Dog Bite Attorney in St. Louis MO
Dog Bite FAQ
- My dog just bit someone and I am worried about a lawsuit.
- Is there a Missouri dog bite law that protects me if I am bitten by my neighbor's dog that was roaming the neighborhood?
- Does my homeowner's policy cover dog bites, dog attacks, and dog bite liability?
- I have been injured by a dog. Who do I report the dog bite to?
- I was bitten by a dog recently. Do I have to call a dog bite compensation attorney? Can I settle with the dog owner's insurance company by myself?
Q: My dog just bit someone and I am worried about a lawsuit. I am not familiar with the Missouri dog bite laws. Am I responsible or liable for their injuries?
A: In late 2009, Missouri changed its dog bite law. MO used to follow what many dog bite attorneys called the "One Bite Law." This essentially meant that dog owners were responsible for injuries their dog caused if the owner had knowledge of the dog's vicious propensities or history of biting or aggression.
However, Missouri recently passed a law that creates dog bite liability for injuries caused by a dog, even if the dog has never shown a tendency to be aggressive. One caveat, the dog attack could not be provoked and the dog bite victim could not be trespassing. It is important to understand that each case is unique. There are two sides to every story and insurance companies will certainly try to show the dog was provoked, in order to avoid paying the dog bite insurance claim.
Q: Is there a Missouri dog bite law that protects me if I am bitten by my neighbor's dog that was roaming the neighborhood? I tried to discuss the situation with the owners, but they simply denied liability. Do I need a dog bite injury lawyer? Can I seek compensation?
A: Dog owners often deny a dog bite ever occurred. They do this to try and limit their legal responsibilities. If your neighbor's dog bites you when it is roaming the neighborhood, typically your neighbor would be liable. If you are a dog bite injury victim, it is important to contact a dog bite victim injury lawyer immediately. Your attorney will need to investigate your case to determine who the responsible parties are. The lawyer will also need to find witnesses, speak with animal control, and the police, if they were called. Your dog bite injury lawyer will also help you negotiate with the insurance company of the dog owner.
Q: Does my homeowner's policy cover dog bites, dog attacks, and dog bite liability?
A: Most homeowner's policies do cover dog bites and accept liability for any resulting injuries. Although, it is becoming more common for insurance companies to exclude dog bite liability or exclude liability for certain breeds of dogs. Check your insurance policy carefully to make sure you are covered for dog bite liability. You may need to buy additional coverage to thoroughly insure yourself.
Q: I have been injured by a dog. Who do I report the dog bite to?
A: You should contact the police and county authorities to report the incident. In some parts of Missouri, a local animal control agency may be appropriate to call. In addition, you should contact a MO dog bite attorney immediately to protect your rights and discuss your legal options.
Q: I was bitten by a dog recently. Do I have to call a dog bite compensation attorney? Can I settle with the dog owner's insurance company by myself?
A: While you certainly do not have to contact a dog bite injury attorney, it is in your best interest to do so. A dog bite attorney will be able to discuss all of your legal options with you and will review your injuries with medical professionals to determine the full extent of your injuries. Dog bite injuries can have lingering effects that can last years and unfortunately many insurance companies fail to take this into consideration. As a result, they offer dog attack victims a settlement that is considerably lower than they are entitled to.
