Did you suffer injuries after a dog bite in Chesterfield, MO? The dog’s owner may be liable for your injuries, but you might need an experienced Chesterfield dog bite lawyer to help you get the compensation you are owed. Call Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers at (636) 519-0085 for a free consultation.
With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions for injury victims in Chesterfield — including those hurt in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and dog bites. We understand how traumatic a dog attack can be and are here to help you every step of the way.
If you have been injured by a dog bite, we are here to help. Let us put our experience to work for you now and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Chesterfield
After a dog bite in Chesterfield, Missouri, you may be wondering what to do next. You may feel like you are left to deal with your injuries and the financial effects on your own. Fortunately, Chesterfield dog bite attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers are here to help by:
- Investigating the incident to determine exactly what happened
- Thoroughly researching the dog’s history to uncover any evidence of previous bites or aggression
- Working with your doctors to assess your injuries
- Handling all communications with the dog’s owner and the insurance company
- Interviewing witnesses who can provide testimony to prove your claim
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement that compensates you for all your damages
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit and fighting for you in court when necessary
Members of our legal team have been recognized by America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We can help you protect your legal rights in the days after your accident and will fight diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation with one of our Chesterfield personal injury lawyers now.
What Are Missouri’s Dog Bite Laws?
Missouri follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog’s owner may be held liable for a bite even if the dog has no previous history of aggression. This strict liability rule will apply as long as the victim was on public property or lawfully on private property.
Some exceptions to this rule exist in cases of provocation. If the victim was provoking the dog prior to the bite, the dog’s owner might not be held responsible for the accident.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
One of the first things that many injury victims wonder is how much their case will be worth. No two cases are the same, and different victims may be affected very differently after an accident. The value of your case will be dependent upon your injuries and how you have been affected.
Some of the factors that will influence the value of your case include:
- The severity of your injuries
- How long it takes you to recover from your injuries
- Any permanent effects or disabilities you are left with
- How much time you missed from work
- Whether you will be able to go back to work
- How your daily life has been impacted
- How your relationships with others have been affected
- Insurance policy limits
We can calculate your damages and give you an estimate of the value of your case.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Accident victims are typically entitled to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages for their injuries. This allows victims to recover compensation for their financial losses as well as their pain and suffering.
Some common examples of damages in dog bite cases include:
- Cost of medical treatments
- Prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- PTSD
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
The team at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers can help you determine all the damages that may be available in your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Hiring a dog bite lawyer will not cost you any money upfront. Most personal injury attorneys, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that your lawyer won’t require any payment upfront, but they will take their fee as a portion of any recovery obtained in the case.
Under the Missouri Court Rules, contingency fee agreements should be in writing and signed by the client. The agreement should clearly state the percentage of the fee. This amount usually ranges from 33% to 40% of the total recovery, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience level.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite Accident in Missouri?
Yes, you may still be entitled to recover compensation after your dog bite even if you are being blamed for the accident. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule for most personal injury accidents.
Under pure comparative negligence, a victim’s compensation will be reduced by their portion of the fault. For example, if a victim is found to be 30% responsible for their injuries, they could only recover 70% of their damages from the defendant.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites often result in devastating and gruesome injuries. Even a bite from a seemingly small dog can leave severe wounds. Not only are these accidents extremely painful, but they can also leave victims with permanent scarring or nerve damage. Some common injuries suffered due to dog bites include:
- Severe lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Partial blindness
- Disfigurement
- Permanent scarring
- Wrongful death
We can work with your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries and help you get compensation for them all. Call us now to schedule your free consultation.
What Causes Most Dog Bites in Chesterfield, Missouri?
In some cases, there is no rhyme or reason why a dog would bite or attack someone. Certain dogs can be unpredictable and may bite with little or no warning. Some reasons why a dog may bite someone include:
- Past trauma or abuse
- Sickness
- Pain
- Provocation
- Sudden movements
- Loud noises
- Protecting their territory
We can help investigate your accident to determine the facts of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Missouri?
Accident victims in Missouri typically have five years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. Failure to do so can cause you to lose all your rights to recover financial compensation.
In some special circumstances, the deadline may be shorter or longer than five years. This is why it is best to seek the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer. We will work with you to ensure you do not miss your chance to recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Chesterfield Dog Bite Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Have you been bitten by someone else’s dog in Chesterfield, Missouri? Proving these claims and getting compensation for your injuries can be difficult. Contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today to speak to a Chesterfield dog bite attorney who knows what it takes to win. Let us help you hold the dog’s owner accountable for your losses.
