Stephen Schultz | December 20, 2025 | Dog Bites
Dog bites can happen suddenly and leave victims with painful injuries and emotional trauma. Many people assume they can sue only if a dog has bitten someone before or if the owner was negligent.
In Missouri, that is not the case. Missouri law protects dog bite victims and allows them to pursue compensation, even after a first-time bite. If you or a loved one has been bitten, you may be able to sue for damages in Missouri. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Missouri’s Dog Bite Law?
Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means a dog owner can be legally held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression.
Under Missouri law, a dog owner is liable if:
- The dog bites a person
- The person was lawfully on public or private property, and
- The person did not provoke the dog
Liability is often straightforward if the legal elements are met. Missouri law does not require victims to prove negligence or that an owner knew their dog was dangerous.
What if the Victim Was Trespassing?
Missouri’s dog bite law generally protects people who are lawfully on public or private property at the time of the bite. The dog owner may not be automatically liable under the state’s strict liability statute if the victim was trespassing.
However, there are exceptions. Trespass issues are highly fact-specific, and dog bite cases must be evaluated carefully. A St. Louis dog bite lawyer can determine what legal theories may allow you to pursue compensation.
Missouri Dog Bite Law: What Damages Can You Recover?
Dog bite injuries may involve more than a trip to the emergency room. Victims may face ongoing medical care, missed time from work, and lasting emotional trauma. Missouri law allows victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages associated with their injuries.
A successful dog bite claim in Missouri may allow you to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, follow-up treatment, and future medical needs
- Lost wages, including time missed from work or reduced ability to earn a living
- Physical pain and discomfort caused by the injuries
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, fear, or trauma, after the bite
- Scarring or disfigurement, especially to visible areas like the face or hands
Every dog bite case is different, and compensation depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries. A St. Louis dog bite lawyer can help evaluate your losses and pursue compensation that fully reflects both the immediate and long-term consequences of the attack.
How Long Do You Have to Sue for a Dog Bite in Missouri?
Missouri generally allows five years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a dog bite. This may sound like plenty of time, but waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or document the full extent of your injuries.
Acting sooner allows a Missouri personal injury lawyer to investigate your bite and handle insurance negotiations while your focus remains on recovery.
Where Do Dog Bite Claims Commonly Arise in Missouri?
Dog bites in Missouri often happen during routine, everyday activities. Many victims are caught off guard in places they reasonably believe are safe.
Dog bite claims commonly arise when someone is:
- Walking through a neighborhood or apartment complex
- Visiting a friend, neighbor, or family member’s home
- Entering a yard or porch where a dog was unsecured
- Bitten by a dog that escaped its leash or fence
- Playing near a dog
Missouri law protects individuals who are lawfully on public or private property, including guests, delivery drivers, utility workers, and postal employees. A dog’s owner may be held legally responsible for the injuries caused if a bite occurs in one of these common scenarios.
Contact the St. Louis Dog Bite Attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were injured from a dog bite, speaking with a St. Louis dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and whether you can sue. Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Dog bites can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt by a dog bite, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis dog bite attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
