Dog Bite Lawyers in Wentzville, MO

No matter what you think of dogs or whether you have one as a pet, a dog bite is painful and traumatic. Your medical bills might bankrupt you, and your physical and emotional scars might last for months or years afterward. You’ll need a lawyer’s help to claim the money you need for your recovery.

Holland Injury Law, LLC, fully understands the law in these cases and what’s necessary to maximize your financial recovery. We have recovered more than $300 Million for our 7,000+ clients, including many who were in positions much like yours. When you work with our firm, you don’t owe any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Wentzville.

What Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Do for You

When you’re dealing with the pain, stress, and uncertainty that follows a dog bite, the last thing you need is a mountain of legal paperwork and insurance red tape. Our dog bite attorneys can handle every part of your case so you can focus on healing.

We start by investigating the incident thoroughly. This process often involves gathering witness statements, medical records, and other evidence like photos or surveillance footage. We can identify the dog’s owner and verify whether they have insurance coverage that could apply to your injuries. (You can still sue the dog’s owner even if they don’t have insurance.)

Next, we’ll calculate all the harm you’ve suffered and how your injuries might affect you going forward. This step is crucial for increasing your claim amount and recovering maximum compensation. We can also manage all communication with the dog’s owner and the insurance companies. We’ll push back with compelling evidence and arguments if they try to undervalue your claim or deny responsibility for your injuries.

If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we can take your case to court. We’ll prepare for trial from the outset and be ready to aggressively defend your rights if necessary. Finally, we’ll keep you informed throughout the process, answer your questions promptly, and make sure your voice is heard.

Dog Bite Laws in Wentzville, MO

Under Missouri law, a dog’s owner or keeper is strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes to a victim who is lawfully on public or private property at the time, including the owner’s own property. “Strict liability” means a dog’s owner or keeper is legally responsible for any losses resulting from their dog’s bite injuries, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of potential aggression. This rule simplifies the legal process for victims, as they do not need to prove the dog’s owner was negligent to recover compensation.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the victim was trespassing, attempting to commit a crime, or provoking the dog, the owner usually is not liable.

Dog bite victims may also pursue cases under the legal theories of negligence and intentional tort. An example of the former would be careless handling of their pet while on public property, while the latter would be using a dog to commit a crime.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Wentzville

Dog bites can cause long-lasting physical and psychological injuries, such as:

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations – Dog bites often leave deep puncture wounds and jagged cuts. These injuries may require stitches or surgery, especially if they affect a victim’s muscle tissues, ligaments and tendons, or nerves.
Infections – Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can enter the wound and lead to serious infections like cellulitis or sepsis. Common bacteria include Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga. If untreated, these infections can spread quickly and become life-threatening.
Rabies – Although rare in vaccinated pets, rabies is a deadly virus that can spread through a dog’s saliva. Immediate medical treatment, including post-exposure rabies shots, is critical if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown or the authorities can’t locate the animal.
Scarring and Disfigurement – Some dog bites leave lasting scars, which can be traumatic when they occur on visible areas like the face, neck, or hands. In severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to repair the injury.
Nerve Damage – A deep bite can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or even long-term loss of function in the affected area.
Broken Bones – The force of a bite, especially from a large dog, can break bones, particularly in the hands or arms when someone tries to defend themselves.
Emotional Trauma – Dog victims (children and older adults in particular) may suffer anxiety, nightmares, or a lasting fear of dogs after an attack. In some cases, victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and require therapy or counseling to regain control of their lives.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Wentzville

If you’ve already seen a doctor after a dog bite, there are still vital steps to take to protect your health, document what happened, and preserve your right to compensation. Here’s what to do:

Report the Bite – Contact your the Animal Control division of the Wentzville Police Department to report the incident. This report creates an official record and may help identify whether the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations.
Gather Evidence – Take clear photos of your injuries, where the bite happened, and—if possible—the dog. (Don’t put yourself in danger again to identify the dog.) Keep copies of your medical records, receipts, and any written communication related to the attack, as you’ll need these documents for your legal case.
Get Witness Information – If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information. Their statements could support your version of events and show why the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone – The owner’s insurance company may reach out to ask for a statement. Don’t speak to them before talking to a lawyer—insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your compensation and deflect liability for the incident.
Contact a Local Personal Injury Attorney – A lawyer can explain your legal rights, handle communication with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Compensation in Wentzville Dog Bite Cases

You have the right to compensation for your injuries and other losses from a Wentzville dog bite. These losses include your medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, medications, and any follow-up treatment like surgery or physical therapy. If your injuries have kept you from working, you can also seek compensation for lost wages and any future income you might lose due to your injuries’ long-term effects.

You may qualify for compensation for your intangible, non-economic losses. These losses are harder to measure but just as real, and they include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the trauma of the attack. Furthermore, some dog victims experience lasting fear, anxiety, or sleep problems after a dog bite; you can demand compensation for these losses if they apply to your situation. Finally, you can seek additional compensation for the incident’s impact on your self-esteem and quality of life if a dog bite causes permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Deadline to File a Missouri Dog Bite Lawsuit

In Missouri, you usually have five years from the date of a dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can gather crucial evidence and protect your interests during any communications with the dog’s owner or insurance company.

Contact Our Wentzville Dog Bite Attorneys Today

A dog bite is a traumatic incident, but it does not need to define your life. Holland Injury Law, LLC, can fight for your future and handle your case during a challenging time. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Wentzville dog bite lawyer.

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