Dog bites can leave victims with serious injuries on top of mounting financial expenses. Missouri law allows victims to hold negligent dog owners liable in these circumstances, but pursuing compensation can be complicated if you don’t know your rights. Learning about how St. Louis dog bite laws work and what to do after an attack can help protect both your health and your legal claim at the same time.
Missouri’s Dog Bite Law Explained
Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 273.036, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown signs of aggression.
To recover damages, you generally must show:
- The dog bit you.
- You were lawfully on public or private property.
- You did not provoke the dog.
Since this is a strict liability statute, the owner can’t simply argue that they didn’t know the dog might bite. Note that to recover compensation for other kinds of dog attacks (meaning other than bites), you may need to establish that the owner was negligent in some way.
In addition to state law, local ordinances in St. Louis and surrounding counties may impose further requirements on pet owners, such as leash laws and breed-specific restrictions. A violation of these rules can potentially help your claim as well.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in St. Louis
The steps you take after a dog bite can have a major impact on your health and your ability to pursue a legal claim.
After an attack, you should:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the incident to your local animal control office or police department.
- Get the dog owner’s contact information.
- Take photos and videos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack.
- Keep copies of all of your medical records and bills.
Once your immediate needs are addressed, consider consulting with a St. Louis dog bite lawyer. They can help you determine your next steps and preserve evidence before it’s lost.
What Are Some Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases?
Dog bites can cause far more than surface wounds. Many victims experience both physical and emotional injuries that take weeks or even years to heal.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Infections
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Torn muscles or tendons
- Facial injuries
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD
If the victim is a child, these injuries can be especially severe and may require long-term care.
What Kinds of Compensation Are Available in Missouri Dog Bite Claims?
If you were bitten by a dog in St. Louis, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include tangible losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
Non-economic damages include personal losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
In rare cases involving extreme misconduct, you may also pursue punitive damages. These are meant to punish wrongful conduct and discourage future harm.
What if the Dog Owner Blames Me?
It’s common for dog owners and their insurers to argue that the victim provoked the attack in some way. Missouri law follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning your damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if the court finds that you were 20% responsible because you ignored a warning sign, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, you can still recover damages for the remaining amount.
If you’re being blamed, having strong evidence and a lawyer to defend your rights can make a major difference in your case.
How a St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim
While you can technically handle a dog bite claim on your own, insurance adjusters will rarely offer full compensation without pressure. A personal injury lawyer in St. Louis can manage every aspect of your case while you focus on your health and well-being.
Your attorney can:
- Investigate the incident and gather evidence of negligence
- Identify all of the liable parties, including property managers if applicable
- Work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries
- Handle communications with the insurance companies
- Negotiate a fair settlement and take your case to court if needed
A lawyer can also ensure that your claim is filed within Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline could permanently bar your right to recover compensation.
Contact a St. Louis Dog Bite Attorney at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in St. Louis, Missouri, it’s almost certainly worth your time to reach out to an attorney for guidance. An experienced St. Louis dog bite lawyer can help you maximize the value of your claim as best as they can under state law. Contact the Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at (314) 444-4444 for a free initial consultation.
