Dog Bite LawyerInjuries from dog bites can be pretty severe and include physical, emotional, and financial damages. If you’ve been attacked by a dog and suffer from injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Have you or a loved one been injured during an attack by someone else’s dogs? You may be entitled to compensation. Our Springfield dog bite lawyers at Peterson & Associates will ensure youtube the compensation and justice you deserve for your injuries. Contact our Springfield personal injury law firm for a free case evaluation.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog bite accident in Springfield, it’s essential to seek legal help immediately. Our experienced Springfield dog bite lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand that this can be a difficult time, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ll work with you to build a case that proves the dog’s owner was negligent and should be held responsible for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to call a Springfield dog bite lawyer at our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and let you know how we can help.

Which Dog Breeds are More Likely to Attack?

Not all dog breeds are created equal, and some are more likely to bite than others. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four dog breeds are responsible for more than 80% of all dog bites.

The four breeds that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies as being most likely to bite are the pit bull terrier, rottweiler, German shepherd dog, and Akita. However, any breed of dog can potentially bite, so it’s crucial always to be aware of your surroundings when around any pet. If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog bite attack, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Compensation Available to Victims of Dog Bites in Springfield

Victims of dog bites in Springfield can often recover significant financial compensation for their injuries. Some of the common types of compensation available to dog bite victims in Springfield include:

  • Lost Wages: If you’ve been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This is because being injured often means you cannot work and lose income. To recover lost wages, you will need to provide proof of how much money you have lost as a result of the attack. This may include pay stubs, letters from your employer confirming that you were unable to work, or any other documentation that shows how much money you would have earned if you had not been injured.
  • Medical Expenses: When you are bitten by a dog, you are eligible for medical expenses. This means that the dog’s owner is responsible for the cost of any medical treatment that you need as a result of the bite. This includes everything from doctor visits to surgery, medications, and physical therapy.
  • Loss of Consortium: In some cases, you may also be able to recover damages for loss of consortium. This is when the injuries you suffer affect your relationship with your spouse or partner. For example, if you’re unable to engage in other activities together due to your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
  • Pain and Suffering: If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Dog owners are liable for the actions of their pets, so you can file a claim against the owner to recover damages. Compensation for pain and suffering can be significant and may include reimbursement for the physical and emotional pain you’ve suffered as a result of the injury. Contact an attorney to learn more about your legal options and how to pursue compensation.
  • Mental Anguish: If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you may be able to recover damages for both your physical and mental injuries. Physical injuries can include things like lacerations, puncture wounds, and broken bones. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to a dog bite, you can seek medical treatment and then file a claim to recover the costs of your care. Mental anguish can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and, in some cases, can be even more challenging to treat. If you’ve been traumatized by a dog attack, you may be eligible for damages to cover things like counseling or psychiatric treatment.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Dog bite victims can recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. However, recovering this compensation can be a complicated process. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system. To learn more about your legal rights and options, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Springfield.

What to Do After Being Attacked by a Dog in Springfield?

If you’ve been injured by a dog, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and protect yourself from any further injury. Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure your safety:

  • Seek immediate medical attention. If you have been attacked by a dog, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog attacks can cause serious injuries, including lacerations, puncture wounds, and bites. If you are not treated, these injuries can become infected and may lead to serious health complications.
  • Obtain the dog owner’s contact information. If you are injured by a dog, you need to obtain the contact information of the dog’s owner. This information can be used to file a claim with the owner’s insurance company. This will help the police track down the dog and its owner.
  • Gather witnesses’ information. If any people or witnesses saw the attack, get their contact information so they can provide a statement to the police. This can help with the investigation and ensure that the dog’s owner is held responsible.
  • Take pictures. If you are attacked by a dog in Springfield, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself. One of the steps you can take is to take pictures of the dog and the attack scene. It is also vital for you to document everything related to the attack—including your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. This information will be helpful when it comes time to negotiate with the dog’s owner or go to court. This can help authorities identify the dog and its owner and may be used as evidence in a criminal case.
  • File a police report. If you’ve been injured by a dog in Springfield, you may want to consider filing a police report. This will create a record of the attack and could help your case later. It will help authorities track the dog, and its owner and could also help if you decide to take legal action.
  • Speak to a personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and an attorney can help guide you through the process. They will also be able to advise you on what to do next and help you file a claim against the dog’s owner.

If you need legal assistance after a dog bite, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Springfield dog bite attorneys in Springfield. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.

Springfield Dog Bite Laws

In Missouri, the law surrounding dog bites is known as the “one-bite rule.” This rule states that the owner of a dog is only liable for injuries inflicted by the dog if the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a propensity to bite.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?

When it comes to dog bites, liability can be challenging to prove. In order to win your case, you’ll need to establish that the dog’s owner was negligent in some way. To establish negligence in a dog bite claim, you will need to:

  • Show that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. If the dog has a history of attacking people or other animals, the owner will be more likely to be held liable.
  • Prove that the owner was not taking proper precautions. To prove liability, you can show that the owner knew their dog was dangerous and did not take the necessary precautions to keep others safe. If the dog was not kept on a leash or properly contained, the owner could be held responsible for any injuries.
  • Establish that you were not trespassing. If you were bitten while on private property, the owner may not be liable if you were not supposed to be there.
  • Demonstrate that the owner violated animal control laws. If you can prove that the dog’s owner violated animal control rules, you may be able to establish negligence.

The Dog Owner’s Liability

If a dog has bitten you, you may be wondering who’s liable for your injuries. In most cases, the dog owner is liable for the injuries the dog causes. This is because the owner is responsible for the dog’s actions, whether or not they were on their property at the time of the bite.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may have a case against the owner for negligence. There are a few ways to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner, including showing that they knew their dog was aggressive and had failed to take steps to prevent them from biting someone or that they were not correctly restraining their dog.

The Statute of Limitations of Dog Bite Cases in Springfield

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. In the state of Missouri, the statute of limitations for dog bite cases is five years. This means that you have five years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are a minor at the time of the attack or mentally incapacitated, you may have more time to file a lawsuit. It’s essential to speak with an attorney to determine how the statute of limitations applies to your case.

Why Should You Choose Our Law Firm?

When it comes to choosing a Springfield dog bite lawyer, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. Our legal team at Peterson & Associates, P.C., has over 20 years of experience helping victims like you. We know what it takes to get the best results for our clients, and we’re not afraid to fight for them in court. We have a proven track record of success. We’ve won millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients, and we’re not afraid to take on big corporations or insurance companies.

We offer free consultations so you can learn more about your case without any obligation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you determine your best course of action. 

Contact our personal injury attorneys in Springfield today to learn more about how we can help you get the justice you deserve.

Get in Touch With Our Springfield Dog Bite Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack, it’s essential to get in touch with a Springfield dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. The process of filing a claim can be complicated, so it’s best to consult with an experienced lawyer. An attorney can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

The attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have years of experience helping dog bite victims get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Please don’t wait any longer. Contact a Springfield dog bite attorney at our law firm by calling 816-888-8888 today for a free consultation.