If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog, then you know it was a truly traumatizing ordeal. Dogs that turn mean possess power and create danger.
Over 4.5 million dog bites happen per year. This statistic shows that dogs biting people isn't a rare event.
The good news is that you can seek justice with the help of a dog bite lawyer. Skilled legal representation will assist you in holding the responsible parties accountable.
What Are Your Options?
If someone's pet has bitten your body, the most basic course of action is to pursue an insurance claim. After you've been bitten, try to remain calm and simply trade insurance information.
Skilled attorneys who specialize in dog bites make their careers dealing with personal injury. They will talk to the insurance company for you to make sure you receive fair compensation.
Another option is to file a lawsuit against the pet's owner. No one wants to inflict financial damages against another person, but a dog bite victim deserves justice.
Check local laws to see if pet owners are responsible for scratches and falls caused by their animals.
Proving a Case With a Dog Bite Lawyer
There are varying degrees of difficulty in proving liability for a dog bite. Your lawyer will know all local laws pertaining to pets in the area you were bitten.
Some jurisdictions will hold an owner liable if the dog has bitten someone before or has an aggressive history. In general, dog owners have a responsibility to the public to ensure their animal can't hurt someone if the victim is in a public place.
It's possible that multiple parties are responsible for your injuries. A property owner, business owner, and dog owner could all be held financially accountable.
Let your trusted personal injury lawyer for dog bites educate you about all the laws that have been broken at your expense.
Defenses You Might Face
The owner of a dog that bit a person will probably hire an attorney to defend them against your accusations. Here are the most common defenses used:
- Dog provocation
- Trespassing
- Assumed risk
Dog provocation means that you forced or provoked an animal to hurt you. A person cannot threaten an animal and expect to be compensated after being bitten.
If a dog bite victim walks on private property or into a home uninvited, they cannot turn around and sue for personal injuries.
Assumed risk is one of the grayest areas in dog bites cases. When owners post signs warning of a dangerous dog, you are assuming a part of the risk. Going to a dog park means you are possibly exposing yourself to being bitten.
Some unsavory pet owners may try to pass their dog off as a service animal. Don't be fooled.
An experienced dog bite lawyer will know which defense a pet owner will use and how to beat it.
Seek Justice and Compensation
Being bitten by a pet is never a fun experience. Make sure you seek the justice and compensation owed to you.
Don't let that dog terrorize you or anyone else again. Hire a St Louis dog bite lawyer who will maximize your award and alleviate your pain and suffering.
If you're ready for a free consultation, then don't delay and contact our experienced dog bite attorneys today.
