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Being bitten by a dog or another pet can be extremely traumatizing. In addition to the trauma of the physical injuries, an attack by a vicious dog can also leave the victim with long-term emotional and psychological damage. If you have been injured by a dangerous animal, call Joseph, Hollander & Craft’s Kansas City dog bite lawyers at (816) 673-3900 for your free consultation.

Dog Bite Liability

One of the most significant hurdles in a dog bite case is the point of liability. In regards to a personal injury claim, liability denotes who may be considered accountable or responsible for the injury sustained. The liable party is responsible for covering damages associated with the injury, such as costs for medical treatment of the injury, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Dog owners can be liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Sometimes, dog owners have homeowners insurance or renters insurance that covers dog bite liability claims.

Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury

Victims of injury sustained as the result of a dog bite or attack can be entitled to compensation. There are basically three types of compensation a dog bite victim can seek to recover through a dog bite claim:

• Economic damages: These are financial losses associated with the injury or injuries sustained. Examples include medical treatment costs, cosmetic treatment of scars, surgery, medications, therapy for emotional trauma, future medical costs, future counseling or therapy, loss of income from injury or to have the injury medically treated, and other out-of-pocket costs experienced as a result of the incident.
• Non-economic damages: These costs are not related to any specific amount of money spent or to be incurred in the future. Instead they are more difficult to define and include such things as pain from the injury, mental distress when in the presence of dogs or from remembering the attack, loss of quality of life, loss of earning capacity in the future, humiliation, and other similar damages that are intangible by nature.
• Punitive damages: In some instances, the victim of a dog bite can be compensated by statutory penalties or punitive damages. Punitive damages may be applicable if a dog’s owner had prior knowledge that the dog was malicious but decided to keep it and let it have contact with people.

The Kansas City dog bite attorneys at JHC are committed to helping you recover compensation to cover your losses.

Dog Bite Case Terminology

Several different terms used in dog injury bite cases are important to understand:

• Burden of proof refers to the requirement of a plaintiff or defendant to offer enough proof to support their position regarding the facts and elements of the case. In a civil case, the plaintiff (the injured party) has the burden of proving his or her case by a preponderance of the evidence.
• Negligence is the theory that a party has failed to use reasonable care in a particular situation that results in the injury.
• The one-bite rule is a concept that some select states in America use to determine liability based on whether the defendant had knowledge or was aware of the fact that the dog might behave in a dangerous or vicious manner. The title of this rule is based on the idea that a dog gets one free bite. If the dog bites or attacks again after the first bite, the owner of the dog is deemed to know the dog can be dangerous and can be held liable for any subsequent attacks by the dog. While Kansas follows the one-bite-rule, Missouri does not.
• Strict liability is a type of liability that applies in specific cases where a defendant can be held responsible for an accident or incident regardless of whether he or she could have acted in a way to prevent it. In Missouri, dog owners are strictly liable for harms caused by unprovoked dog bites.

JHC’s Kansas City personal injury lawyers will ensure you understand the legal rules governing your dog bite claim so you can feel confident about the legal process.

Contact JHC’s Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you have been injured as a result of a dog bite, it is important that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to assess your case. Contact the Kansas City dog bite attorneys at Joseph, Hollander & Craft today. An initial consultation will not cost you anything, and we will not charge attorneys’ fees unless we recover money for you. Call our Kansas City office at (816) 673-3900 or fill out our online form.

Common Questions About Dog Bite Injury Claims

What should I do if I have been attacked by a dog?

The first thing you should do after being bitten or attacked by a dog is seek medical attention. This will help to avoid potential side effects or long lasting problems after the injury. It will also help strengthen your case for fair compensation.

You should do the following things to help increase the likelihood of a successful dog bite injury claim:

• Document the names and contact information for the owner of the dog and any witnesses to the dog attack.
• Get proof of the dog’s vaccination records from the dog owner and request a copy of the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or renter’s insurance declarations page that shows the owner’s name, address, and limits of coverage.
• Preserve photographs of your injuries and wounds, the area where the attack took place, and any “beware of dog” signs or the lack of any warning signs in the vicinity.
• Contact the local agency that handles animal control in your area and make a report of the attack. Fully cooperate with all investigating authorities.

What are some common injuries sustained from a dog bite?

It is common for a dangerous dog to attack the face, nose, arms, and legs of the victim. The most common injuries sustained from a dog attack are puncture wounds and bruising. Children and elderly adults who are victims of dog attacks are more vulnerable to sustaining significant injuries, including broken bones, injuries to the eyes and mouth, and deep bruises. Infection can be a severe problem if the victim’s injuries are not treated properly and as soon as possible following the attack. JHC’s personal injury attorneys have the experience and skill to assist with injury claims of every kind. Contact us today to discuss how we may be able to help you.

How much does it cost to hire a Kansas City dog bite attorney?

At Joseph, Hollander & Craft, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay us if we recover money for you. Please contact JHC’s dog bite lawyers to learn more about the contingency fee arrangement.