, helping thousands find justice after an injury caused by someone else’s negligence.
Recovering from a dog bite takes time and energy, which is why having a strong law firm on your side matters. Our team at Rah Law is here to help people whose lives have been affected by injury find a way forward. We can provide the caring, honest guidance you need while advancing your legal claim—all without you having to do any extra work.
Every client of Rah Law gets top-tier service, with a team of at least 2 lawyers, a nurse paralegal, a paralegal, and additional support staff assigned to every case. This strategy helps us build strong, trial-ready cases. Additionally, with our name on your side, insurers will know you are serious about finding justice. We are ready to start your case today, so reach out if you were injured by a dog bite or attack. We know the laws surrounding dog bite cases in Missouri and can help you build a personalized legal strategy if you were injured.
If you want to know more about your dog bite case, give us a call today at 417-512-2333. We provide complimentary consultations to individuals residing in and near Springfield.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
Practice Areas
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you think that you might need a personal injury attorney in Joplin, Missouri don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rah Law! Have us help give you peace of mind by taking your case. Your consultation is free after all – what do you have to lose? Call us now at