A dog bite can be highly distressing. They can cause severe physical and emotional harm. If you or your loved one suffered an injury caused by a dog in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury or loss. In this article, we will outline your rights; what you need to do next; and how a dog bite attorney can help you.
What Missouri Law Says About Dog Bites
Missouri has a strict liability rule. That means dog owners are often held responsible, even if the dog never bit before. The law does not care if the dog seemed “nice” or was “just playing.” If it bit someone without good reason, the owner may be liable.
This rule applies if:
- The bite happened in public or where you had a right to be.
- You didn’t provoke the dog.
Even one bite can lead to big costs—doctor visits, missed work, or lasting fear. The law gives you a way to recover those losses.
You Can File a Claim for More Than Just Bites
Dogs don’t have to bite to cause harm. Some dogs knock people over or cause other injuries. If a loose dog chases a cyclist and they crash, the dog owner may still be liable.
You may be able to get money for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and stress
- Lost wages
- Therapy or rehab
- Scars or long-term harm
What to Do Right After a Dog Bite
Act fast. It helps your health and your case.
- Get Medical Help: Always get checked. Even small bites can lead to infection.
- Report the Bite: Call local animal control or the police.
- Take Photos: Get pictures of the wound, the dog, and the scene.
- Get Contact Info: Talk to the dog’s owner and any people who saw it happen.
- Save Medical Records: Keep everything—bills, x-rays, notes from doctors.
The more proof you have, the better your case.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can lead to many kinds of harm. Some may last a lifetime.
- Deep cuts: These may need stitches or surgery.
- Infection: Dog mouths carry germs.
- Broken bones: Larger dogs can knock people over.
- Nerve damage: A strong bite can hit muscle or nerves.
- PTSD or fear: Many people feel anxious or scared after.
No matter how mild it looks, always let a doctor decide how bad it is.
Why a Missouri Dog Bite Lawyer Matters
A skilled and affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can deal with the legal steps so you can heal. They’ll look at:
- Who owns the dog
- Whether the dog has bitten before
- Local leash laws
- Your medical records and costs
- Insurance coverage
Most dog bite claims involve homeowners’ insurance. These companies try to pay as little as they can. A good lawyer will push back and get you what’s fair.
How Much Money Can You Get?
Every case is different. The amount you get depends on:
- The injury
- The cost of care
- How long you missed work
- If the scar is visible
- If the bite left emotional harm
Some cases may settle fast. Others may take time. But if you have strong proof, your chances go up.
How Long Do You Have to File?
Missouri gives you five years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. That may sound like a lot, but it’s smart to act early. Evidence fades. Memories change. A lawyer can help keep things clear and on track.
Can You Sue a Friend or Neighbor?
Yes, but it can feel awkward. In most cases, you’re not going after the person. You’re going after their insurance. This is why people have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. A good lawyer handles the case with care to avoid making things personal.
What if the Dog Was a Stray?
This is harder. If no one owns the dog, there may be no one to sue. Still, there may be options:
- Was the dog loose from a shelter?
- Was it on someone’s property?
- Did someone feed or care for it?
A lawyer will check every angle.
What About Kids Who Get Bitten?
Dog bites hurt kids more than adults. They’re shorter, so they get bitten in the face or neck. They may need surgery or trauma care. In Missouri, parents can file a claim on their child’s behalf. Kids under 18 have more time to file, but it’s still smart to act soon.
Steps a Lawyer Will Take for You
Here’s what a dog bite lawyer in Missouri will usually do:
- Talk to you about what happened
- Get your medical records
- Review photos, reports, and witness info
- Speak to the dog’s owner or their insurance
- Try to settle or prepare for court if needed
Many lawyers don’t charge unless they win. That means you can get help even if money is tight.
When to Call a Lawyer
Call as soon as you’re safe and stable. A short talk is often free. It helps you know if you have a case and what to do next.
FAQs
1. What if the dog has no prior bites?
Missouri statutes place responsibility on the owner no matter what. Prior bites and/or disturbances are of no purchase under strict liability.
2. What if I didn’t go to the emergency room right away?
Certainly. The fact that there is a delayed treatment will severely hurt your proof of the case, which is why you should get checked as soon as you can.
3. What if I have some fault?
You can still recover. Missouri has “pure comparative fault”, so your award will just be reduced based upon percentage of fault.
4. Will the dog be euthanized because I made a claim?
Not necessarily. The fact that you made a claim doesn’t by its nature result in the dog being taken or euthanized—it depends on local jurisdiction rules and the dog’s history.
5. Can I bring a claim if a dog bit my pet?
In some circumstances, yes. You could recover for the vet bills or if the incident killed your pet.
Final Words
Dog bites can be traumatic and can also lead to suffering. Fortunately for victims, Missouri Law provides an opportunity to push back. You don’t have to go at it alone. An experienced local dog bite attorney in Kansas City can fight for you, protect your rights, and help you be compensated for your suffering.
