Springfield Dog Bite Attorneys
Helping You Recover After Dog Attacks
Each year, approximately 4.7 million people are attacked by dogs, and just under 800,000 people are treated for dog bites. While most dogs are cuddly and friendly, any dog can bite, and dog owners are always responsible for the behavior of their pets. Missouri is a strict liability state for dog bites, which means dog owners must pay for any damage their dogs caused – unless, of course, the dog was provoked.
If you have been attacked by a dog in or around Springfield, proving the circumstances of the attack is crucial to your recovery. Our team at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. can send an investigator to you and, as one of the largest injury firms in Missouri, we have the connections and resources you need to win.
Once you get in touch, we will not stop fighting for both your rights and the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured or traumatized by a dog, call us at (888) 287-1046 today. We will be in touch soon after to help you set up a free consultation.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Under Section 273.036 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, dog owners are “strictly liable” for damages suffered by victims of their pets, regardless of whether or not the dog has a history of viciousness. In this way, Missouri is different from many other states, which follow the “one bite rule.”
The only exception for strict liability in Missouri dog bite cases is provocation. If you provoked the dog into biting or attacking you, you may not be entitled to compensation. Many dog owners (and their insurance companies) try to use provocation as a defense, even if you did nothing to inspire your attack.
That’s why we must investigate your attack – and why having a strong legal team is so crucial to your case.
Fortunately, our team of Springfield dog bite lawyers at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. has over 235 years of collective legal experience to put on your side.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Dog Attack?
Dog owners can face severe consequences after an attack, including a fine of up to $1,000 and criminal charges if their dog severely injured or killed someone. This is especially true if their dog has any history of viciousness or previous attacks.
Further, dog owners are responsible for any damage their dog may have caused. If you suffered damages, this means you are entitled to compensation, including funds to account for:
- Medical bills
- Missed wages
- Therapy and rehabilitative care
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Changes to your quality of life
- And more
Sadly, dog attacks are most common among children. These attacks can leave lasting psychological scars on people of all ages, but young people are especially vulnerable.
If you or your child suffered a dog attack, Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. is ready to help you pursue maximum compensation – we fight aggressively to secure your future.
Long-Term Effects of a Dog Attack
In addition to puncture wounds, broken bones, scarring, and the risk of infection, dog bites have a profound psychological impact on survivors. People who are attacked by a dog may be afraid of the animals for the rest of their lives. This debilitating fear is called cynophobia. People who survive dog attacks often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well.
These conditions can prevent an individual from working and cause other serious losses. The effects of a dog bite cannot be underestimated. Whether owners or insurance companies try to shirk liability or undervalue your claim, we fight hard so the truth comes out.
Why Choose Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C.
Unlike other personal injury cases, dog bites do not hinge on negligence but boil down to the question of provocation. While strict liability should make cases simpler, both parties argue fiercely about whether or not the dog was provoked. When you tell us what happened, we will not stop until we prove it. If this means sending an investigator to you, we will do it. If this means recruiting expert witnesses, we will do it.
Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. is committed to your cause. We got into personal injury law and dog bite law because we wanted to protect the injured. For the past decade, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.
Our team has recovered multi-million-dollar settlements for our clients, and we are ready to help you, too.
Call us at (888) 287-1046 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today – we start fighting for you the moment you call.
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“My husband was in a car accident, we called Aaron Sachs, and are very glad we did! First of all, they sent someone to our home to interview my husband, so he did not have to drive all the way to Springfield to their office while he was in pain.” - Former Client
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“I was rear-ended by a non-insured driver. My car was totaled and I ended up having surgery on my shoulder. I was thrilled to get a settlement way larger than I could have dreamed.” - Former Client
Our Core Principles
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Accessibility
We make sure that we are available to answer our clients’ questions, breaking down the complex legal jargon and using plain English. There is no “one size fits all” answer — your case needs and deserves individual attention, and this is what we are prepared to provide.
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Professionalism
Our team has over 235 years of combined experience, handling over ten thousand personal injury cases. We are committed to professional excellence in every aspect of what we do and how we do it. We have over 65 employees with an exclusive focus on injury claims.
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Understanding
We strive to meet our clients where they are and provide the service they need. Suffering an injury is a difficult time in an individual’s life; you need representation that understands both the worries you may be feeling and the world you are now dealing with. Let us help ensure your rights are protected.