Dog Bites

Hire a Dog Bite Attorney That Can Successfully Resolve Your Claim

A relationship with a loving animal can add joy to a pet owner’s life, but it also creates a responsibility to the community. Missouri holds owners “strictly liable” for injuries caused by their pet and these incidents are quite common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) dogs bite over 4 million people a year, with close to a million of those bites requiring medical attention. Fortunately these injuries do not become fatal often as there is only about 1 in 100,000 ultimately result in the victim losing their life, making it less likely than dying from a storm, firearm discharge, choking, heart disease, or cancer. Many dog bites do cause injuries that require a substantial amount of medical treatment and cause long term disability. If you’ve been seriously injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to collect a monetary award. It’s important to speak to a Missouri dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to get your claim started.

Dog Bite Laws In Missouri 

In Missouri, dog owners are held “strictly liable” when their dog bites and injures a person. Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 273.036 states that a dog owner is liable if:

●     The dog attacked without provocation by the victim;

●     The victim was lawfully on the property and

●     The injury claimed was caused by the dog bite.

Some states require showing that the owner was negligent in the handling of the dog or that they knew the dog had “vicious propensities.” Missouri’s “strict liability” statute makes it easier for victims to collect compensation by eliminating these burdens. In order to defeat a claim a dog owner usually needs to prove that the victim was not legally on the property or that they provoked the dog. 

How a Missouri Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You

If you’ve been seriously injured by a dog bite, a Missouri dog bite attorney can help you collect the information and evidence you will need to obtain compensation for your damages. It starts with a thorough investigation including:

●     Obtaining the police and animal control report;

●     Obtaining statements from the dog owner and witnesses;

●     Obtaining videos taken by surveillance cameras or bystanders;

●     Interviewing people in the community that might be able to identify witnesses and[1] 

●     Investigating applicable insurance policies to cover the loss.

It’s important to consult with an attorney soon after a dog bite injury. Call Fletcher Law today at 816-631-2868 to discuss your dog bite injury claim.