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Cape Girardeau Dog Bites

Most dogs are friendly companions. However, when a dog does attack, the consequences can be shocking. Dog bite victims often face serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Beyond visible wounds, many people develop lasting psychological scars.

If a dog has bitten you or someone you love in Cape Girardeau, the dog bite attorneys at Holland Injury Law, LLC, want to help you recover fair compensation. Our legal team has more than 30 years of experience fighting for injured Missourians, and we have recovered over $300 Million for our 7,000+ clients.

Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation with a dog bite lawyer serving Cape Girardeau.

Common Injuries Resulting From Dog Attacks in Cape Girardeau

Many people underestimate the harm a dog can inflict. Large breeds can bite with tremendous force, and even smaller breeds can cause serious injuries. A dog attack injury attorney in Cape Girardeau can help you pursue compensation if you have suffered:

  • Puncture wounds: A dog’s teeth can pierce skin and cause deep tissue harm with significant infection risk.
  • Cuts and tears: Sharp teeth can cause wounds that require stitches and leave scars.
  • Bruising and swelling: The force of a bite often causes painful bruising around the wound.
  • Broken bones: Powerful dogs can fracture bones during attacks, especially in children.
  • Infections: Dog bites commonly lead to bacterial infections that can cause serious conditions.
  • Nerve harm: Deep bites can damage nerves, resulting in loss of sensation or function.
  • Emotional trauma: Dog attacks cause significant psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you have experienced any of these injuries, our dog bite lawyers can evaluate your case.

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack in Cape Girardeau

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and legal rights:

  • Seek medical attention right away. Even minor bites can lead to serious infections. A doctor can properly clean and treat the wound and document your injuries.
  • Write down everything about the attack, including the date, time, and location. Get witness contact information and take photos.
  • Report the dog bite to local authorities. A formal report creates an official record for your claim.
  • Keep detailed records of all medical treatment.
  • Be cautious about discussing the incident with the dog’s owner or their insurance company until you have legal representation.
  • Consult a dog attack injury attorney who serves Cape Girardeau. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Compensation Available After a Dog Bite in Cape Girardeau

An experienced Cape Girardeau dog bite attorney can demand compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses, including costs for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and therapy
  • Lost wages for work you missed while recovering
  • Reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from earning at your previous level.
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Scarring and disfigurement

A personal injury lawyer from our firm can review your case and explain what compensation you may recover.

Key Laws Applying to Dog Bite Claims in Cape Girardeau

Missouri makes it easier for dog bite victims to recover compensation than many other states. Some states follow the “one-bite rule,” which requires you to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Missouri does not follow this rule.

Under Missouri law, a dog owner or keeper is strictly liable for any harm if their dog bites someone who is on public property or legally on private property. This strict liability applies regardless of whether the dog had previously exhibited vicious tendencies.

However, Missouri law also states that if the injured party was in any way at fault, their compensation will be reduced by the same percentage. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and your total losses are $50,000, you would receive $40,000.

This is one reason to work with a Cape Girardeau animal attack attorney. An experienced lawyer knows how to minimize their clients’ degree of fault and maximize their potential compensation.

Deadlines To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Cape Girardeau

Missouri law requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within five years of your injury date. If you attempt to file after this deadline passes, the courts will likely dismiss your case automatically.

While this deadline is longer than in many other states, you should still contact a dog bite lawyer in Cape Girardeau as soon as possible. Starting early gives your attorney more time to build a strong case and preserve evidence before it deteriorates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Girardeau Dog Bite Claims

The traumatic experience of a dog attack tends to leave victims with many questions. Here are some of the most common ones our law firm encounters.

What if the dog that bit me has never attacked anyone before?

Unlike some states, Missouri does not require you to prove the dog had a history of aggressive behavior. Missouri law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, which means the owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog had previously shown dangerous tendencies. You can pursue compensation even if the dog had no prior incidents.

What if the dog’s owner claims I provoked the animal?

If the dog’s owner argues that you provoked the attack, this becomes a question of fault. Missouri follows comparative fault rules, which means your compensation can be reduced if you share responsibility. However, insurance companies often exaggerate claims of provocation to minimize payouts. An experienced dog attack injury lawyer can gather evidence to counter these claims.

How much is my Cape Girardeau dog bite claim worth?

The value of your claim depends on factors unique to your case, including the severity of your injuries, any medical treatment you have required, whether you missed work, and whether you have lasting effects. An attorney at our law firm can evaluate your circumstances and give you a realistic estimate of potential compensation.

What Our Cape Girardeau Dog Bite Lawyers Can Do for You

Having an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in a dog bite claim. A knowledgeable attorney understands Missouri’s dog bite laws and can handle the legal process for you.

Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument for the compensation you deserve. This includes negotiating with insurance companies, which often try to minimize payouts. A seasoned dog bite attorney in Cape Girardeau can counter these tactics and fight for maximum compensation.

If negotiations fail, a Cape Girardeau animal attack lawyer can prepare your case for trial and give you a stronger chance of holding the dog’s owner accountable.

Contact Holland Injury Law, LLC, Today

You have no time to waste if you have sustained injuries from a dog bite. The dog bite attorneys at Holland Injury Law, LLC, have significant experience with these cases throughout Cape Girardeau.

Our law firm treats every client like family. We are fiercely devoted to pursuing justice and will handle all the legal work while you focus on healing. With more than 30 years of experience, we have the skills to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Cape Girardeau.

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