Missouri Dog Bite Attorneys
Missouri Dog Bite Lawyer Handling Missouri Dog Bite Cases
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Missouri it is crucial that you speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Missouri law is very specific with respect to dog bites and the liability of the dog's owner.
Each year aggressive dogs bite over 500,000 people, killing an average of twelve. The majority of dog bite victims are children. Most dogs do not exhibit aggressive tendencies; nevertheless, sufficient provocation may tempt even the gentlest dog to bite. Missouri dog bites appear to be worse in the summer than in the winter months. This is most likely because children play outside more frequently during the summer months.
If you suffer from a Missouri dog bite, it is important to clean your wounds immediately. Additionally, you should seek medical attention and advice regarding rabies. If you are not familiar with the dog or its owner, contact your local animal control board and report the incident. Missouri animal control officers may be able to locate the dog and determine its rabies vaccination status.
Several factors, including the dog's prior behavior, the use of a "Bad Dog" warning sign, whether the dog was provoked, and the law of the particular city or county where the bite occurred, will be important in determining the dog owner's legal liability in regards to a Missouri dog bite. Some states impose liability only if the dog owner knew or should have known that the dog was aggressive. In these states, the first bite is said to be "free." That is, since the dog has not bitten before, the owner has no knowledge of the dog's tendency to do so. Other states impose liability regardless of the owner's knowledge. In these states simply owning a dog is sufficient for legal liability.
It is important to contact an attorney who is experienced in handling dog bite cases. An experienced St Louis dog bite lawyer can help you protect your legal rights. An experienced dog bite attorney will also be able to advise you on the time limits within which you must bring a dog bite suit.
Wounds: The skin consists of three layers, the epidermis, dermis, and the fat layer. The epidermis is an extremely thin top layer which we most associate with the term "skin." The dermis is immediately below the epidermis and is home to hair follicles, sweat glands, and small blood carrying capillaries. The bottom fat layer contains just that along with blood vessels and nerves. All of these layers can be permanently injured in a Missouri dog bite.
A cut or scrape occurs when one or more of these skin layers is punctured. The severity of the wound depends, among other things, on the depth of the puncture, the instrument or object that pierced the skin, and the location of the cut. Many people successfully treat cuts and scrapes they get from a dog bite or dog attack at home with the use of cleansers and antibiotic ointments. However, for more serious wounds (such as ones that do not close, ones that may have damaged some underlying skin component or ones that are particularly unclean) the victim should seek medical attention. Dog bites can cause serious injuries that only a doctor should attempt to repair. Additionally, the victim should consult a physician about receiving a tetanus booster shot after a Missouri dog bite if he or she has not had one within the previous five years. The tetanus shot helps to prevent "lockjaw," a potentially deadly condition that may result from an improperly treated wound.
The tearing of skin during a dog bite will cause an abrasion. As with cuts and scrapes, many people successfully treat abrasions at home with the use of cleansers and antibiotic ointments. However, for more serious abrasions the victim should seek medical attention.
Time limits & Dog Bites: Statutes of limitation vary from state to state. In general, they limit the amount of time a dog bite victim has to file a lawsuit. Failure to timely and properly file suit within the applicable limitation period may forever bar your claim. You should contact an experienced Missouri dog bite attorney to discuss the statute of limitations as they relate to your case.
Providing legal services to personal injury clients in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee's Summit, St. Joseph, O'Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peter's, and the surrounding areas.
I will be happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. The consultation is free. I can be reached 24 hours a day at (314)322-8515 or 1(866)620-5757. Call me personally and I will answer any questions or concerns. There is no fee unless you recover for the personal injuries you sustained. If you do not want to call or you can't call, you can email me at john@thepagefirm.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times.
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St. Louis, Missouri 63103
P: (314) 322-8515
Toll Free: (866) 620-5757
john@thepagefirm.com