Dog bites will turn your world around. A walk or jog to visit a neighbor can result in you being injured and traumatized. If you, or someone you know with a dog, got bitten by another person, in Kansas City, you do have rights. You do not have to take things into your own hands. You can be helped by an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City and made fairly compensated for the injuries. This book aims to assist you on what to do in case you’ve been bitten by a dog, why you should seek legal counsel, and how you may protect your health as well as your rights.

What Happens After a Dog Bite?

A dog bite can puncture the skin and lead to infection. Some bites dislodge nerves or result in scarring. Victims may become afraid of approaching animals following a bite.

Most common dog bite injuries are:

• Cut and puncture wounds
• Torn muscles and skin
• Fractured bones
• Infection
• Emotional trauma

A minor bite may escalate into a more serious bite within a few days. Always consult a doctor. Treat promptly to prevent infection.

Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?

In Kansas City, the dog’s owner is typically responsible for injury caused by the dog. Kansas law follows the rule of strict liability. What that means is that the owner can be made to pay for your damages even if the dog has never bitten anyone.

The owner’s homeowners policy could cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring

Insurance companies do not like to pay out as little as possible. An attorney will defend your rights and demand proper compensation.

What to Do If a Dog Bites You

The following are simple steps to protect your health and claim:

• Get immediate medical attention.

• Clean the wound.
• Follow all treatment regimens.
• Keep track of visits and fees.

• Report the attack.

• Call Kansas City Animal Control.
• Make sure the incident is reported.

• Document evidence.

• Take photographs of your injuries.
• Obtain the contact details of the dog owner.
• Take details of witnesses.

• Do not handle the dog owner’s insurance business.

• Do not sign anything without consultation.
• Your insurers will use your words against you.

• Ring a personal injury lawyer.

• Obtain assistance with your claim.
• Obtain information about your remedies at law.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps

After a dog bites you, you can focus on recovering. An attorney handles the law so that you do not have to. Some of the ways an attorney can help you include:

• Collect evidence after an incident. Your attorney will collect evidence to establish that the dog owner is liable.
• Consult experts. Medical experts can detail your injury. Economists can quantify your loss of income.
• Negotiate everything. Your attorney deals with insurance companies so you won’t be taken for a ride.
• Demand payment in full. You may be able to recover reimbursement for anything over medical expenses.
• Sue if need be. If the insurance company won’t settle, your attorney will sue them.

Why You Should Act Quickly

Kansas law puts a time limit on claims for injuries. This is also known as the statute of limitations. Putting off means you lose your claim. In Kansas, you typically have two years from the bite to make a claim.

Putting off will also damage your case because:

• Evidence is lost.
• Witnesses forget what happened.
• The owner of the dog leaves town.
• The sooner you get to an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

What if the Dog Is a Relative’s or Good Friend’s?

Most people would not want to sue a friend. Keep in mind that most dog bite cases are paid by insurance, not from the owner’s pocket. You can still be compensated for your injury without ruining relationships. A lawyer will show you how it is possible.

Kansas City Dog Bite Laws

Kansas City does have laws that are meant to safeguard public members. Some of the most significant laws are as follows:

• The owners have to control the dogs.
• The dogs have to be leashed when in the public area.
• The owners are held accountable if the dog bites someone without reason.
• If the dog is a violent dog with a history of being vicious, there are further penalties against the owner.

If the owner had broken one of these laws, you can use this as proof to support your argument.

What Kind of Damages Can You Collect?

Your initial case can include a wide range of losses, such as:

• Medical bills: Hospital stay, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy.
• Lost wages: If you had time off work.
• Pain and suffering: For pain and trauma you experienced.
• Disfigurement: If the bite left scars.
• Future costs: For future treatment or care.

A lawyer will make you put down all damages and help you in the legal process so that you are deserving of rightful compensation.

When a Child Is Bitten

Dog bites happen most frequently to children. Children can be subjected to deep cuts and emotional trauma. They can be forced to undergo surgery in order to repair damage. Children are protected by law, and courts hear their cases seriously.

If your child was bitten:

• Go immediately to see a doctor.
• Save everything: receipts, records, etc.
• Photograph of the injury.
• Speak with a lawyer regarding your child’s rights.

How to Get the Best Attorney

Search for an attorney who is experienced in handling dog bite cases:

• A track record of successful fair settlements
• Good and empathetic communication
• No out-of-pocket fees (most operate on a contingency basis)
• You should have someone who will be there every step of the way.

Contact a Kansas City Dog Bite Attorney Today

If you have been bitten by a dog in Kansas City, don’t wait. You’re worth it. So is your health. Your own Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer can assist you, protect you from nasty insurance company schemes, and get your life underway again.

Most Asked Questions Regarding Kansas City Dog Bite Lawsuits

1. What do I do right away after a dog bite?

Care for the wound, visit a doctor, and report the bite to Animal Control. Next, keep the evidence intact and consult with an attorney.

2. Am I legally entitled to compensation if the bite occurred on private property?

Yes. You can still be entitled to recover if you were a guest on private property. The dog owner is still at fault anyway.

3. What if the dog owner is not insured?

You still have other options. Your attorney can pursue other types of compensation, such as the owner’s property or renter’s insurance.

4. How much will it cost to retain a lawyer for a dog bite matter?

Most attorneys do cases on a contingency fee. This is where you do not pay anything if they lose your case.

5. How long will my dog bite case last?

Every case is different. Some of them are solved in a matter of months, but others take longer if a lawsuit must be resolved.