Columbia, MO Dog Bite Lawyer
If a Dog Attack Has Left You
Injured & Traumatized, Get Compassionate & Aggressive Legal Representation with Columbia, MO’s
Dog Bite Attorney, EC Duckworth
At Duckworth Injury Law, We Take Dog Attacks Seriously, Pursuing the Maximum Amount of Compensation Possible in Dog Injury Cases in Columbia, MO
Pet injury lawyer EC Duckworth takes quick action to build your case against the owner of the dog that attacked you or your child in Columbia, MO. Call today to schedule your free case review
A dog, or any pet for that matter, can attack without warning. Even the most loving family animal can have a sudden burst of aggression, biting or attacking a human, leaving you or your child with severe lacerations and scarring. Tragically, some dog bites can even lead to the death of the victim. The physical and mental toll a dog attack takes on a victim can be heavy, and you deserve to have your medical care and mental anguish covered by the owner of the dog that attacked you. You deserve to receive the maximum amount of compensation that may be available in your dog attack claim, so choose a dog bite attorney with experience and a true local presence.
EC Duckworth is a hometown attorney serving Columbia and the surrounding Mid-Missouri communities with an aggressive approach and with a deep understanding in navigating the local legal system.
He has settled dozens of cases for the maximum insurance coverage limits available, has won verdicts before judges and juries in mid-Missouri, and always fights for his clients’ best interests from the first consultation to the day they win their case. Call Duckworth Injury Law to get the support you deserve. EC Duckworth is Columbia, MO’s dog bite attorney.
How can I find a dog bite lawyer in Columbia, MO with the experience & time my family deserves after a traumatic dog attack?
There are many personal injury lawyers in Columbia, MO who claim to handle dog bite cases, meaning your list of options for potential dog bite lawyers will be long. However, when looking for the best dog bite attorney for your case, it’s important to do your due diligence in selecting an attorney. One of the best ways to narrow down your search is by consulting with friends and family, doing your own research, and reviewing your case with a narrowed-down selection of attorneys who may fit the bill.
Talk to your friends, family members, and colleagues who have experience working with a personal injury lawyer and see what they have to say. Keep in mind the qualities that make a good dog bite attorney in Columbia, MO. These qualities include prompt and honest communication, experience winning cases like yours, and a local presence. A good lawyer will be honest with you from the beginning, helping you understand whether your case is worth pursuing or if the evidence would not result in the outcome you are hoping for. Good attorneys should also keep their clients informed regarding the progress of settlement negotiations, mediation, or a trial. Finally, you should consider working with a dog bite lawyer who operates their practice in Columbia, MO. EC Duckworth is based in Columbia, MO and has extensive experience serving the community and victims of serious dog bite incidents.
Once you have a list of recommended attorneys to investigate, do your own research. Explore several firms’ websites, Google reviews, and
case results. If they don’t have “dog bites” included as one of their practices on their website, their reviews are less than impressive, or they don’t have case results to share, you can cross them off your list.
When your list has been narrowed down to just a few local dog bite lawyers, contact each firm directly to schedule a case review. You should be given the opportunity to meet with an experienced dog bite attorney for free. Bring any evidence you have, including photos, medical notes, medical bills, and more, to help the attorney understand your claim. A qualified dog bite attorney will often be able to determine whether you have a case worthy of pursuing on the spot. While not all dog bites are severe enough to pursue an injury claim, serious dog bites that require medical treatment typically are. A serious dog bite can require expensive, and occasionally long-term, care, especially in the case of those bite victims who develop PTSD following the attack.
Before signing a contract with a lawyer, ask about their
contingency fee structure and the terms of the attorney-client agreement. Should you both agree to work together, your dog bite lawyer will begin to pursue the case on your behalf. If you would like to book a free case review with EC Duckworth, contact Duckworth Injury Law today.
What does the process of pursuing a dog bite claim in Columbia, MO look like?
Like any personal injury or wrongful death case he pursues, EC Duckworth prioritizes gathering evidence in a dog bite claim quickly. Because 80% of dog bites take place at home, crucial evidence may include doorbell camera or home security footage, as well as photographs of the injury, medical records, reports of previous aggression displayed by the animal, and more. Once EC Duckworth has gathered all relevant evidence, he will submit a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Should the insurance company be unwilling to meet the initial demand or any following settlement negotiations, the claim may move to mediation or trial, where Duckworth Injury Law will litigate the claim on your behalf.
EC Duckworth is tireless in the pursuit of what you are owed after a vicious dog attack, and he won’t back down when settlement negotiations aren’t successful and a trial becomes necessary.
If a settlement can’t be reached in my Columbia, MO dog bite case, what happens next?
Should the at-fault party’s insurance company refuse to offer an agreeable settlement, the case may proceed to court. Once filed, a judge may set deadlines for when certain phases of litigation must be completed. The first is the discovery phase, when both parties share the evidence supporting their respective position on the claim. Mediation often follows, where both the claimant and defendant meet with a neutral third-party, often another attorney or judge, who will hear both sides of the case and attempt to facilitate settlement negotiations between the parties. While the mediator has no authority to decide the case, their involvement may help to bring a resolution to the claim before a trial becomes necessary. If mediation fails, the case may proceed to trial.
If your case must be tried in the Circuit Court of Boone County, dog bite attorney EC Duckworth will be there for you. He will ensure your case is presented to the jury with all necessary evidence and with a strong argument for maximum compensation. EC has litigated and won countless cases that were filed in Boone County, and he has experience arguing cases before both judges and juries. He won’t back down, and he won’t flinch in the face of corporate insurance providers who would do anything to not pay your family what they are owed. Trust EC Duckworth to take your dog bite case as far as it takes.
Frequently asked questions about dog attacks in Columbia, MO
When is the owner of a dog liable for their dog biting another person in Columbia, MO?
Missouri generally follows a strict liability approach to dog bites, meaning a dog owner may be held responsible even if the dog has never bitten before. However, defenses and exceptions can apply, particularly in cases involving provocation, trespassing, or comparative fault. Having an experienced Columbia dog bite lawyer evaluate the facts early is critical. Read our blog, “What You Should Know About Missouri’s Dog Bite Liability Law” to learn more.
When should I start a dog bite claim in Columbia, MO?
The sooner you take action to pursue a dog bite claim, the better. Not only will this improve your dog bite lawyer’s chances of gathering key evidence before it is lost or destroyed, but you will also ensure your case is filed within Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Dog bite victims who are injured by an animal will have five years to file their case. Families of a victim who dies as a result of a dog attack and/or later from the injuries sustained are granted only three years to file their case. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim, regardless of its severity.
With such a limited timeline, it’s essential that you contact an attorney like EC Duckworth as soon as possible. He will work quickly and effectively, not only to build your case and submit your initial demand, but throughout the life of your case, no matter how far he must take it.
Common injuries associated with dog bites in Columbia, MO
The severity of a dog bite will often depend on the age of the victim, the breed of the dog, and the length of the attack. A quick bite in response to a dog being surprised or having their space invaded may result in a small puncture wound(s) that only requires a visit to urgent care. However, even quick bites can tear ligaments and cause nerve damage, resulting in much more extensive and costly care. If the animal’s attack includes multiple bites, pulling and/or shaking the victim,
especially children or the elderly – victims can face much more extreme injuries, including the following:
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Infections From Bite Wounds
- Lacerations
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Wrongful Death
- & More
Understand the type of damages associated with victims of dog bites & other pet injuries in Columbia, MO
A traumatic dog attack is not only physically painful, but it can also result in years of mental anguish and lifelong PTSD and fear. To best address the pain and suffering experienced by the victim, dog bite survivors or the surviving family members may be awarded the following damages:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Scarring and/or Disfigurement Damages
- Emotional Trauma
- Pain & Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- & More
Duckworth Injury Law seeks the maximum compensation possible for victims of dog bites in Columbia, MO. Bring your case to EC Duckworth for aggressive & proven legal experience
EC Duckworth is proud to be Columbia, MO’s dog bite attorney. Not only is he diligent in his pursuit of justice and financial compensation for his clients, but he is also a mid-Missouri local committed to working on behalf of you and your family. With nearly a decade of legal experience under his belt and a passion for serving Columbia, MO with the legal acumen personal injury and wrongful death victims deserve, you can trust EC to fight for you. Call or contact Duckworth Injury Law to start building your case today.
