DOG BITE & ANIMAL ATTACK ATTORNEYS IN ST. PETERS, MISSOURI

Being bitten by a dog or attacked by any animal can not only be a traumatic experience but also result in serious injury, medical expenses, and long-term scars. If you have been attacked by a dog or other animal, it is important to be aware of applicable Missouri laws as well as your legal options in the aftermath of an injury.

Here at the Gartner Law Firm, our team has extensive experience guiding individuals and families through the legal process following a wide range of accidents that led to personal injury. We have the knowledge and understanding of the law necessary to help you learn about your options and take steps to pursue financial compensation.

We proudly serve clients in St. Peters, St. Charles, O’Fallon, the greater St. Louis area, and throughout St. Louis, Missouri. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

MISSOURI DOG BITE LAWS

According to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 636-397-2111, a dog owner can be held liable for an attack if it meets the following criteria:

• Your injury was a result of the dog bite
• You were on public property or lawfully on private property when the bite took place
• You did not provoke the dog to bite you

An individual who was on private property without the consent of the property owner is classified as a “trespasser” and the owner may not be liable for their injury, however. The statute states that the dog owner will be fined $1,000 in addition to whatever financial compensation the victim of the bite is awarded through a personal injury claim. The statute is what is referred to as a “strict liability” statute in that the owner is held responsible even if they took reasonable measures to restrain the dog.

Missouri Revised Statute Section 636-397-2111 also makes an animal owner responsible for any animal bite, regardless of the circumstances. The victim has five years from the date of the injury to file a claim.

OTHER ANIMAL ATTACKS

The state of Missouri is one of 11 states in the nation to regulate the private possession of certain dangerous wild animals, including large carnivores like big cats, bears, and other animals. Strict rules are to be followed by individuals who wish to own such animals as pets, and the same liability laws apply regarding injuries to people resulting from attacks of these animals.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOG ATTACK

If you have been bitten by a dog or other animal, it is important to take the following steps immediately following the incident:

• Seek medical attention to receive treatment and document the injury
• Report the incident to Animal Control
• Speak to an attorney with experience dealing with animal attack injury claims

If you follow the above guidelines, you could position yourself to pursue a successful personal injury claim to seek financial compensation for your injury. At the Gartner Law Firm, we have helped numerous clients take action to hold dog and animal owners accountable following an injury.

WHY YOU NEED LEGAL REPRESENTATION

When you have been injured, including injuries resulting from a dog bite, animal bite, or an animal attack, it is your best option to work with skilled attorneys rather than attempt to navigate a personal injury claim on your own. Having knowledgeable attorneys on your side will give you your best opportunity to successfully obtain full compensation.

As your attorneys, our team at the Gartner Law Firm can help you gather evidence and documentation of the incident, explain your legal options, and represent you in the event that your claim goes to court.

A successful dog bite or animal attack injury claim can potentially provide you with compensation to pay your medical bills and cover for your lost wages if you are unable to work.