St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog Bite Injury Claim
If you or a family member has been injured because of an animal attack or a dog bite, you must hold the animal’s owner or handler responsible for your injuries. With a St. Louis dog bite lawyer from Schultz Legal Group on your side, you can be confident that we will fight to obtain the rightful compensation and damages you deserve. Your attorney will keep you informed every step of the way, so you can focus on healing and spending time with your loved ones. A
dog bite injury claim requires certain types of evidence that is not required in standard
personal injury claims.
According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7 million Americans fall victim to dog bites every year. Over one million of these victims seek medical attention for their injuries, but many cases go unreported to the authorities (law enforcement or animal control agencies). Don't become another statistic. A Missouri dog bite attorney from our law firm will come to you for a free consultation. Our injury lawyers never charge attorneys' fees unless we win your case.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
injuries that are caused by a dog bite can be significant. Since the vast majority of dog bite claims in Missouri are made by children, the injuries can be severe and especially sad. Puncture wounds, deep lacerations, and torn skin tissue make up three injuries commonly caused by a Missouri dog bite. Puncture wounds cannot be closed with stitches or staples, and the emergency room will typically let these injuries heal on their own. Deep lacerations and torn skin tissue can result in skin grafts and permanent disfigurement. Your
St. Louis dog bite lawyer may retain a plastic surgeon to address the future need for a skin revision surgery or other corrective procedure.
What about the emotional distress caused by a dog bite? Children who are bite by a dog can become fearful around other dogs and even experience a general fear for their safety. Proving emotional damages in a dog bite claim for compensation can be tricky, especially when you have an insurance claims adjuster doing his/her best to minimize your settlement. A
St. Louis personal injury lawyer may use experts to prove this element of harms in a dog bite case.
As of August 29, 2009, Missouri enacted a statute that essentially creates a strict liability cause of action against the owner or harborer of a dangerous animal if the animal attacks someone. Strict liability is generally a cause of action only found in products liability law. However, this new Missouri statute is of good use to our dog bite lawyers in prosecuting civil injury claims against the owners of dangerous animals.
Visit our DOG BITE INJURY VICTIM INFORMATION CENTER for instructions on what to do immediately following a dog attack. Also included is information regarding Missouri dog bite injury law.
Unfortunately, many owners of aggressive breeds are in denial of the dangers their animals present to the public. Their pets may have chased the postman, lunged at an unfamiliar child, nipped at another dog, etc....but these owners claim to be "absolutely certain that their pet would never actually hurt anyone." Numerous breeds have a natural disposition to aggression, including:
Missouri is not a "one bite free" state. This means that even when a dog had no previous history of violence, or if the owner had no knowledge of their dog's violent nature, the owner may still be held liable if their dog attacks and injures a person. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, contact a St. Louis dog bite lawyer at Schultz Legal Group. We will use our years of experience and knowledge of Missouri injury law in order to prove the liability of the dog owner and help you get the compensation you deserve.
St. Louis, Missouri Dog Bite Attorney
Are you the victim of a dog bite or animal attack? Contact
St. Louis Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Stephen Schultz today and get the experienced attorneys at Schultz Legal Group on your side! Our lawyers are available anytime at (314) 732-1401, toll-free (866) 840-3636, or by
email to discuss your dog bite injury claim. Don't let collection agents and insurance claims adjusters harass you. You need to concentrate on healing, not the complex and unfair process of obtaining a settlement without a lawyer.