Dogs are our friends, pets, and cherished members of the family. While most canines are friendly, an aggressive dog can cause a great deal of harm in an attack. If you were attacked by a dog, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
With help from a Wildwood dog bite lawyer, you can pursue monetary damages to help you recover after a canine attack. By contacting a skilled injury attorney in the area, you could improve your chances of holding the negligent pet owner financially liable for your harm.
Right after a dog attack, the most important step is to seek medical attention for these injuries. Dog bites can be very serious, even if they appear to be minor at first glance. Infections from dog’s mouths are very common, and there is always the potential that the dog was rabid at the time of the attack. Rabies, when left untreated, can be fatal in humans.
It is also important for the plaintiff to document their injuries as much as possible. This includes taking pictures of the injuries before and after treatment, getting names of anyone who witnessed the attack, and getting information as to the identity of the dog’s owner. The plaintiff should also keep any written communications related to the canine attack and compile the medical records for their attorney in the area.
Dogs have large sharp teeth and strong jaws, leaving people susceptible to severe harm in the event of attack, especially if the victim is a child. Injuries can cause severe pain and lasting damage to the skin, muscles, and other parts of the body.
Typical injuries that may result from a dog attack include, but are not limited to:
The toll of these physical injuries can be extremely hard to bear. Psychological harm can also result, including the pain and suffering endured in the attack, anxiety around dogs, and fear of going outside. These types of harms may be compensable with the help of a dog bite attorney in Wildwood.
Missouri’s dog bite law is codified at Revised Statutes § 273.036. A dog owner may be liable for the injuries caused by their pet if:
State law provides for strict liability of the dog owner in many cases. This means that the plaintiff may not have to prove that the pet owner was negligent. This is a powerful tool for a plaintiff to hold the defendant liable.
Dog bite injuries can be incredibly painful and traumatizing. If you or a loved one were attacked by an aggressive canine, you could hold the pet owner financially liable for your harm.
A qualified dog bite lawyer could evaluate your case and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
