Owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is making sure your pet doesn’t hurt someone. Even good dogs may bite if they feel scared or anxious. In Missouri, dog owners may be legally responsible when their dog bites or attacks another person.
If a dog has bitten you, you may have sustained injuries that require serious medical interventions or are possibly even life-threatening. Our dog bite lawyers in Blue Springs will help you hold the negligent pet owner accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
Kevin McManus Law has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and awards for Missouri residents injured due to the actions of another party. Call today for your free consultation and find out how our Blue Springs personal injury lawyers will help. We’re on your side.
Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite?
You don’t always have to file a lawsuit to recover damages after a dog bite incident. Dog bites are often covered under homeowner’s insurance, and the first step in recovering compensation is to file a claim.
Our dog bite attorneys in Blue Springs will help you through the process. Some of the additional ways we will assist you with your case include:
- We’ll explain how Missouri’s dog bite laws work and how we will approach your case. We’ll make sure you understand your rights and what to expect.
- Our dog bite injuries lawyers in Blue Springs will investigate the incident by gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available photos or videos to understand what happened and how the dog owner may be held responsible.
- Our team will review your medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and how the injury has affected your life to calculate maximum compensation for your injuries and hardships.
- We will file your claim, handle the paperwork, ensure you meet deadlines, and communicate with insurance companies so you don’t have to deal with the stress while healing.
- Our Blue Springs dog bite injury lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that covers your losses and lets you avoid the stress of going to court.
- If the insurance won’t agree to a fair settlement, or if the dog owner isn’t covered under insurance, our dog bite attorneys will file a civil lawsuit and fight for you in court.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
Compensation in a Dog Bite Case
Personal injury cases can get complicated fast, especially dog bites. The attacker can’t exactly explain themself. Liability comes down to the actions or inactions of the dog owner, and whether or not they had a responsibility to ensure your safety.
When the property owner is at fault for your injury in Missouri, our Blue Springs dog bite lawyers will work to recover several types of damages in your case.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are the measurable financial losses you have suffered from your injuries. They have a direct monetary value, and can include expenses such as:
- Medical expenses like emergency care, doctor visits, medication, stitches, operations, and physical therapy
- Future medical expenses related to the injury, such as necessary treatments, extensive rehabilitation, or reconstructive surgery
- Lost wages, to make up for your time away from work
Non-Economic Damages
Dog attacks can be terrifying. Your non-economic damages are losses that don’t have a set dollar amount and may be related to the mental and emotional hardships you’ve suffered. This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and disfigurement.
Dog Bite Laws in Blue Springs
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 273.036, the owner is usually liable if the bite happened on public property or lawfully on private property, and you didn’t provoke the dog. The law is strict, and applies even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
If the dog didn’t bite you but caused harm in another way, like knocking you over, you might still have a case under a negligence claim. That would require our lawyer for dog bites to prove the owner acted carelessly, such as violating leash laws in Blue Springs.
You have five years from the date of the bite to file a claim, though there can be exceptions to this timeframe. It is important to contact our dog bite accident lawyer as soon after the incident as possible to keep your case in good legal standing.
Consult With Our Dog Bite Attorney in Blue Springs
Dogs have a special place in our society, and in many people’s homes. It’s easy to forget that these animals have the power to inflict tremendous injuries when things go wrong. That’s why it is so important that dog owners behave responsibly, and it is why the law is so strict.
You have the right to hold negligent pet owners accountable for your financial and emotional hardships when their dog attacks you. Our dog bite attorneys in Blue Springs will investigate the incident, help you file a claim, and work for maximum compensation for your damages.
Our team at Kevin McManus Law has more than 60 years of combined legal experience, advocating for the rights of injured victims so they can get the help they need to recover. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your dog bite incident.
