St. Louis Dog Bite Attorney
Fighting For Dog Bite Victims in Missouri
Experiencing a dog bite in St. Louis can be both traumatizing and complicated, given the unique local laws and procedures involved. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we focus exclusively on helping individuals navigate these challenges, ensuring your rights and recovery remain our top priorities. With over 40 years of legal experience, our team of seasoned dog bite lawyers in St. Louis handles personal injury cases, including dog bites. Our history of significant verdicts and settlements demonstrates our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
In addition to our substantial experience, our approach prioritizes a deep understanding of each client’s personal experience and circumstances. We take the time to listen and provide tailored advice that addresses your specific legal situation. This empathetic and client-centered approach has earned us a reputation for being both passionate advocates and compassionate supporters in times of need.
Call Sedey Harper Westhoff today at (314) 819-0963 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bite lawyer in St. Louis.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws in Missouri follow a strict liability rule, meaning a dog owner is typically held responsible for any bite, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. However, navigating the specifics of these laws in St. Louis requires local knowledge and legal insight. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 273.036 outlines that victims can seek compensation for damages resulting from a dog bite.
Our firm distinguishes itself by focusing solely on representing individuals, never businesses or insurance companies. This ensures our clients receive undivided attention and dedicated advocacy. We understand the nuances of St. Louis' legal landscape, including variations in ordinances at the city level, which can influence a case's outcome.
Moreover, understanding the local court procedures in St. Louis is crucial. Each municipality may have variations in how dog bite claims are processed, which can affect timelines and the required documentation. By partnering with us, you benefit from our extensive experience with the local judicial system, helping streamline your path to justice.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Accidents
- Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds caused by the dog's sharp teeth. These injuries can penetrate through the skin into muscles and bones, leading to painful and complex medical issues.
- Lacerations and Cuts: Bite wounds frequently cause jagged lacerations that may require stitches or surgery. These cuts could also increase the risk of infection.
- Infections: Dog mouths harbor bacteria that can easily infect bite wounds. Untreated infections could lead to serious complications like cellulitis or abscesses.
- Nerve and Tissue Damage: Severe bites may damage nerves, tendons, and muscles, potentially causing loss of sensation or movement in the affected area.
- Bone Fractures: In attacks involving larger or more aggressive dogs, broken bones may occur as a result of the bite force.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Many dog bite victims can also suffer permanent scars or facial disfigurement, which can affect both physical appearance and emotional well-being.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bite survivors often experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Why Choose Us?
Clients consistently choose Sedey Harper Westhoff because of our record of success and unwavering commitment to their cause. Our firm has achieved numerous successful outcomes, including millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
- Personalized Service: We provide compassionate, personalized attention, ensuring each client understands their legal options and receives guidance tailored to their unique situation—making us the dog bite lawyer St. Louis turns to for answers.
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: With extensive trial experience, our lawyers are prepared to represent clients in any Missouri court, always striving to secure the best possible results as a dog bite attorney in St. Louis.
- Client-Focused Representation: Unlike other firms, we prioritize individuals, never representing the interests of large corporations or insurance companies.
Our dedicated legal team walks clients through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that you feel informed and supported throughout your case. This comprehensive support structure is designed to remove the burden from our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery while we manage the legal complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I Have a Dog Bite Case?
In Missouri, dog bite victims must prove the dog attacked them without provocation and while they were in a location they were legally allowed to be. A successful case often involves demonstrating the extent of injuries and damages incurred. Our team can help assess your situation and determine if you have a viable legal claim.
We consider various factors, such as witness testimonies, medical records, and photographic evidence, to build a compelling case. Our familiarity with St. Louis' local context allows us to anticipate potential defenses and strengthen your claims against them. Understanding these facets early on can significantly impact the trajectory and success of your case.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite victims can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially other damages, depending on the specifics of the case. Missouri law allows for both economic and non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages may be pursued. We help clients understand these options and aim to maximize their recovery.
In St. Louis, additional factors, such as insurance policies and local statutory nuances, can impact compensation outcomes. We offer guidance on how to meticulously prepare your claim to accurately reflect all potential impact areas, utilizing our extensive local experience to navigate complex bureaucratic channels that might otherwise trip up unprepared victims.
How Quickly Should I Act After a Dog Bite?
It's crucial to act promptly after a dog bite, as Missouri's statute of limitations typically allows five years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, delaying can impact the collection of evidence and the testimony of witnesses. Immediate legal counsel ensures your rights are protected from the start.
Prompt action can also contribute significantly to gathering time-sensitive evidence, such as surveillance footage or immediate witness accounts, which can be pivotal in establishing liability. By swiftly opting for legal support, you maximize your chances of a successful outcome by capitalizing on early fact-finding initiatives.
What If I Was Partly at Fault During the Incident?
Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you bear partial responsibility, you may still be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys can guide you through assessing and mitigating the potential impacts of this rule on your claim.
Our approach involves a thorough examination of all incident-related factors, allowing us to prepare counterarguments to any unfair allocation of blame. Engaging with our experienced team ensures you receive equitable treatment under the law, minimizing reductions to the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer in St. Louis Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in St. Louis, reaching out to our knowledgeable team is the first step towards ensuring your recovery and holding the responsible parties accountable. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we recognize the physical and emotional impact of these incidents and provide dedicated support throughout every stage.
Learn more about your legal options, have your questions answered, and begin your journey towards justice with a team that stands by your side with unwavering dedication.
Contact us today to get started with our St. Louis dog bite attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Missouri
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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Lawsuits in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for premises liability lawsuits is generally five years from the date you were injured. Failing to bring a claim within this period typically results in losing the right to sue.
While five years is a substantial amount of time, it is in your best interest to seek legal advice as quickly as possible. The sooner you discuss your case with our team, the sooner we can start investigating and working to preserve evidence.
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What Happens If the Property Owner Is Uninsured?
When a property owner is uninsured in a premises liability case, recovering damages becomes more complicated. Typically, when a property owner has liability insurance, their insurance company provides legal representation and covers the costs of a settlement or judgment up to the policy limits. However, if the property owner lacks insurance, the financial responsibility for any damages awarded in a lawsuit rests solely on the property owner.
In this scenario, you may face several challenges. Even if the court rules in your favor and awards damages, collecting on the judgment could be difficult if the property owner lacks sufficient financial resources or assets. The likelihood of receiving full compensation diminishes, especially if the property owner is unable to pay or opts to declare bankruptcy to discharge the debt.
Despite these challenges, other avenues of recovering the compensation you deserve may be available. We can help investigate whether any other parties who may have insurance, such as property managers or maintenance companies, share liability for the premises. Our attorneys can also seek alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or payment plans, to negotiate a feasible settlement.
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Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
While it is technically possible to file a premises liability lawsuit without an attorney, hiring a lawyer with experience in this field is likely in your best interest. Premises liability cases can be complex, requiring a detailed understanding of legal nuances, evidence collection, and procedural rules. A lawyer can help you successfully navigate these complexities by crafting and submitting all necessary legal documents accurately and on time.
A seasoned attorney will also possess the skills to investigate the incident thoroughly, gathering evidence and expert testimony crucial for substantiating your claim. Lawyers can effectively negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsels to potentially secure a fair settlement without the need for a lengthy court trial. In scenarios where a trial becomes unavoidable, an attorney can advocate on your behalf and persuasively present your case to a judge or jury.
- We investigate and evaluate your injury and the harm you have suffered.
- We negotiate a quick, fair settlement with the insurance company where possible.
- We work with your medical providers to develop a strong case of negligence.
- We take your case to court to get you the best result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
Saint Louis, MO 63139 Map & Directions