Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Mexico, MO

Dog Bites Can Cause Lifelong Trauma or Even Death

For millions of Americans, their pet dogs are like family. Unfortunately, millions of Americans also suffer dog bites each year. The majority of people who are bit by dogs are children. If you or a loved one was bit by a dog, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. In Mexico, MO, Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer is the dog bite injury attorney you need to recover damages from a traumatic dog bite.

File a Dog Bite Claim With Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer to Recover

Damages in Your Mexico, MO Personal Injury Case

A dog bite can leave more than a painful injury or scar. It can also leave a child or adult with lasting emotional trauma and a lifelong fear of dogs. As a parent, there is nothing worse than watching your child suffer beyond the pain of their injury. A win in a personal injury case won’t automatically heal your child’s physical injuries or mental trauma, but it can help your family to move on from this traumatic event. When a dog bite leaves you drowning in medical debt, call Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer. In 2021 alone, home insurance companies paid out $882 million in dog bite injuries. Our dog bite lawyers may be able to help you earn the compensation you need to pay off mounting medical bills after a dog bite. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Most dog bite victims know the dog that bites them. Earn compensation for a dog bite in Mexico, MO with Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer’s personal injury attorneys by your side.

Many of us interact with friendly, well-socialized dogs every day so it may come as a surprise to learn the majority of dog bites occur between humans and dogs they are familiar with. More than half of all dog bites are caused by a close relative’s dog. While it may seem awkward to seek compensation from a family member, their negligence is often what causes a dog bite.

Why do dogs bite people?

There are many reasons for a dog to bite. They could feel endangered or stressed, leading them to believe they must fight their way out of a situation. Some dogs lack proper manners and training. While educated adults may be able to avoid a dog bite because they understand canine body language, children are less capable. A child may see a dog’s low to the ground stance and pinned ears and think the dog wants to play. It is cases like these where a child could be injured or even killed by a dog bite. 

 

Even friendly dogs can lash out if provoked or afraid. Family dogs are more prone to biting if they are highly stressed or agitated. Situations like these can arise when the dog is placed in an unfamiliar environment or is forced to interact with people it is not familiar with. The easiest way to prevent dog attacks is to understand your dog’s signs of distress and to watch other dogs for signs of aggression or distress. Always keep your child a safe distance from unfamiliar dogs and do not allow them to engage with any dog without express permission from the owner. Dog safety is one of the most important things you can teach a child to prevent injuries.

For a Dog Bite Case in Mexico, MO Call Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

What should I do if a dog bites me or my child in Mexico, MO?

If a dog does attack you or a family member, seek medical attention right away. Even minor puncture wounds can become infected. More severe injuries like soft tissue injuries or broken bones can cause lifelong pain and mental distress. Make sure you get the dog owner’s contact information before you leave the scene. If you do not know who owns the dog, you will be unable to file a claim. Once your injury has been treated, contact Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer. The sooner you find a dog bite attorney, the better. We will examine medical records, the animal’s history, if any, and the property where the attack took place. A team of lawyers and legal aids will gather all relevant information to build a strong personal injury case for your family. 

Common Dog Bite Injuries 

  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Loss of limb, fingers or toes
  • Eye damage or loss
  • Facial disfigurement, including ear or nose loss
  • Significant scarring
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD

Don’t let a dog bite rob you of your financial security. Hire Mexico, MO’s personal injury attorneys at Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

Dog bite injuries can be costly. Many people require extensive surgeries to repair the damage caused by an aggressive dog. If you or your child needed emergency surgery or plastic surgery to correct scarring and disfigurement after a dog bite, you need an attorney who can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Our dog bit lawyers will work tirelessly to earn the money you need to pay for your care.

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Dog bites in Missouri fall under strict liability laws & victims only have five years to file a personal injury claim with a dog bite lawyer

The state of Missouri takes dog bites very seriously. While many states have “one bite laws” that give owners legal protection from a first offense, Missouri allows victims of dog bites to file a suit even if it is the first time the dog has ever injured someone. This is known as strict liability. Dogs who are known to be vicious and have shown aggression such as growling, lunging, or even attacking someone previously are a huge liability. Even calm, trustworthy dogs can attack if provoked.

 

The dog owner’s liability in an attack will depend on the location where the attack took place. On public property like parks, the owner is liable if the dog attacks unprovoked. If the dog bites you when you are on the owner’s property legally and you have not provoked the dog, the owner would then be liable for the injury. Provocation can include throwing objects, taunting, or being aggressive with a dog. However, if you or your loved one is on private property illegally, liability may change. This also applies if the owner had reasonable signage and warnings, including no trespassing or beware of dog signs. You must consult with an experienced dog bite attorney to see if you have a case. You only have five years to do so. 

CONSULT AN ATTORNEY
For a Dog Bite in Mexico, MO Call Attorney Ron Netemeyer
For a Dog Bite in Mexico, MO Call Attorney Jill Harper

Frequently asked questions about dog bites in Mexico, MO

  • If my child tried to pet an aggressive dog and was injured, can I file a personal injury case?

    Sadly, children are more likely to experience a dog bite than any other group. This is often due to their inability to read a dog’s body language and understand the warning signs. Children are also more likely to approach a dog without exercising caution or asking for the owner’s permission to engage with the dog. If a dog’s owner did not try to prevent a dog bite when your child approached them or your child was bit by a dog while legally on the owner’s property, the owner is liable for your child’s injuries. To start a personal injury case on your child’s behalf, contact Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer. We stand up against irresponsible dog owners every day. Let us help your family heal.

  • My teen was trespassing on private property and was attacked by a dog. Is the property owner responsible for paying for my child’s medical bills?

    In cases of trespassing, you may be unable to file a personal injury claim. However, if a dog owner was negligent in restraining a known aggressive dog, you may have a case. Schedule a free consultation with Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer to discuss the legal intricacies of your dog bite case in Mexico, MO. 

  • I only suffered a minor injury after being attacked by a dog. Is it worth my time to file a claim against the owner?

    A minor injury isn’t always as minor as you think. If a dog bite punctures your skin and the bite becomes infected, you could become gravely ill. Dogs that are not up to date on their vaccinations can even pass on rabies, an incurable disease if left untreated. When minor dog bites result in devastating infections, you have a right to file a negligence case against the owner. Get in touch with Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer to learn more about your legal options. 

  • My neighbor’s dog killed my chickens. Does this count as a dog bite case in Missouri?

    In Mexico, MO, if your livestock is injured or killed by an aggressive dog, the dog’s owner is responsible for covering the damages. If the aggressive dog killed sheep or other domestic animals like cats or your dog, the dog’s owner must pay damages and put the dog down. If you have a case of an aggressive dog killing or injuring your domestic pet or livestock, contact Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer. We can help you navigate the complicated process of understanding Missouri’s dog bite laws. 

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Start your personal injury case today. Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer is your Mexico, MO dog bite lawyer

After you or your child has been bit by a dog, you need an attorney who understands the nuances of dog bite cases in Mexico, MO. Missouri’s dog bite laws are strict but a seasoned personal injury attorney can help you file a dog bite claim. Reach out to us today to begin your case.

DOG BITE LAWYER IN MEXICO, MO