How to Choose a Trusted Lawyer for Dog Bite Cases

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, a trusted lawyer for dog bite cases in St. Louis can help. They will understand Missouri and Illinois laws on dog bites, help determine liable parties and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.

Your lawyer will also gather evidence such as medical records, photographs and witness statements. They will help you through the complicated legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.

1. Experience

Every year, more than 4.5 million people, half of whom are children, are bitten by dogs. Many of these bites require medical treatment. Some of them may even lead to rabies or tetanus. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a St. Louis dog bite attorney immediately after a dog attack to determine the legality of your claim and seek damages for your injuries.

Dogs are valued members of our families and friends, but they descended from wolves, which means they have sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and an instinct to hunt. They should be confined to their owners’ property, under control by leashes or in fenced-in areas, and treated with caution at all times.

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack, including costly medical bills and insurance claims, can be stressful. An experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney can handle the complicated matters of negligence, damages and local laws on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

2. Reputation

Dog bite injuries may range in severity from puncture wounds to severe lacerations or broken bones. Victims might suffer medical conditions that require expensive treatment, including reconstructive surgery, and they might experience financial setbacks due to lost wages. In addition, many dog bite victims are exposed to rabies and tetanus due to their injuries.

A qualified dog attack lawyer could help claimants obtain compensation for their damages. They can calculate the appropriate value of these economic factors, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Children, who are often the victims of dog attacks, tend to experience the most serious long-term consequences from their injuries.

An experienced St. Louis dog bite attorney might also ensure that all people involved in the incident are held accountable for their actions. This might include anyone who violated applicable safety regulations regarding pet ownership standards, such as dog walkers or property owners who permitted dangerous dogs to roam free on their property.

3. Fees

Many dog bite injuries result in costly medical bills, as well as ongoing physical pain and suffering. Injuries like permanent scarring, disfigurement and even traumatic brain injury can have long-term impacts that debilitate victims and their families.

Dog owners are held strictly liable for the damages their dogs cause, regardless of whether they had taken precautions to keep their animals under control or were aware of their potential aggression. Some homeowner insurance policies cover dog bites through personal liability or medical payments coverage, and a skilled St. Louis dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation from those insurers.

However, the claim process is often complex. Some law firms, known as “settlement mills,” may churn through cases quickly and hire inexperienced junior attorneys or paralegals to handle the work, leaving thousands of dollars on the table for their own profit. A dedicated St. Louis dog bite attorney will handle the details of your case to make sure you are fully compensated for all the costs associated with your injuries.

4. Insurance

Even family dogs can become dangerous if they sense that children are approaching them aggressively or playing roughly. Dogs that perceive such actions as a threat can react with bites and other injuries.

A qualified lawyer will ensure that you receive maximum compensation for all of your damages. This includes medical expenses, pain and suffering and any future impact that your injuries may have on your life.

Depending on the circumstances, other parties might also be liable for your losses. For example, a dog handler, groomer or boarding facility might share liability for an attack if the animal is not properly supervised.

It is important that you do not settle with an insurance company too quickly. This could leave you without sufficient funds to cover your current and future expenses. Moreover, you should not sign a settlement until you have reached what doctors consider your maximum medical improvement. This is another reason why it is essential to have a trusted St. Louis dog bite injury attorney by your side.