Stephen Schultz | January 24, 2026 | Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious injuries that result in significant scarring and permanent impairment. In Missouri, victims can pursue legal claims for compensation from negligent pet owners and other responsible parties. Understanding the steps to take after a dog attack or bite protects your health. It also increases your chances of recovering damages for a dog bite case.
Missouri Dog Bite Liability Laws
Missouri uses a strict liability standard for dog bite cases. According to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 273.036, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bite injuries. This standard applies regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous. This law replaced the old “one-bite rule,” making it easier for victims to recover compensation.
To pursue a claim, you must show:
- A dog bit you
- You were on public property or legally present on private property
- You did not provoke the dog
In addition to paying damages to the victim, a dog owner can be fined up to $1,000 if they are found liable under the above statute.
Victims can recover damages even if they are partially to blame for a dog bite injury. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system. A victim’s compensation is reduced by their level of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault, you could still recover 80 percent of your damages.
How To Report a Dog Bite in St. Louis
Report dog bites as soon as possible. In the City of St. Louis, contact Animal Care and Control at 314-657-1500 during business hours or 314-231-1212 after hours. For St. Louis County, call Animal Control at 314-615-0650. You can also file a police report by contacting local law enforcement.
Request copies of all reports for your records. These documents can serve as important evidence if you later pursue a legal claim against the dog’s owner.
Seeking Medical Treatment After a Dog Bite
A wound may appear minor. However, it is important to seek prompt medical treatment after a dog bite. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and prompt treatment can prevent complications and may be necessary for your personal injury claim. Your physician may prescribe antibiotics and recommend a tetanus shot if your vaccination is not current.
Document the incident by keeping copies of all medical records, including but not limited to:
- Emergency room intake forms
- Physician notes
- Test results
- Treatment plans
- Prescriptions
- Bills and statements
Follow-up care documentation, including wound care visits, physical therapy sessions, and counseling records, can also be important for establishing the full extent of your damages.
Documenting the Dog Bite Incident
Proper documentation can play a critical role in supporting a dog bite claim and demonstrating the full extent of your injuries and losses. After an injury, you should:
- Photograph your injuries immediately: Take photographs of your injuries immediately, before receiving treatment if possible. Capture multiple angles and include close-up shots of the wounds. Photograph any torn or bloodied clothing as well.
- Document the healing process: Continue photographing throughout the healing process to document scarring, bruising, and the progression of wounds. These images can demonstrate the severity of the attack and any permanent disfigurement that results from it.
- Gather witness information: Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the attack. Their statements can provide neutral accounts of what happened. Neighbors may be able to confirm whether the dog has acted aggressively before.
- Keep a personal injury journal: Document your pain levels, emotional distress, and how the injury affects your daily activities. Note any limitations on work, sleep disruptions, anxiety around dogs, or other ways the incident has impacted your quality of life.
Detailed records help establish the seriousness of a dog bite incident and can strengthen your ability to pursue fair compensation for both physical and emotional harm.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
Missouri gives dog bite victims five years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means forfeiting your right to seek compensation through the courts, regardless of how strong your case might be. Exceptions to the statute of limitations could change the deadline. Prompt legal advice helps protect your rights.
While five years may seem like plenty of time, waiting too long to pursue a claim can make it harder to locate witnesses, gather evidence, and build a solid case. Evidence fades, memories become less reliable, and witnesses may move or become unavailable.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims can seek economic damages, such as:
Dog bite victims may also recover non-economic damages, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety or fear of dogs
- Post-traumatic stress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
These damages account for the lasting physical and psychological impact of a dog attack.
Talk to a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers
If you suffered injuries in a dog attack in St. Louis, Missouri, the team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can review your case and explain your options. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis dog bite lawyer.
Dog Bite accidents 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
