A serious dog bite can leave a victim dealing with painful injuries, permanent scarring, emotional distress, and unexpected medical expenses. Children can be especially vulnerable to severe injuries when an attack occurs. Promptly reporting and documenting the incident can help protect both the injured person’s health and the ability to pursue compensation.
Attorney Mike Holder, a founder and partner at Holder Susan Slusher Law Firm, represents personal injury clients throughout Missouri and has obtained tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. He personally accepts, reviews, negotiates, and litigates his personal injury cases. For those injured by a dog in Columbia, taking the right steps after an attack can be important to protecting a potential claim.
What To Do After A Serious Dog Bite
Even devoted dog owners and animal lovers should recognize the importance of promptly and accurately reporting a serious dog bite. Injuries suffered by victims can be severe and permanent, including facial scarring and disfigurement. Reporting dangerous incidents can also help protect other people, children, and pets from further harm.
After a dog bite, first move to a safe location and seek appropriate medical attention. Then, when possible:
- Contact animal control or law enforcement so the incident can be investigated.
- Take pictures of the injuries and the location where the attack occurred.
- Make contact with witnesses and obtain their information.
- Clearly identify the dog and its owner or possessor.
- Keep records of medical treatment, expenses, missed work, and communications about the attack.
- Preserve information about previous attacks, complaints, injuries, or aggressive behavior involving the dog.
For health and legal purposes, information about the dog’s veterinary and vaccination history may also be important.
Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may include prior complaints, previous incidents, statements from neighbors or other witnesses, and evidence showing how the animal was normally confined or controlled.
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Who May Be Liable For A Missouri Dog Bite?
Missouri law provides an important legal avenue for individuals injured by dogs. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 273.036, an owner or possessor of a dog can be strictly liable when the dog bites someone without provocation while that person is on public property or lawfully on private property. The statute does not require proof that the dog previously displayed vicious behavior or that its owner knew the dog was dangerous.
The circumstances of each attack still matter. If an injured person is found partially at fault, Missouri law provides that compensation may be reduced by the same percentage of fault attributed to that person.
Dog bite claims may also involve other legal theories depending on the circumstances, making a careful investigation of the attack important.
What Compensation May Be Available After A Dog Attack?
Injuries suffered by dog bite victims can be serious and permanent, particularly when bites involve the face, hands, or other vulnerable areas.
Depending on the facts of the case, losses may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced ability to work
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Future medical treatment related to the injuries
A serious attack can affect far more than the initial medical bills. Documenting both immediate and ongoing consequences can help establish the full extent of a victim’s losses.
Insurance Issues In Dog Bite Claims
Even when liability may be established, recovering compensation can still prove difficult. Not every dog owner has homeowners or renters insurance that applies to the incident, and available policies may contain exclusions or limitations affecting animal-related claims.
Insurance companies may also dispute liability, the severity of the injuries, or the amount of compensation being requested. Determining what coverage is available, communicating with insurers, and evaluating whether a proposed settlement accounts for future losses can become complicated while an injured person is still recovering.
Questions may also arise about whether another property owner, landlord, or other party bears any responsibility. Those issues generally depend heavily on the facts and applicable law.
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Why Choose Holder Susan Slusher Law Firm For A Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Holder Susan Slusher Law Firm brings more than 20 years of experience protecting the rights of clients throughout Missouri. Mike Holder focuses his practice on personal injury and wrongful death matters and personally accepts, reviews, negotiates, litigates, and communicates with clients on each case he handles.
His experience includes claims involving motor vehicle accidents, dangerous property conditions, defective products, medical malpractice, and other serious injuries. The firm emphasizes clear communication, honest assessments, thorough investigation, and realistic expectations rather than leaving clients uncertain about their cases.
For someone facing medical expenses, scarring, lost income, or other consequences following a dog attack, experienced local representation can provide a clearer path through the claims process.
Speak With A Dog Bite Injury Lawyer In Columbia, MO
A serious dog bite can create lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences, and injured individuals do not have to navigate an insurance claim alone. Holder Susan Slusher Law Firm represents injury victims in Columbia and throughout Missouri.
To schedule a consultation and receive a free case evaluation, contact the firm at 573-499-1700.