Were you bitten by a dog in St. Louis, MO? At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, we know how scary and confusing this can feel. Since we opened our doors over two decades ago, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping people get fair treatment after all sorts of personal injuries. With 30 years of combined experience, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
You might have a long list of worries right now – medical bills, pain, lost income, or even ongoing trauma. We understand. Our team will listen, gather facts, and build a case that highlights the full impact of the damages from your accident and injuries. If you’re looking for a St. Louis dog bite lawyer, contact us to schedule a free consultation at (636) 519-0085.
How Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite in St. Louis
Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference. We understand dog bite laws in St. Louis, Missouri, and we know how to fight insurance companies and property owners who try to avoid responsibility. Our team has handled many claims like yours.
If you need a St. Louis dog bite attorney who’s ready to fight for you, we can:
- Investigate the dog’s history and the property owner’s negligence
- Collect and organize medical records to show the severity of your injuries
- Speak with witnesses, experts, and animal control officers
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies
- Prepare a strong case for trial if the other side won’t offer a fair settlement
Members of our legal team have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys (2023), among other reputable legal organizations. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help. You shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden alone.
What Is My Dog Bite Accident Case Worth?
Figuring out the value of a dog bite claim can be tough. Missouri law considers many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical care, and how the injury affects your daily life. Permanent scars, nerve damage, and emotional trauma can increase the value of your claim. If you’ve missed work or can’t do the activities you once enjoyed, that matters too.
We’ll gather evidence to show how the attack changed your life. While we can’t promise a specific dollar amount, we can promise that we’ll fight for the best possible outcome.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Missouri law allows you to seek damages when someone else’s dog bites you. Damages are money meant to cover the losses and hardships caused by the attack. They generally fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply.
Economic Damages
These are tangible, calculable losses with bills or receipts attached to them. Examples include hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, and therapy sessions. If you’ve missed work or can’t return to the same job, you may be able to recover lost wages as well.
Non-Economic Damages
These are losses that don’t have a strict dollar value. Pain, fear, anxiety, and the emotional toll of the incident fall into this category. Non-economic damages recognize that there is a mental component to your suffering
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages aren’t common in dog bite cases, but they can apply if the dog owner acted with extreme carelessness or ignored warnings that their dog was dangerous. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
It’s understandable if you are worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we recover money for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, and we’ll talk about it up front.
This arrangement lets you focus on healing rather than stressing over costs. Every case is different. Some settle quickly, while others take longer. No matter how long it takes, you won’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed For a Dog Bite Accident in Missouri?
Sometimes, the other side tries to blame the victim. They might say you teased the dog or ignored warnings. Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means if you’re partially at fault, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you will receive 80% of the total damages.
Don’t let these tactics discourage you. We know how to investigate and gather evidence to show who really caused the harm. Even if you share some blame, we’ll work hard to limit that percentage and help you get as much compensation as possible.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause more than cuts and bruises. Victims often face deep puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, and scarring. Some may require plastic surgery or struggle with lasting pain. On top of that, the trauma can lead to anxiety, nightmares, and fear of going outside.
We handle many types of injuries, including:
- Brain injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Scars and lacerations
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Our goal is to show the full impact of what you’ve endured so we can seek the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Most Dog Bites in St. Louis, Missouri?
Dogs may bite for many reasons. Some are protective of their territory. Others may be fearful, sick, or poorly trained. In St. Louis, dogs that aren’t properly restrained or supervised can cause serious injuries. Property owners who don’t keep their gates secure, pet owners who ignore leash laws, and people who mistreat their pets can all contribute to dangerous situations.
According to safety resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), educating the public and enforcing local dog-related laws can reduce these incidents.
In some cases, a property owner may be held responsible under premises liability if they fail to keep visitors safe from a known aggressive dog. If a dog has bitten before, the owner should take steps to prevent it from happening again.
We’ll look at all these factors to identify who’s liable for your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in St. Louis?
If you’ve been bitten, your health comes first. Get medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. Infections can start small and become serious fast. If possible, document the scene by taking photos of your injuries, the dog, and where the bite happened.
Write down what you remember, including the dog’s description and the owner’s details. Report the incident to local animal control. Save any medical records, receipts, or proof of missed work.
These steps can help support your claim later. The more information you have, the easier it is to show what you’ve lost.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite Accident in Missouri?
Missouri law sets deadlines called statutes of limitations. For personal injury cases like dog bites, you typically have five years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court may dismiss your case, and you can lose the chance to recover compensation.
There may be exceptions, but they’re uncommon. That’s why it’s best to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make finding witnesses, preserving evidence, or building a strong case harder. We’ll help you understand the rules and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Contact Our St. Louis Dog Bite Attorneys For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been harmed by a dog in St. Louis, Missouri, you deserve help from a team that knows how to get results. At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, our St. Louis dog bite attorneys have 30 years of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars.
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Let’s talk about what happened. We’ll explain your rights, discuss what your case may be worth, and guide you through every step. Call us today for a free consultation, and let’s start working toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
