Missouri Dog
Bite Lawyer

Were You Bitten by a Dog in Missouri?

Dog bite incidents are far more common than many people realize, with thousands of Missourians falling victim each year. In the aftermath of such a traumatic event, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the legal recourse available to you.

As Missouri dog bite lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog attack can take on a person’s life. From emergency room visits and surgeries to missed work and long-term trauma, the consequences can be devastating.

That’s why we’re committed to fighting for the rights of dog bite victims and holding negligent dog owners accountable under Missouri’s strict liability laws.

Missouri Dog Bite Laws

Statute Language (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036):

“1. The owner or possessor of any dog that bites, without provocation, any person while such person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner or possessor of the dog, is strictly liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s or possessor’s knowledge of such viciousness.”

Essentially, this means that in Missouri:

• Dog owners are strictly liable for bites that occur in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property.
• The dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of potential danger is irrelevant.
• The law specifically mentions bites, not other types of injuries caused by dogs.

To prove liability in a dog bite case in Missouri:

1. Show that a dog bite occurred.
2. Prove that the defendant owns or possesses the dog.
3. Demonstrate that you were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
4. Establish that you did not provoke the dog.
5. Provide evidence of the injuries or damages suffered.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations, scarring, and emotional trauma.

Some common dog bite injuries we see in dog bite cases include:

• Deep cuts and gashes that require stitches or staples
• Torn skin and muscle tissue
• Nerve damage, which can lead to numbness or loss of sensation
• Infections, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis
• Broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and face
• Disfiguring scars that may require reconstructive surgery
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional injuries

In some cases, dog bite injuries can have long-term or even permanent effects on a person’s health, mobility, and quality of life. It’s important to seek prompt medical attention and follow through with all recommended treatments to minimize the risk of complications.

Dog Breeds Commonly Involved in Bite Incidents

While any dog can bite under certain circumstances, some breeds are more frequently involved in serious attacks than others.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are among the breeds most commonly responsible for fatal dog bites.

However, it’s important to note that breed alone does not determine a dog’s propensity for aggression. Factors such as training, socialization, and the owner’s handling of the animal play a significant role in a dog’s behavior. As such, our focus in dog bite cases is on holding owners responsible for their negligence rather than perpetuating breed stereotypes.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Missouri

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Missouri, taking swift action is essential to protecting your health and legal rights.

Here are the steps you should take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can easily become infected, and some injuries may be more severe than they appear at first glance.
2. Report the bite to your local animal control agency. They will investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies.
3. Gather evidence, such as photos of your injuries, contact information for witnesses, and the dog owner’s information.
4. Contact an experienced Missouri dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite

In the aftermath of a dog bite, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

However, there are some common mistakes that can jeopardize your health and your ability to seek compensation:

1. Waiting too long to seek medical care or legal advice. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to connect your injuries to the dog bite incident.
2. Trying to negotiate with the dog owner or their insurance company on your own. These parties may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or shift blame onto you to avoid paying a fair settlement.
3. Posting about the incident on social media before consulting with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use your posts to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or that you shared fault for the bite.

By consulting with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney early on, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Compensation in Missouri Dog Bite Claims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency room bills, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
• Lost wages for time taken off work to recover from your injuries
• Pain and suffering, including both physical pain and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement, which may require costly plastic surgery to repair
• Punitive damages, in cases where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless

An experienced Missouri dog bite lawyer can assess the full scope of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

In many cases, we are able to negotiate a fair dog bite settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company without the need for a lengthy court battle. However, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Being bitten by a dog can be a painful, frightening, and isolating experience. You may feel like no one understands what you’re going through or how to navigate the complex legal system to seek justice.

But you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.

At LA Dog Bite Law, we’ve helped countless dog bite victims in Missouri stand up for their rights and recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward with their lives. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest advice about your legal options.

If you decide to work with us, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if needed. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Don’t suffer in silence or settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Missouri, contact LA Dog Bite Law today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you fight for your rights.