Dog bites can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences. When a dog attacks or bites someone due to negligence, it can lead to pain, medical expenses, and sometimes permanent damage. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Richmond Heights, Missouri, it’s essential to have a skilled legal team on your side. A Richmond Heights dog bite lawyer can help you secure the compensation you need.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to providing top-tier legal representation to dog bite victims. We work diligently to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for the injuries they cause our clients. Contact us today at (314) 932-1066 for a free consultation.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Richmond Heights, Missouri
Dog bite incidents can be traumatic and life-altering. At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the complex nature of dog bite cases. We offer expert legal support every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive investigation: We will investigate the circumstances of the dog bite incident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to determine the cause and responsibility for the attack.
- Identifying liable parties: In many dog bite cases, liability lies with the dog’s owner. However, there may be other responsible parties. We will help identify all parties that should be held accountable for your injuries.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize their settlement offers. Our dog bite lawyers will advocate for you and negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Court representation: If a fair settlement is not reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will represent you in front of a judge and jury to fight for your rights.
We are committed to helping you recover both financially and emotionally from the trauma of a dog bite incident. Schedule a free consultation with a Richmond Heights personal injury attorney today to learn more about how we can assist you in your dog bite case.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite case can depend on several important factors. Some of the factors that can affect the value of your case include:
- The severity of your injuries: More significant injuries, such as infections, permanent scarring, or nerve damage, typically lead to higher compensation.
- Medical treatment costs: The total cost of your medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and future medical needs, will significantly influence the value of your case.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working or affect your earning potential, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the dog bite will also be factored into your overall damages.
- Impact on quality of life: If the injury has affected your ability to perform daily activities or impacted your personal life and relationships, these factors will be considered in your case.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your case and work to ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries.
What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Missouri?
In Missouri, victims of dog bites may be entitled to recover compensatory damages. These damages are divided into two varieties: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate for tangible losses. These damages are easier to quantify, and they may be proved by evidence such as receipts, invoices, or bills. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and other medical treatments necessary for recovery.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income lost while you are unable to work due to the injury.
- Property damage: If personal property (such as clothing or personal items) was damaged during the attack, you can be compensated for those losses.
Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective, intangible losses. These damages are sometimes harder to quantify but are equally important. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain caused by the dog bite and the emotional distress you have endured.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts stemming from the trauma of the dog bite.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury has diminished your ability to enjoy hobbies or participate in activities you once enjoyed.
- Loss of companionship or consortium: If your relationships with loved ones have been impacted by your injuries.
In some rare cases where the dog owner’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be available. These damages are not available in every case. They are intended to punish the at-fault party for bad conduct and discourage future similar behavior.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee arrangement with our clients. This means you don’t have to pay any upfront costs or fees to get started on your case. We only collect a fee if we win compensation for you.
This fee structure makes it possible for everyone to have access to legal representation. It does not matter whether you are financially destitute or financially blessed. We focus on helping you recover and handle all the legal complexities. This allows you to focus on healing from your injuries.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially at Fault for the Dog Bite?
In Missouri, the state follows a pure comparative negligence standard. This rule means that you can still recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault you are assigned.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the dog bite incident, and your total damages amount to $50,000, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. In this situation, you would only recover $40,000.
It is crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side who can defend you against unfair blame. It is a common practice for defendants to try to shift blame onto the victim. Make sure you are working with a Richmond Heights dog bite lawyer who will work hard to maximize the compensation you receive.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious injuries that often require extensive medical care. Some common injuries resulting from dog bites include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Tissue and nerve damage
- Infections
- Lacerations and deep wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Fatal injuries in wrongful death cases
If you have experienced any of these injuries due to a dog bite, Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to fight on your side. We will take on your case and help you secure fair compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
Causes of Dog Bite Accidents in Richmond Heights, Missouri
Dog bite accidents can happen for many reasons. Often, these accidents stem from a lack of care or negligence by the dog’s owner. Common causes of dog bite incidents include:
- Lack of proper training or socialization: Untrained or poorly socialized dogs may act aggressively, leading to attacks.
- Failure to control or restrain the dog: Owners who fail to properly leash or confine their dog may be liable if the dog bites someone.
- Unfamiliarity with the victim: Dogs may be more likely to bite if they are not familiar with the person or if they feel threatened.
- Loose or uncontained dogs: Dogs that are allowed to roam free may cause harm to people who cross their path.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we will investigate the cause of the dog bite, identify the responsible parties, and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions. We won’t rest until justice is served. That is our commitment to our clients.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites, is five years from the date of the attack. This means you have five years to file a lawsuit after a dog bite incident. However, it is always a good idea to act quickly and contact a lawyer. You don’t want to wait too long to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and start the legal process. Delaying could risk losing critical information and affect your ability to recover compensation.
Contact Our Richmond Heights Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
If you have been injured by a dog bite in Richmond Heights, Missouri, let our legal team assist you. At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the right experience and resources to help with your case. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Richmond Heights dog bite lawyer. Let us help you get the justice and recovery you need to move forward with your life. We are committed to providing you with the personalized legal representation you need during this difficult time.