Dog attack victims can suffer significant and painful injuries that require medical attention and ongoing treatment. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog owned by another party, it is important to understand your right to be compensated for your pain and injuries. At the Law Office of Kenneth P. Carp, we represent dog attack victims in St. Louis County, Lincoln County and St. Charles County. Contact us to discuss your case and to learn more about your options for pursuing fair compensation.
Dog attacks can lead to a wide range of injuries that require medical or psychological treatment, including:
Puncture wounds – Caused when the attacking dog clamps down on a victim. A puncture or tearing wound often require stitches.
Scars – In some cases, the victim will require cosmetic surgery or ongoing treatment to remove scarring resulting from the attack.
Head or brain injuries – Victims may be pushed down by the weight or aggressive nature of the dog and fall during the attack. If a victim strikes their head, serious head or brain injuries can occur.
Broken bones – During a dog attack, a victim may fall when struggling with, or fleeing from, the animal. These falls may result in broken bones. The powerful jaws of a dog can also crush bones.
Death – The most severe dog attacks can lead to death, especially if the victim is an infant or small child.
Rabies – Transmitted in the saliva of infected animals, rabies is a fatal disease if not treated promptly and effectively.
Psychological scars – Dog attack victims may experience psychological trauma or PTSD following the attack. Children are especially susceptible to emotional trauma after a dog attack.
In 2009, Missouri revised dog bite laws to impose strict liability on owners whose animal attacks or bites someone on public property, or private property that the victim has lawfully accessed. Even if the dog has no prior history of attacks or aggression, the owner may be held liable for the victim’s damages.
If the owner failed to secure the dog, or did not abide by animal control laws, they may be held liable for any losses resulting from an attack.
The statute also names other parties who may be held liable, including:
Landlords – If a landlord learns that a dog has a history of biting or violent attacks fails to remove the animal form the premises may be held liable for an attack.
Care givers – When another party takes possession of the animal, that party assumes responsibility for the dog’s actions. Liable parties include groomers, dog walkers and more.
To hold the dog owner or responsible for the attack, you must prove that the attack occurred on public property, or on private property that you occupied lawfully. You must also prove that you or the victim did not provoke the dog before it attacked.
Our attorneys provide the guidance you need to pursue justice for dog bit injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in the St. Louis County area, the Law Office of Kenneth P. Carp is here to help. We offer comprehensive support during your pursuit for compensation for your losses. To schedule a free, no-obligation review of your dog bite case, call our office at (636) 947-3600 or contact us online. We represent victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless you recover compensation.
