Defending Innocent People from Aggressive Dogs in St. Louis
When an aggressive dog attacks, the physical and emotional trauma can be devastating. At Meyerkord & Kurth, we understand the impact these incidents have on your life—from painful physical injuries to psychological distress that may linger for years. For over four decades, our attorneys have fought for victims’ rights throughout the St. Louis community, securing the compensation they deserve after suffering dog attacks.
Our St. Louis premises liability lawyers thoroughly investigate each case, identifying all responsible parties and building compelling evidence to support your claim. We remain by your side from the initial free consultation through the final resolution of your case.
Our dog bite attorneys in St. Louis keep you informed at every stage, explaining complex legal concepts in straightforward terms and promptly addressing your questions and concerns. We work diligently to prove the dog owner’s negligence while you focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite in St. Louis
Every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency rooms across the country for injuries suffered in dog bites and other attacks. A disproportionate percentage of the victims of dog attacks are children.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it is advisable to:
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Find out the dog’s identity, the identity of its owner and where the owner lives. It is important for the owner to be located, so that you can file an injury claim against his or her insurance policy
- Take photos of your bite injuries and of any torn or bloody clothing that you wore during the attack. If possible, take photos of the dog and of where the attack occurred, as well as getting the names and contact information of anyone who could act as a witness in the case.
- Do not, under any circumstances, give a statement to the insurance company. It may come back to bite you later if you do.
- Do not sign any documents or paperwork. It is the intention of insurance companies to try to settle cases quickly for the lowest amount possible. They often take advantage of the time when individuals may still be hurting and under stress from their injuries by offering a fast and easy settlement which is far less than the amount that is deserved.
- Contact our experienced dog bite attorney in St. Louis who understands the Missouri dog bite liability laws and knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to obtain the best settlement possible for you.
Understanding Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Pursuant to Missouri law an owner of a dog that attacks another individual is held strictly liable for their dogs actions. In other states there is a requirement that the dog has a history of being aggressive and that the owner is aware of the dog’s characteristics. This is known as the “one bite rule.” In other words, the dog gets one bite before it is acknowledged as a dangerous dog. As such, in Missouri once a dog attacks, even on the first instance, an individual the owner of that dog can be held liable for the resulting damage.
Proving Dog Owner Liability After an Attack in St. Louis
Even though Missouri is a strict liability state, you will still need to present evidence to prove that the owner is financially responsible for the attack. Several types of documents can help establish these facts.
Photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog itself serve as powerful visual documentation. Medical records detailing the injuries you suffered, required treatments, and future medical needs help establish the nature and extent of the damage the dog inflicted. Witness statements from those who observed the attack or have knowledge of the dog’s previous aggressive behavior can also strengthen your case.
Although Missouri does not require you to prove that the dog was dangerous in order to secure compensation, presenting this evidence can help support your claim. Documentation of previous complaints about the dog or past incidents involving the same animal can establish a pattern of dangerous behavior. Evidence showing the owner’s failure to properly restrain or control their dog—such as lack of appropriate fencing or ignoring leash laws—further demonstrates negligence.
Benefits of Hiring a St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer
When you are recovering from a traumatic dog attack, navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming. This is why you need an attorney from Meyerkord & Kurth on your side.
Our St. Louis dog bite injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to begin gathering evidence and proving the owner’s liability. We will accurately calculate your damages, including future medical expenses for reconstructive surgeries and psychological counseling often needed after dog attacks. This thorough evaluation can help ensure you receive compensation that truly reflects the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
We handle all communications with opposing parties, preventing you from making statements that could harm your case. With our firm’s extensive trial experience, specifically in dog bite litigation, we prepare every case as if it will go to court, strengthening your negotiating position even if a settlement is likely.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in St. Louis, MO?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the dog attack to file a personal injury claim. While this timeframe may seem generous, it is important to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses’ memories fade, and documentation becomes more difficult to obtain as time passes. By involving an attorney early on, you can protect your right to compensation and avoid making critical errors that can affect your case.
Building a Strong Dog Bite Injury Case in St. Louis
Hire your dog bite injury attorney in St. Louis as soon as possible after seeking medical treatment. The skilled attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth can help you by investigating the attack, speaking with witnesses, gathering evidence, going the scene of the accident and locating and talking to the dog’s owner. We serve as the conduit between you, the insurance company and your doctor, and we request all necessary documentation from each party so that you don’t have to.
A dog bite attack can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. If you or your child has been the victim of a dog attack, call us as soon as possible so we can quickly start working on your case. We will fight for the fair and just compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The skilled St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have more than 100 years of combined experience, understand that your family’s safety is a top priority, and should be represented as such. The firm has a proven track record in successfully handling and settling countless dog bite claims, and will fight vehemently to get you the compensation you deserve.
Please call today at (800) 391-4318 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.