Dog owners in Overland Park have a responsibility to protect others from harm, but not everyone takes this duty seriously. When a dog bites or attacks a human, the victim often faces overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you suffer harm due to someone’s pet, you need an attorney on your side who can guide you on your journey to recovery.
Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe fight for dog bite victims throughout Kansas. After a dog bite, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the owner, regardless of fault or negligence. Our personal injury attorneys in Overland Park will handle everything related to your claim, from investigating the incident and documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing maximum compensation.
Why Trust Our Firm with Your Dog Bite Case?
- The attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe bring 25 years of experience handling dog bite cases throughout Kansas and Missouri. Our deep understanding of dog bite laws and proven track record of successful settlements enables us to maximize compensation for our clients’ injuries.
- We take a comprehensive approach to every dog bite case, addressing not just the legal aspects but also connecting clients with proper medical care and emotional support. We work closely with medical experts, handle all insurance negotiations, and maintain constant communication so you can focus entirely on healing.
- Our dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We cover all upfront costs of pursuing your claim, from investigation expenses to court fees.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges during their recovery. Kansas law recognizes these various impacts and allows victims to seek compensation for their losses by filing a lawsuit against the responsible owner.
Common damages available to dog bite victims include:
- Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, follow-up care, and future medical treatments related to the bite
- Compensation for missed work days, reduced earning capacity, and potential future income losses due to permanent injuries
- Pain and suffering damages for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and trauma experienced during and after the attack
- Scarring and disfigurement damages for permanent visible injuries, especially those affecting the face or other exposed areas
- Property damage reimbursement for clothing, personal items, or other property damaged during the attack
- Coverage for psychological treatment, such as counseling, therapy, and treatment of anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health impacts
Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer in Overland Park
Dog bite cases often involve complex legal and insurance issues that can be overwhelming for victims who are already dealing with physical and emotional recovery. Understanding Kansas’s specific dog bite laws, gathering proper evidence, and navigating insurance claims requires deep knowledge and experience. If you plan on filing a dog bite claim, you need an attorney on your side who can fight for your right to recovery.
The attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe bring valuable experience to dog bite cases. We understand the unique challenges that these cases present and will work tirelessly to hold the owner accountable and secure the compensation that you deserve. We know how to properly document injuries, establish owner liability, and calculate both current and future damages so that no loss goes unaccounted for.
Our attorneys will conduct in-depth investigations to uncover evidence about the dog’s history and the owner’s knowledge of dangerous behaviors. We also work closely with medical experts to fully understand the long-term implications of scarring, nerve damage, and psychological trauma—factors that could significantly impact your final settlement. Every step of the way, we will provide the support and guidance that you need so that you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Kansas Dog Bite Liability Laws
In Kansas, dog owners can be held legally responsible for injuries their pets cause under two distinct legal theories. The first is the one-bite rule, which holds owners strictly liable if they knew or should have known about their dog’s dangerous tendencies. The second applies when owners are negligent in controlling their pets, even if the dog has no previous history of aggression.
Under the one-bite rule, owners become strictly liable once they are aware of their dog’s vicious propensities. This doesn’t necessarily mean the dog must have bitten someone before—other aggressive behaviors can put owners on notice. For example, if a dog regularly lunges at people, growls threateningly, or has caused other types of injuries, these behaviors could demonstrate that the owner should have known about the potential risk.
It is important to note that normal dog behaviors don’t qualify as vicious propensities under Kansas law. Dogs that react to provocation, protect their territory, or display typical defensive behaviors aren’t automatically considered dangerous. The key factor is whether the dog’s actions are outside the ordinary range of typical canine behavior.
Even without prior incidents, dog owners can still be held liable through negligence if they fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent injuries. This might include situations where an owner does not properly secure their dog, fails to warn visitors about the dog’s presence, or ignores leash laws. An attorney from Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe can help you determine whether your case qualifies for a lawsuit under these criteria.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor wounds to severe, life-threatening trauma. The severity of the injury often depends on factors such as the dog’s size, the location of the bite, and the duration of the attack.
Some of the most common include:
- Puncture wounds
- Facial lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Muscle tears
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Deep tissue damage
- Infection
- Scarring
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Get Your Free Dog Bite Case Evaluation Today
If you were bitten by a dog in Overland Park, you deserve justice and fair compensation. The attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe will work tirelessly to build a compelling case in your favor and guide you through every stage of the lawsuit process.
Our Overland Park dog bite lawyers can review your case and explain your options for financial compensation. Take the first step toward recovery by calling (816) 876-2600 for a free, no-obligation consultation, or reach our toll-free line at (877) 816-2600.