Unfortunately, not all dogs are friendly. If you are attacked by a dog without its owner present, you may be unsure of how to hold someone accountable for the injuries you suffered. Although it is difficult, it is possible to locate the dog owner by taking video or photographic evidence, calling animal control or law enforcement, and speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer. However, your first priority should always be to obtain the necessary medical care and protective measures you need to ensure your well-being.
Dog ownership comes with a great responsibility. As such, owners must ensure their pets do not injure others. Still, over 4.5 million victims are attacked by dogs annually. In Missouri, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Unlike in other states, victims do not have to show an owner knew a dog was dangerous before the attack or that the owner was negligent. You must only show you were injured by a dog without provocation on private or public property at the time of the incident.
What to Do Following a Dog Attack if the Owner Is Absent
If you have been bitten by a dog without the owner present, it may be challenging to seek compensation for injuries, as the animal may be a stray. However, if that is not the case, numerous options remain available to locate the owner and hold the responsible party accountable.
The following are steps you should take after a dog attack if the owner is absent:
- Seek medical care and protective measures: You should consider seeking medical attention promptly to prevent infection. Additionally, it may be in your best interest to receive rabies treatment in case the dog is rabid.
- Take videos and pictures of the dog: If you are able, take videos and pictures of the dog. A written description of the dog and the incident may also be used if you cannot get visual evidence. Information on the dog’s tag can also be helpful in identifying the owner.
- Call animal control: Animal control experts can capture and retain the dog, as well as locate the owner.
- Call law enforcement: Report the incident to the police so you have an official record of the attack. Describe the dog and show any pictures and videos you took. The dog may have a history of aggression, and it may be helpful for the police to have this information.
- Obtain eyewitness testimony: If you were attacked in your neighborhood, asking your neighbors if they have seen the dog or know its owner can help locate the owner. If you were on private or public property, eyewitness statements can be powerful in seeking compensation when the owner is located.
- Speak with a dog bite lawyer: Working with a dog bite lawyer is essential to seeking compensation in a claim against the owner, as they may have suggestions or avenues for tracking down the owner and providing you with legal guidance on your best next steps.
The lawyers at Goza & Honnold know how traumatic a dog attack may be. However, we take the stress off your shoulders by handling all aspects of your dog bite claim, including helping you locate the owner of the dog that attacked you.
How a Missouri Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help Your Claim
You should not have to pay for the injuries you sustained from a dog attack. The lawyers at Goza & Honnold will work diligently to help you recover the compensation you deserve through insurance policies or seeking a legal claim against the responsible party by filing a lawsuit in court.
Why Choose Goza Honnold to Represent You?:
- Decades of personal injury experience
- Successful track record of case results, recovering tens of millions in compensation for our clients
- Diligently fighting to achieve maximum compensation and support your path to recovery
- We handle every aspect of your dog bite case, from the initial consultation to the resolution of your claim
Dog bite claims may be challenging to navigate alone. If the owner is located, he or she may allege that the dog was provoked or you were trespassing on private property. This is why it is essential to work with our experienced legal team. We protect your right to compensation and aggressively advocate for you.
Contact the Dog Bite Lawyers at Goza & Honnold Today
If you were attacked by a dog, locating the owner is a crucial first step in seeking compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at Goza & Honnold have decades of experience with complex dog bite claims and are ready to fight for you.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our highly qualified lawyers by calling (913) 451-3433 or filling out a contact form.