Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in Missouri: Talk to a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
Dog bites can be awful and painful. If you were bitten in Missouri, you may have legal recourse. You don’t have to be alone. A skilled Kansas City personal injury lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and options.
This page provides a plain English understanding of Missouri’s dog bite laws. You will learn what to do, what damages you can recover, and how lawyers can help you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws Are Clear
Missouri follows a strict liability law for dog bites. That means:
- If a dog bites you, the owner is usually responsible.
- You don’t have to prove the dog bit someone before.
- You don’t have to show the owner was careless.
As long as:
- You were in a public place or had permission to be there.
- You didn’t provoke the dog.
Then the owner is likely at fault.
This law is found in Missouri Revised Statute § 273.036.
Who Is Covered by the Law?
You can file a claim if:
- You were walking down the street.
- You were visiting someone’s home.
- You were working in someone’s yard with permission.
- Your child was bitten while playing outside.
This law covers kids and adults alike. Dog owners must keep their pets under control. If they fail, they are legally responsible.
What Should Be Done After a Dog Bite
Act fast. The first steps you take matter for your health and your case.
- Get medical help.
Even small bites can infect you, go to a doctor as soon as possible. - Report the bite.
Tell animal control or the police. Get a copy of the report. - Take photos.
Take pictures of your wound, where it happened, and the dog if you can. - Gather info.
Get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number. Ask if the dog had shots. - Talk to a lawyer.
An injury lawyer can help protect your rights and guide your next steps.
What You Can Get Compensation For
You may be able to claim money for:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Lost income if you missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scars or long-term injuries
- Therapy costs
Every case is different. A lawyer will help you in the legal process to understand what your claim is worth.
What If the Dog Owner Blames You?
Sometimes the dog owner might say the bite was your fault. They may claim:
- You trespassed
- You teased or scared the dog
- You ignored warnings
These claims can lower the amount you get or block your case. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means:
- If you were 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
- If you were 50% at fault, you get half.
- You can still recover something even if you’re mostly to blame.
A lawyer will work to show the dog owner was mainly responsible.
When does your claim expire?
In Missouri, under the Missouri statute of limitations, you have five years after a dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit.
But waiting can hurt your case. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. It’s better to act fast and speak to a lawyer right away.
What If the Dog Didn’t Bite You But Still Caused Harm?
Dog owners can still be held liable even if the dog didn’t bite you. If a dog:
- Knocked you down
- Caused you to fall
- Made you crash your bike
It still leaves open the possibility.
The primary issue is: Was the dog injured, or was the owner the lack of control?
What if the Injury Occured When the Dog was on Leash, or was in Yard?
Even if an owner has their dog restrained, or is in a yard, they owe a duty to control their dog so it does not pull away, get loose, or injure someone else. For example:
- If the leash was too long
- If the gate was broken
- If the dog jumped the fence
A lawyer will look into every detail to see if the owner was truly careful.
What If an Animal Bites a Child?
Children will get bitten more than adults. And Missouri law will protect them too, even if they are not fully grasping how to behave around animals.
If your child was bitten:
- Take photos
- Get medical care
- Contact a lawyer who works with child injury cases
The emotional impact of a bite can last for years. So can the scars.
How a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
You don’t have to deal with insurance companies alone. A lawyer will:
- Collect evidence
- Talk to witnesses
- Review medical records
- Deal with the dog owner’s insurance
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take the case to court if needed
Many lawyers offer free consultations and only get paid if you win.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Look for someone who:
- Knows Missouri dog bite laws
- Has handled bite injury claims before
- Will explain your options in simple terms
- Is ready to fight for you in court
Ask questions like:
- How many dog bite cases have you won?
- Will I work directly with you?
- What will you charge?
You should feel safe, heard, and supported.
You Have Rights. Don’t Stay Silent.
If you or a loved one was bitten, Missouri law is on your side. A skilled Kansas City personal injury lawyer can help you recover.
You deserve care, justice, and fair pay for your injuries. Don’t wait. Take the first step today.
Common Dog Bite Law Questions
- Can I sue for being bitten by a dog on private property?
Yes, if you were there with permission. Missouri law still holds the dog’s owner liable to you.
- What if I don’t know who owns the dog?
You should report the bite to animal control. An attorney can track down the owner and file with their homeowners insurance or file a lawsuit.
- Do I have to prove the dog has bitten someone before?
No. Missouri does not require evidence of previous dog bites. It is solely the owner’s responsibility for the first dog bite occurring.
4. What happens if a dog bites my child at school or daycare?
The school or daycare may also be liable. A lawyer can look at who was in charge of the dog.
5. How much does a lawyer cost for a dog bite case?
Most work on a contingency fee. That means you pay nothing unless you win money.
Bottomline
Need help after a dog bite in Kansas City? Talk to a trusted Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer today. Protect your rights. Get the care and compensation you need.