Dogs, even with no history of aggression, can attack someone without warning. These attacks can cause severe physical and psychological harm to a person, with children making up the majority of the millions of dog bite cases that occur each year across the country.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, you may need to file a claim against the pet’s owner. An experienced Chesterfield dog bite lawyer could help you prepare a case by researching the canine, investigating the owner, and collecting necessary evidence. By enlisting the services of a well-practiced injury attorney, you could feel confident that your case is being handled with care.
Dogs are prone to bite someone if they feel unsafe or lack important training. These attacks often cause catastrophic harm and could require long-term care or surgery. People bitten by dogs often report experiencing the following:
The facts of each canine attack are unique and do not always involve a dog bite. In some cases, a person becomes injured while running away or being pushed down by an aggressive dog. A compassionate attorney in the area could help an injured party seek financial compensation for their dog attack injuries.
Immediately after an animal attack, an injured party should leave the scene and contact police or animal control if possible. They should report what took place to authorities and include as much information as possible, such as the names of witnesses, locations, and identifying information about the dog. An injured party should request a copy of the official incident report and gather the contact information for all officers involved in their case.
Sometimes injuries and infections are not immediately apparent after a dog attack. For this reason, an injured party should seek prompt medical attention and receive an official diagnosis or prognosis. A qualified local dog attack attorney could ensure that an injured party’s rights and interests are protected.
Under Missouri law, an injured party may have several causes of actions against the dog owner, such as negligence, premises liability, and strict liability. An injured party will have five years to file a claim for their injuries, as established in Missouri’s statute of limitations.
An injured party will need to prepare a persuasive case and meet the judge’s or jury’s standard for the burden of proof to recover damages from an at-fault party.
A dedicated Chesterfield attorney could review the details of an injured party’s canine bite incident and provide legal guidance throughout the process.
People injured in a canine attack often undergo expensive medical procedures. In some cases, a person could die from their injuries. Therefore, you should not delay seeking legal or medical advice.
A seasoned Chesterfield dog bite lawyer could provide answers to any legal questions you have about your case. Additionally, they could review the evidence and guide you through the entire legal process. Contact us today to speak with one of our attorneys.
