In Missouri, like in many states, the laws surrounding dog bites are designed to protect dog bite victims while holding dog owners accountable for negligence. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dangerous dog, the lawyers of Goza & Honnold may be able to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
If a dog bites someone while they are on public property or lawfully on the private property of the dog owner, the dog owner may be responsible for any injuries or damage inflicted by their pet. This means that if a dog bite attack occurs, the owner might have to cover any related expenses, including medical bills that arise due to dog bite injuries. Generally, dog bite victims have up to five years to pursue a legal claim. The lawyers of Goza & Honnold will build a strong case on your behalf to increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
Overview of Missouri’s Dog Bite Laws
In Missouri, if you’ve been bitten by a dog, you have up to five years from the day you got injured – or from when you first realized you were injured – to take legal action. If you miss the deadline to file a dog bite case, you may lose your chance to seek justice and compensation for injuries.
Missouri has strict laws pertaining to dog attacks. Dog owners are automatically responsible for any harm their dog causes, no matter the dog’s past behavior or whether the owner knew about any aggressive tendencies. This strict approach differs from states with a “one-bite rule,” where owners might not be liable the first time their dog bites someone.
When determining fault in a dog bite case, Missouri abides by a comparative negligence rule, which means both the dog owner and the person bitten can share the blame. For instance, if the person bitten had any role in provoking the dangerous dog or ignored signs that the dog was aggressive, they may be awarded less compensation, as determined by the degree of shared liability. A dog that’s shown aggression before and bites someone a subsequent time can lead to serious legal consequences for the owner, ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on how severe the injury is.
In many cases, homeowner’s insurance can play a significant role in dog bite lawsuits, covering damages caused by dog bites. However, dealing with insurance adjusters can be tricky, as they may attempt to pay out as little as possible. Working with the experienced dog bite lawyer of Goza & Honnold is essential to navigating negotiations with adjusters to obtain the full extent of compensation for losses.
Recoverable Compensation in a Successful Dog Bite Claim
In a successful dog bite claim, the compensation you may recover is designed to cover various losses and damages incurred due to the incident, including the following:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation covers hospital visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any long-term care needed. It includes both expenses you’ve already paid and estimated losses for future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can be compensated for lost wages. If the dog bite results in disabilities that affect your ability to earn a living in the future, you may also receive compensation for lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the physical pain, dog bites cause emotional distress and trauma. Losses for pain and suffering account for the physical pain and mental anguish you’ve experienced.
- Property Damage: If the incident resulted in damaged personal property (like torn clothing or a broken phone), you can be compensated for these losses as well.
- Loss of Quality of Life: If injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or daily routines you once did, you may receive compensation for this diminished quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: Separate from pain and suffering, you can be compensated for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD that result from the incident.
Successfully claiming these damages often requires obtaining comprehensive documentation and evidence, from medical records and wage statements to personal testimony about the impact on your life. Working with the lawyers of Goza & Honnold significantly improves your ability to accurately assess and fight for compensation following a Missouri dog bite incident.
Speak With the Dog Bite Lawyers of Goza & Honnold Today
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer of Goza & Honnold can make all the difference in your case. We will guide you through every step, from gathering evidence and documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurance adjusters and taking your case to court, if necessary. You can focus on your recovery while we pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and more.
Call our dog bite lawyer today at (913) 451-3433 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. https://gohonlaw.com/contact/
FAQ about Missouri Dog Bite Laws and Victims
What rights do Missouri dog bite victims have under state law?
Missouri dog bite victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries under Missouri law, which follows a strict liability standard. This means that dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of prior aggression. Victims may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
How can dog owners prevent dog bites from occurring?
Dog owners can reduce the likelihood of dog bites occurring by ensuring their pets are well-trained, properly socialized, and kept on a leash in public spaces. Owners should also secure their dogs when visitors are on their private property. Proper care and awareness of a dog’s temperament, especially around children and other domestic animals, are essential to preventing a dog attack.
What should Missouri dog bite victims do after a dog attack?
After a dog attack, Missouri dog bite victims should prioritize medical attention to address their injuries. They should also document the incident by taking photos of injuries, obtaining witness statements, and gathering the dog owner’s contact information. Consulting a lawyer experienced in many dog bite cases can help victims understand their rights under Missouri law and build a strong claim for compensation.
Where do dog bites occur most frequently, and who is liable?
A4: Dog bites occur most often in familiar environments, such as a victim’s neighborhood or while visiting someone’s private property. Under Missouri law, dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the attack happened on their own property or if the dog had no history of aggression.
Can victims file claims if the attack involved other domestic animals or unusual circumstances?
Yes, while most claims involve dogs, attacks involving other domestic animals may also qualify for legal action. In many dog bite cases, Missouri’s strict liability laws ensure that victims can hold dog owners accountable for injuries, whether caused by a typical pet or an unusual scenario. Consulting a lawyer can clarify the legal options in such cases.