A dog attack can happen in seconds, but its effects can last a lifetime. Bites often result in deep puncture wounds, severe lacerations, and permanent scarring that may require multiple surgeries to repair. Beyond the physical injuries, victims frequently experience lasting psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and fear of dogs. These injuries can affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your daily activities and emotional well-being.
If you were bitten by a dog in Independence, the attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe can help. Our Independence personal injury attorneys will fight aggressively to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We urge you to schedule a free consultation today and begin your journey to recovery and justice.
Why Choose Our Independence Dog Bite Attorneys?
- Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe has earned numerous awards for our outstanding legal representation and client advocacy, including recognition from Super Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Attorneys, and U.S. News Best Law Firms.
- Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured clients, including a landmark $2 million settlement in a severe dog bite case. We are dedicated to securing maximum compensation for dog bite victims while holding negligent owners accountable.
- Every dog bite victim deserves access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You will not pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your dog bite injuries and damages.
Understanding Missouri’s Dog Bite Laws
Missouri implements a strict liability approach to dog bite cases, making owners automatically responsible for injuries their dogs cause. This means victims do not need to prove the owner’s negligence or prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive tendencies in order to pursue a lawsuit. As long as the victim was lawfully present on public or private property when the bite occurred, they may be eligible for compensation, provided they did not provoke the animal.
However, dog owners can employ a range of defenses to protect their interests, such as:
- Claiming that the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack
- Stating that the victim provoked the dog to attack in some way
- Arguing that the victim assumed the risk by ignoring posted warning signs
- Demonstrating that the victim was committing a crime when the bite occurred
At Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe, our Independence dog bite attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to counter these common defense strategies. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document the circumstances surrounding the attack to build a strong case on your behalf. We know how insurance companies and defense attorneys attempt to shift blame onto victims, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights and defend your interests against these tactics.
Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Missouri
Missouri law provides victims a five-year window from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit. This means that you must file your claim within five years from the date of your injury or the court will likely dismiss your case.
Waiting too long to initiate legal action can also compromise the strength of your case. Medical records may become harder to obtain, witnesses’ memories may fade, and crucial evidence might disappear. It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can to initiate your claim before the deadline passes.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
The moments following a dog bite are crucial for both your health and potential legal case. Your actions during this time can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and related expenses.
To protect yourself, take the following steps after the attack:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if the wound appears minor. Dog bites can lead to serious infections or complications, so it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible.
- Document the incident by taking photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any torn clothing or damaged property.
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact information, including their name, address, phone number, and any relevant insurance details.
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement to create an official record of the attack.
- Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident occur. These individuals could provide valuable testimony in the future.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any time missed from work due to your injuries.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible to initiate your lawsuit and discuss your legal options.
How Our Independence Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help Your Case
Dog bite victims often face unexpected challenges when seeking compensation. Insurance companies may dispute the severity of scarring, question the need for reconstructive surgery, or downplay the psychological trauma of being attacked. Even seemingly straightforward cases can become complicated when owners raise defenses or when multiple parties share liability.
The attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe excel at building strong dog bite cases through meticulous investigation and documentation. We work with a range of experts to help strengthen your claim, from plastic surgeons who can help project future medical costs for scar revision procedures, to animal behavior experts who can testify about breed-specific aggression patterns and proper containment measures.
Our experience handling dog bite claims enables us to accurately value both immediate and long-term damages. We meticulously document all expenses, from emergency medical care and ongoing rehabilitation to lost wages and emotional distress counseling, so that no stone is left unturned. We can also help navigate complex insurance terms, including homeowner’s policy exclusions for certain breeds and disputes over whether attacks occurred on or off the insured property. When settlement offers fail to adequately compensate our clients, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
Start Your Path to Recovery with Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe
Do not let a dog bite derail your life or burden you with medical bills. The Independence dog bite lawyers at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe can protect your rights and fight for the fair compensation that you deserve. We can handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.
Take the first step toward justice and healing. Contact us today at (816) 876-2600, or reach us toll-free at (877) 816-2600 for a free initial consultation and begin your legal journey.