Dog Bites Attorney Springfield MO

Dog bites often result in painful injuries that can leave victims not only with scars and complications but also emotional trauma. If you or a loved one suffered dog bite injuries from a dog that you don’t own, you could seek compensation from the dog’s owner or their homeowners or renters insurance policy. However, recovering compensation for medical bills lost wages, and other losses can be challenging without the help of an experienced attorney.

A Springfield, Missouri, dog bite attorney from Holland Injury Law, LLC, can relieve you of the time-consuming and frustrating task of pursuing financial relief from the liable party. At Holland Injury Law, LLC, we have over 30 years of legal experience and have recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our dog bite attorneys are familiar with state laws and local ordinances that often apply to these cases and can use that knowledge to seek justice for you. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Common Reasons for Dog Bites in Springfield

Although some breeds are more likely to bite than others, all dogs have the propensity to bite or attack. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are 4.5 million reported dog bites nationwide each year. The most common reasons for dog bites include:

Inadequate training and socialization around people other than the owner and family members
Failure to keep the dog properly leashed, harnessed, or confined behind a physical or “electronic” fence
Mistreatment, negligence, or abuse that includes starvation, beatings, and forcing the dog to engage in dog fighting
Failure to comply with leash requirements during walks
Neglect of reasonable veterinary care and aggression-reducing measures like neutering or spaying (spayed or neutered dogs tend to be less aggressive)

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries tend to be more serious when inflicted by large breeds or when more than one dog is involved in an attack. Some of the more common injuries include:

Puncture Wounds – Dogs have sharp teeth, and depending on the number of bites and how forcefully the animal bites down, injuries can lead to deep puncture wounds and lacerations.
Bruises and Contusions – Dog bite victims often have bruises and contusions from the blunt force of the bite and from the animal knocking them to the ground.
Nerve Damage – Depending on the severity and extent, dog bites may damage nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or loss of sensation.
Fractures – Victims may suffer broken bones, particularly if attacked by a large dog or a particularly brutal attack.
Disfigurement – Deep bites on the face and neck can cause scarring and might require reconstructive surgery.
Infections – Dog bites that penetrate the skin can transfer harmful bacteria through saliva or blood.
Psychological Trauma – Many dog bite victims suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), causing them to restrict their activities to avoid encountering dogs.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Springfield

Your priority after a dog bite is your health and safety. You should take the following steps:

Get Medical Attention – Apply pressure to stop the bleeding, clean the wound with soap and water if possible, but always seek medical attention promptly. Any skin puncture can lead to infection. You might need a tetanus shot or booster if it’s been 10 years or more, or if the wound is particularly dirty and extensive.
Ask About Rabies – If you know the dog’s owner, find out when their dog received the rabies vaccine. Although all registered dogs in Springfield must have annual rabies shots, not all owners follow through. Rabies, although rare, is fatal to humans, and requires immediate treatment.
Report the Attack – Even if the dog’s owner is aware of the attack, contact the Springfield-Greene County Animal Services to establish a record.
Keep the Evidence – Put bloody clothes into a clean plastic bag, take pictures of your injuries, and keep all medical bills and related documents.
Seek Legal Counsel – Call a Springfield, Missouri, dog bite lawyer to learn about your legal rights after an animal attack.

Missouri Dog Bite Law Basics

In Springfield and elsewhere in Missouri, dog owners are responsible for bite injuries and property damage. The following dog bite laws apply:

The owner or possessor of a dog that bites any person without provocation is strictly liable for the victim’s injuries and other losses, even if the dog had never shown a propensity for viciousness. Thus, victims need not prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous or was careless about restraining their animal.
Missouri allows victims to pursue compensation for non-bite injuries when the owner is aware that their dog’s behavior is abnormally dangerous.
Dog owners who fail to uphold local ordinances, such as leash laws, are liable for bite injuries and property damage. Springfield’s leash law applies to all dogs.
Municipalities may have additional requirements for specific dog breeds. The City of Springfield, Missouri, requires pit bull owners to muzzle and control their dogs at all times.

Dog owners may face criminal charges for egregious dog bites, repeated attacks, or if a victim dies from their wounds.

Seeking Compensation for Dog Bites in Springfield

Most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bites. If the dog owner lacks insurance or your damages exceed the policy limits, a dog bite attorney near Springfield, Missouri can help you pursue compensation directly from the owner for:

Current and future medical costs
Lost wages from time away from work
Pain and suffering
Scarring and permanent disfigurement
Permanent disability

How a Springfield, Missouri Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

Dog bites can be traumatizing, not to mention painful when they are deep, and they often require stitches and immunizations against infection. Hiring a Springfield, Missouri, dog bite lawyer allows you to focus on healing rather than handling the legal details.

An attorney can:

Explain your legal rights and empower you to make informed decisions about the next steps
Obtain information about the dog’s owner, including any past history of bites or attacks
Collect documentation and evidence
Determine if the dog’s owner showed negligence, such as failing to keep their dog on a leash or leaving the gate to their enclosure open
Assess your injuries and losses, including any potential issues down the road (such as nerve damage or the need for reconstructive surgery)
File a detailed insurance claim
Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement
Prepare and file a personal injury lawsuit if negotiations fall through

Contact Holland Injury Law, LLC Today

With 30 years of legal experience, Holland Injury Law, LLC, is ready to fight for justice when you suffer physical, emotional, and financial pain due to a negligent dog owner. A Springfield, Missouri dog bite attorney has the knowledge and resources to protect your rights and demand payment from the responsible party. Each dog bite case is unique, and our legal team gives you the personalized attention and service you deserve. We know that the days and weeks after an injury are the most stressful, which is why you can always reach us with any questions about your case.

Were you the victim of a dog bite? You have a limited time for legal action. Call or contact Holland Injury Law, LLC, today for a free consultation with a dog bite attack attorney near Springfield, Missouri.

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