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Missouri Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

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A Missouri postman delivering mail from house to house on foot was literally attacked by a dog and sent to the hospital to get stitches above his eye. Although it might be a cliche that the postman was attacked by a dog, dog bites should be taken seriously. the dog is being quarantined for 10 days. The owners of the dog are facing fines from the city for having an unrestrained loose dog, as well as a lawsuit from the United States Postal Service.

With stories like this becoming more and more common, it's not hard to believe that there are nearly five million attacks each year from domesticated animals, most of them household dogs. About 100 of these incidents result in death each year, with the rest of the accidents resulting in injuries ranging from minor scrapes and scratches to more serious lacerations that require lengthy hospital stays.

Studies on dog bites show that twenty percent of dogs involved in incidents have not been neutered, and most involve dogs on the owners' properties who are unrestrained. Men under twenty are the most common victims of dog bites. Conversely, women and the elderly are at a higher risk of being bitten by a cat. In 30% of all dog bite cases, the breed of dog that has attacked has been a pit bull, due not only to a temperamental demeanor but also due to the way they are raised by many people.

Obviously, dog bites are painful. But even after the initial pain has worn off and the wound has healed, there may be long-lasting ramifications of the encounter. For starters, most experiences like this have traumatic psychological effects on victims which can cause emotional discomfort or fear for years after the incident. Secondly, the wounds may become infected, leading to longer hospital stays and higher medical expenses.

Once you have sought medical attention for injuries sustained in an incident with a dog, you might want to consider seeking compensation. Totaling up your medical costs, lost wages, damages, and any other expenses you incur stemming from the ordeal, it might be in your best interest to consult a Missouri dog and animal bite lawyer to see what your legal rights are.

Because states differ in their handling of dog bite suits, you will want an attorney who is specifically versed in Missouri law, and understands the nuance and precedents involved. Lawyers from a reputable personal injury firm will also be able to help you, if there are no dog bite specialists in your area. Check with the American Bar Association's website for recommendations of a lawyer near you. Whomever you choose, make sure they have experience dealing with cases like yours, and a successful track record to back them up. This is because animal owners whose pets are involved in attacks or biting incidents will be coached on specific defenses for the court. Your Missouri dog bite attorney will know how to deal with these defenses to get the compensation you deserve.