Dog Bites
Dogs have truly earned their title as “man’s best friend.” Tens of millions of American households have dogs, and they are often considered to be members of the family.
Unfortunately, dogs can also be dangerous — especially toward humans that they are unfamiliar with. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bite incidents in the United States each year, of which 800,000 are serious enough to require medical care.
At Holland Injury Law, LLC, our personal injury practice includes vigorous representation of dog bite victims. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog you don’t own, attorney William K. Holland can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Recognizing Dog Owner Negligence
In response to dog bites, there is a tendency to focus on “inherently dangerous” breeds of dogs. Some localities have even banned certain breeds as pets. The truth is that even if some dogs are more likely to be aggressive, dog bites and dog attacks are almost always the result of owner negligence.
Dogs either bite or have the opportunity to bite because owners:
- Failed to keep them properly leashed or behind a property fence
- Mistreated, abused or neglected them
- Failed to properly train and socialize them around other humans
- Failed to take reasonable aggression-reducing measures, such as spaying and neutering
- Kept them in hostile or threatening conditions, leaving dogs on high alert
If a dog attacks you or your child while you are out on a walk around the neighborhood, there is likely nothing about the attack that you would be at fault for. Dog owners must first be responsible for properly caring for and socializing their dogs, and second for properly restraining them if they do get loose or out of control.
Who Is Financially Liable For Dog Bite Injuries?
Most dog attack claims are covered under homeowners insurance or renters insurance policies. If the dog owner lacks insurance or the claim is undervalued, we can help you pursue compensation directly from the owner.
We may seek damages for:
- Current and future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Permanent disability
As in any personal injury litigation, thorough preparation and documentation are keys to success. The sooner you contact our firm to begin investigating your claim, the more we may be able to help you.
Talk To A Personal Injury Lawyer In A Free Consultation
Holland Injury Law, LLC, serves clients in St. Louis, Missouri, and surrounding areas. We take all injury cases on a contingency fee basis, and we are pleased to offer free initial consultations. To learn more, please send us an email or call 314-684-8321.
