Jefferson County Dog Bite Attorneys
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Jefferson County Dog Bites
Dogs can make wonderful pets. But, sometimes, they can also be dangerous. Certain breeds of dogs such as pit bulls, rottweilers and German shepherds have been known to attack human beings unprovoked. Any dog can bite or attack a person without provocation. Dog bite victims in Jefferson County have the right to pursue financial compensation for the injuries they have suffered. Negligent dog owners who fail to secure their pets or owners allow them to roam around without a leash must be held accountable as well.
Tips to Avoid Dog Bites
No amount of safety precautions can prevent all dog bite accidents. There are, however, a number of preventive steps you can take to help to help decrease the chances of being involved in a Jefferson County dog attack.
- Avoid unfamiliar dogs: Dogs that you and your family do not know should be avoided. Never approach a strange dog.
- Do not run: If a potentially dangerous animal is approaching you, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you do not run or scream. Instead, remain motionless.
- Be still: If you are knocked over by dog, the CDC also recommends you stay motionless.
- Avoid eye contact: It may be in your best interest to not make eye contact with a dog that you do not know. It is difficult to anticipate what might set off a dangerous or vicious dog.
- Do not disturb: Sleeping and eating dogs should be left alone. Some animals become aggressive when they are startled or feel threatened.
Missouri Dog Bite Law
Under Missouri Statute 273.036.1: "The owner or possessor of any dog that bites, without provocation, any person while such person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner or possessor of the dog, is strictly liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's or possessor's knowledge of such viciousness." What this means is that dog owners are responsible for all injuries and damages caused by their pet, regardless of where it occurs and irrespective of the dog's history.
Victims' Claim for Compensation
Victims often suffer serious dog bite injuries such as puncture wounds, muscle tears, lacerations, tissue or nerve damage, fractures and infections. These types of injuries often require expensive medical procedures. The dog owner should cover the immediate and future medical expenses related to the incident. Victims may pursue additional compensation for losses like lost wages, cosmetic surgery, therapy costs, pain and suffering and emotional trauma. Not only to dog bite victims suffer physical pain and agony, but they also experienced psychological and emotional problems due to fear of being attacked again or disfigurement.
The Jefferson County dog attack attorneys at Page Law handle all types of dog bite incidents. We work with medical professionals to determine not only the extent of the injuries suffered but also the future costs related to the injuries. If you have been injured in a Jefferson County dog bite incident, please contact our offices for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
Jefferson County Personal Injury Resource Center
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