Holding Pet And Property Owners Responsible For Injuries
All property owners have a duty of care: a legal obligation to make reasonable efforts to keep their property safe. Almost any kind of building or open space can be the subject of a premises liability claim. Businesses, private homes and construction sites are some of the more common locations where accidents are reported, but claims can also be filed concerning unsafe conditions at parks, swimming pools and other public places. Slip-and-falls, dog bites and other types of accidents and injuries are often preventable when animals are controlled and property is maintained.
Suing For Compensation On A Premises Liability Claim
If a property owner causes or has knowledge of a dangerous condition but does not fix it, they can be held liable for or any injuries that result. Slip-and-falls, dog bites and injuries from falling equipment on construction sites are common claims. Premises liability claims seek compensation for things such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Current and future medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment
- Compensation for lost time at work
To file a premises liability claim, you must first prove that you were not trespassing. You must also show that conditions at the property were a significant cause of your injuries and that the property owner was negligent. Proving negligence often relies on testimony by witnesses, surveillance footage and inspection of the property before the dangerous conditions are improved. This makes contacting us about your claim as quickly as possible critical to the success of your claim.
Dog Bite Laws In Kansas And Missouri
Kansas and Missouri have slightly different laws concerning the liability of a dog owner when their dog bites someone. Kansas has the one bite rule. This means that the dog owner is only liable for bite injuries if they knew or should have known that their dog was likely to bite someone. The first bite is forgiven, but the dog owner is liable for any subsequent injuries suffered by bite victims. Missouri law does not forgive the first bite. As long as the dog is not provoked into biting someone, Missouri dog owners may be held liable any time their dog bites someone.
If you or your child were bitten by a dog in Kansas or Missouri, there are two things you must prove:
- You were injured as a result of the dog bite.
- You were not trespassing when you were bitten.
Dog bites can cause severe injuries, especially in young children. We have seen too many cases where stitches and reconstructive surgery were required. If you or your child were bitten by a dog, contact us immediately to set up an initial consultation.
Contact The Premises Liability Lawyers At Hunter & Cassidy Law
For help in filing a slip-and-fall or dog bite claim, call Hunter & Cassidy Law at 816-692-2926 or fill out our online contact form to set up an initial consultation.