A dog bite Kansas City is capable of inflicting serious cuts and long-term damage. The injury many times is far worse than the bite itself. You may have high bills, lost time, and worry about your dogs for the duration of your life. If you were bitten by a dog in Kansas City, you have rights. You may be able to receive money for your injuries. An experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney locally can represent you and negotiate for you against the insurance company. This website informs you what to do after a bite, how Missouri law is applicable, and why speaking with an attorney will enable you to receive a fair award.
Dog Bites Are Significant Injuries
Most people believe a dog bite is just a bite. Dog bites can create deep lacerations, damage nerves, and become infectious. Some bites leave deep scars and/or cause your hand or arm to become to be immobile. Children often get the worst injuries. They are smaller and cannot defend themselves. Most dog bites strike a child’s face, neck, or arms. This can leave physical as well as emotional scars.
After any dog bite:
- Get medical care right away.
- Take pictures of the wound.
- Collect all bills and paperwork.
- Report the details of the injury.
- Report the attack to the animal control authorities.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Missouri is a strict liability state for dog bites. That is to say that the owner of the dog is generally at fault if the dog bites you. You do not need to prove the dog bit someone else at a prior time or was an aggressive dog.
To have a claim, you must prove:
- The dog bitten you.
- You were in your right place.
- You did not provoke or harm the dog.
If you can prove these facts, you can recover damages.
What Costs Are Recoverable?
Dog bite claims can recover a great deal of losses. These can include:
- Medical costs: ER visits, stitches, surgery, or therapy.
- Lost wages: If you had to miss work to recuperate.
- Pain and suffering: The pain, fear, or anxiety the attack generated.
- Future treatment: Treatment you may need in the future, such as surgery or therapy.
Every case is unique. You can have the facts reviewed with you by a lawyer to help you in the legal process to know how much your claim will be worth.
Why You Should Not Wait
By law in Missouri, you have 5 years to file your claim. If you wait too long, you forfeit your right to get money Kansas City. Time passes quickly when you are hurt. You will need time to heal and obtain records. A lawyer will keep you in line and help ensure that you have a strong case from the start.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies care about keeping their bottom line. The adjuster may be friendly or friendly-looking, but they work for the insurance company. They will tend to want to pay out as little money as they can. You may be presented with a quick payment to settle your case. It may be tempting at first. But usually, the first offers don’t cover it. If you do settle, you can’t come back later and ask for more money—though you may require further treatment. Don’t sign or accept a settlement until you consult a lawyer. A Kansas City dog bite lawyer can review the offer and tell you if it’s reasonable.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
Here is a step-by-step list to follow in the event of a dog bite on you or your child:
- Get immediate medical care.
- Notify local animal control of the bite.
- Take photographs of the wound, torn clothing, and bite area.
- Have all records, bills, and reports copied.
- Take down names and numbers of any witnesses.
- Call an attorney to be informed of your rights in Kansas City.
Children and Dog Bites
When a child is bitten, the wound can even be more severe. Children normally need more care. They may need surgery to mend scars or therapy for stress and fear. Parents can file a claim on behalf of the child. The money may cover treatment currently and in the future. They may also cover counseling if needed.
Emotional Scars and Trauma
Most people think that a bite is healed when the wound has closed. Certain wounds exist forever. Hurtful and restrictive thick scars may develop. They also inflict hurt on self-esteem.
Anxiety or fear of dogs develops in some victims who have been attacked by them. Anxiety makes daily living challenging. These expenses can be added to your claim. A lawyer can help you seek money for physical as well as emotional harm.
What Dog Owners Can Say in Which They Do Not Seem to be at Fault
Dog owners will try to disclaim fault at times. They may say:
- You teased or scared the dog.
- You were not supposed to be on the property.
- The dog was defending someone.
A lawyer can collect facts to show that you did nothing wrong. They can interview witnesses and review records to build a strong case Kansas City.
Why Hire a Kansas City Dog Bite Attorney?
Dog bite cases seem simple. They tend to be complicated. You need to prove injury, show fault, and deal with insurance.
A lawyer will do the following:
- Gather and review all the reports and records.
- Interview witnesses.
- Negotiate with the insurance company.
- Demand fair compensation for your losses.
- Litigate if need be.
Having a lawyer on your side guards your rights and makes it less stressful for you to heal.
How Much Will a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Most dog bite lawyers in Kansas City work on a contingency fee. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. The lawyer only gets paid when you win. The lawyer fee is normally a percentage of the money you recover. This means you get help without paying extra while you heal.
Start Your Claim Today
A dog bite can flip your life upside down. You might feel pain, bills, lost work time, and stress. You don’t need to handle it by yourself. Talk to an affordable and skilled Kansas City dog bite lawyer and learn about your rights. They can provide you with answers and help you file a claim.
FAQs About Dog Bite Claims in Kansas City
1. I have how long to bring a dog bite claim in Missouri?
You have 5 years from the date that you were bitten in order to bring a claim. If you do not bring a claim within that time frame, you will not be able to recover money.
2. What if the dog never bit anybody before?
Missouri code does not include an element of evidence that the dog was vicious. The owner Kansas City is liable in most cases.
3. Can I make a claim if my child has been hurt by a dog?
Yes. You may claim on behalf of your child. The compensation may cover treatment, therapy, and other costs.
4. Will the dog be put down if I claim?
No. Claiming does not imply that the dog will be put down. Animal control Kansas City will examine the dog’s behavior.
5. What if the bite happened on the owner’s land?
You can still make a claim if you were invited to be present there and did not provoke the dog.