Dogs are man’s best friend. They are beloved pets that can bring a lot of joy to our lives. Unfortunately, they are still animals and, as a result, can react in ways we won’t expect. While being attacked by a dog is an unfortunate incident that places the owner in an uncomfortable position, victims have the right to secure fair compensation for their injuries. In the aftermath of a non-aggressive dog attack, understanding your rights and navigating the legal process can be a daunting task. Fortunately, you don’t need to do it alone. An attorney can not only help guide you through the legal process, but if you know the dog owner, they can help you maintain that relationship.
With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, The Attorneys of Goza & Honnold are committed to thoroughly investigating your situation and ensuring your rights are protected. Let Goza & Honnold guide you through the legal process, taking on your case so you can focus on your recovery. We understand the complexities of Missouri’s dog-bite laws and offer free consultations to discuss the specifics of your case. Don’t navigate the legal process alone–reach out to Goza & Honnold today for the support and advocacy you deserve.
Seeking Compensation After a Non-Aggressive Dog Attack
When you’ve been a victim of a non-aggressive dog attack, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the avenues available to recover fair compensation.
Pursuing Compensation for Non-Bite Injuries
While Missouri’s strict liability statute primarily applies to dog bites, victims of non-bite injuries are not left without recourse. Understanding the nuances of liability when the owner is negligent, the concept of negligence per se, and strict liability for owners of “abnormally” dangerous dogs is crucial.
- Liability when the owner is negligent: To prove negligence, it’s essential to show that the dog owner had a duty to take reasonable care to control the dog, that the duty was violated, and the violation directly caused your injuries. This includes considering the owner’s knowledge of their dog’s specific habits.
- Negligence per se: Missouri employs negligence per se, a rule that deems an owner’s behavior negligent if they violate a law designed to protect the public, resulting in harm to another person.
- Strict liability for owners of “abnormally” dangerous dogs: If a dog’s behavior is deemed “abnormally” dangerous, owners can be held strictly liable for non-bite injuries. The focus is on whether the dog’s behavior presents a foreseeable danger that goes beyond typical canine habits.
Securing fair compensation after a non-aggressive dog attack involves navigating a complex legal terrain. Understanding your rights under Missouri’s strict liability laws, exploring avenues for compensation for non-bite injuries, and being aware of potential defenses employed by dog owners are vital aspects of seeking justice.
Missouri’s Strict Liability
Missouri’s dog-bite laws operate under strict liability, offering a significant advantage to victims. Unlike some states that require proving the owner’s prior knowledge of a dog’s aggressive tendencies (the “one-bite” rule), Missouri holds dog owners automatically responsible for bite injuries and property damage caused by their pets. To seek compensation, you need to establish three key elements:
- You were injured by a dog bite
- The incident occurred while you were on public property or lawfully on private property
- You did not provoke the attack
This strict liability provision extends to compensation for damages, and dog owners can also face fines up to $1,000 in addition to paying damages to the victim.
Contact Our Experienced Dog Attack Lawyer Today
In the aftermath of a non-aggressive dog attack, understanding your rights and navigating the legal complexities can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. By contacting an experienced attorney, you can ensure you have the best possible chance of obtaining full and fair compensation.
For personalized, experienced legal assistance tailored to your specific case, contact Goza & Honnold. With decades of expertise in personal injury cases, we are well-equipped to thoroughly investigate your situation, ensuring that your rights are upheld. Let Goza & Honnold be your advocate in pursuing fair compensation, allowing you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery. Take the first step towards justice by scheduling a free consultation with Goza & Honnold through our contact form or by calling (913) 451-3433.