Dogs are a very popular and beloved pet in Kansas City. However, in the blink of an eye, a playful moment can turn into a traumatic experience when a dog bite occurs. These incidents can leave not only physical scars but also emotional and psychological ones, affecting victims for years after the attack.
With a proven track record of success, Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe is dedicated to supporting those affected by dog bites in Kansas City. Our injury lawyers in Kansas City can help you navigate the complexities of your claim with precision and empathy, advocating for the support and compensation that you deserve. Call (816) 876-2600 for a free consultation today.
Why Choose Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe for Your Dog Bite Case?
- Our award-winning trial attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice for injured people in Kansas City. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
- With over a century of combined experience, our lawyers have the skills, knowledge, and resources that you need to hold the animal’s owner accountable.
- We know how devastating the aftermath of a dog attack can be. Our firm is dedicated to providing the compassionate support that you need, handling every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on recovery.
Missouri Dog Bite Liability Laws
If you were bitten by a dog in Missouri, you are eligible for legal action. Missouri holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their dogs cause; victims do not need to demonstrate the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness or negligence. Instead, they can seek compensation via a lawsuit if they were bitten while on public or legally on private property and did not provoke the dog.
Missouri Revised Statutes – 273.036. Owner liable, when — fine, amount.
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.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Dog Bite Claim in Kansas City?
Navigating a dog bite claim requires a deep understanding of Missouri dog bite laws and how they apply to your situation. At Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, our dog bite lawyers in Kansas City offer comprehensive support so that you can build a robust case for compensation. We can assist you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to the final resolution:
- Thorough Investigation: We will gather all evidence related to the attack, including witness statements, medical records, and expert testimonies, to build a strong case.
- Legal Expertise: Our Kansas City dog bite attorneys provide expert legal guidance based on Missouri’s dog bite laws, which allows us to navigate your claim effectively.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, countering lowball offers and advocating for your interests.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the physical and emotional toll of dog bite injuries. That’s why we take on the legal burdens, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Kansas City?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the bite to file a dog bite lawsuit under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120. If the attack was fatal, the family has three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100.
Potential Defenses Dog Owners Can Raise and How They Affect Your Case
Strict liability makes it easier to hold a dog owner responsible, but owners and their insurers can still push back against these claims. They often raise one of these defenses:
- Provocation: The owner claims you provoked the dog to attack in some way. For example, they may say that you teased, hit, or startled the dog, or got between the dog and its food or puppies.
- Trespassing: Missouri’s strict liability law only protects people on public property or lawfully on private property. The owner may argue you entered the property without permission, even if you were a guest, delivery driver, or mail carrier with a valid reason to be there.
- Shared Fault: The owner may say your own actions contributed to the bite, such as ignoring a posted warning, entering a fenced area, or disregarding the owner’s instructions.
If an owner proves provocation or trespassing, you may lose the ability to recover compensation under the strict liability statute. Depending on the facts, you may still have other options, such as a negligence claim. This type of case may apply when the owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog.
Insurers often use these defenses to justify lower settlement offers, and anything you say to them can be used to support their position. Our Kansas City dog bite attorneys will investigate the attack, speak with witnesses, and gather photos, medical records, and animal control reports to respond to these arguments.
Who Else May Be Responsible for a Dog Attack in Kansas City, MO?
Missouri’s strict liability dog bite law applies to the dog’s owner and to anyone who possessed or controlled the animal at the time of the bite. Depending on what happened, responsible parties may include:
- A dog walker, pet sitter, or friend caring for the dog
- A kennel, groomer, or boarding facility
- The parents of a minor who owns the dog
- In limited situations, a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act
What Types of Injuries and Infections Can Dog Bites Cause?
A dog’s jaws can do far more damage than a single puncture wound. Bites often tear skin and muscle, and the force of an attack can crush tissue or break small bones, especially in the hands and face.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Avulsions, where skin or tissue is torn away
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage
- Tendon and ligament damage
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries from being knocked to the ground
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
Infection is another serious risk. A dog’s mouth carries bacteria that can enter the body through a bite and lead to infections such as Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, MRSA, or tetanus. Without prompt treatment, an infection can spread to the blood, bones, or joints, causing sepsis or long-term complications.
Schedule Your Free, No-Obligation Consultation With a Dog Bite Attorney in Kansas City Today
Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic experience, leading to physical injuries, emotional scars, and financial burdens. At Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, our Kansas City dog bite lawyers are dedicated to supporting victims in their recovery journey. Contact us today at (816) 876-2600 or toll-free at (877) 816-2600 for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time.