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St. Louis Dog Bite Attorney
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dog bites can lead to serious infections, so it's important to get the wound assessed and treated by a healthcare professional immediately.
Document the Incident
Take detailed photographs of your injury and the location of the incident. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information.
Identify the Dog and Owner
It’s also essential to identify the dog and its owner, as this information will be necessary for your claim.
Report the Incident
File a report with local authorities like animal control or the police, especially if the dog was unprovoked or has a history of aggression.
Keep All Medical Records
Collect and save all documentation related to the treatment of your injury, including records and receipts, as they are very important for your claim.
Consult an Attorney
Contact Missouri Injury Law Firm’s experienced lawyers in dog bite cases. We’ll offer you advice on legal rights and next steps.
Liability in Dog Bite Cases in Missouri
Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Missouri
In Missouri, victims of dog bites are entitled to various types of compensation, reflecting the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of their injuries. Our skilled dog bite attorneys will ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all damages and effective representation in securing rightful compensation for all aspects of your injury.
Medical Expenses
This includes immediate medical costs such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing expenses like physical therapy or reconstructive surgery.
Lost Wages
Compensation for lost wages can be claimed if the injury causes you to miss work. This also covers future lost earning potential if the injury results in long-term disability.
Pain and Suffering
Victims can seek compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite. This considers the severity and longevity of the pain, as well as any psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD.
Property Damage
If personal property (such as clothing or glasses) was damaged during the incident, victims can claim compensation for these losses.
Legal Costs
In some cases, legal fees and other expenses related to pursuing the dog bite claim can be included in the compensation.
Children and Dog Bites
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Why Choose Missouri Injury Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Case
What If The Dog That Bit Me Has Bitten Other People Before?
If a dog bite caused a non-serious injury, the owner faces a class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000).
If a dog bite causes a serious injury, the owner faces a class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000).
If a dog bite causes a serious injury and a previous dog bite has also caused a serious injury, the owner could be subject to a Class E felony (punishable by up to four years in prison).
If a dog bite results in death, the owner can be charged with a Class D felony and face up to seven years in prison.
Furthermore, dogs deemed dangerous must be impounded by the local county sheriff or animal control authority after they have bit someone.
The dog’s owner must file an appeal for the dog to be released. If a court denies that appeal, or if the appeal is not filed within ten days, the dog must be put down, and the owner is on the hook for costs related to the dog’s care and feeding during its time in custody.
Client Testimonials
Read what our clients have to say about our top rated legal services.
My attorney Gene was incredibly knowledgeable and fought hard to make sure I received the compensation I deserved. What really stood out was their dedication and attention to detail — they truly went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of.
If you’re looking for a law firm that combines skill, compassion, and results, I highly recommend Missouri Injury Law Firm. They made a difficult situation so much easier and earned my full trust and gratitude.
We ended up with seriously about 3 times more than I honestly thought we’d get by the end of it! Life changing! The real deal! Not a big giant corporation that cannot remember your name every time you see them! From the moment I walked in to honestly just “shop” around for the right attorney for my situation. I could just feel the connection right away. I am usually a GREAT body and communicative analyzer, I could tell by the end of our first conversation that I’d put my life In his hands. And I did, and he did not disappoint.
I had an intrinsically more difficult case that any lawyer would have had nightmares about! Gene, Taylor, and the crew quite literally make it look like a cake walk! If you trust the process, trust in Gene as he is very professional, not pushy at all, communicative, very compassionate and down to earth! I had no idea what I was in for, being that we had to take the road less traveled on account of my situation.
Gene told me from the start that it would take a 18-36 months to get this done. I took Genes word as Bible. Did exactly as he said when he said it, “tried” not to bother them too much asking for updates (it’s so hard but he does update you if there are things to actually update on right away). Followed the plan step by step and I’m living proof that Gene and the crew will pull the impossible out of their hats given the opportunity! He’s been in this business for a long long time, knows how it works, speaks with such confidence and knowledge, that I will NEVER go anywhere else for my attorney needs. Missouri Injury law firm as a whole was such a great experience for me!!!!! Recommending to everyone I know ! Thank you Gene I owe you a bottle of wine or two !
Can I Sue if a Stray Dog Bites Me?
Even though they do not have an owner who can easily be held liable, it is still possible to recover damages after being bit by a stray dog. You should investigate the following things with your dog bite attorney if you get bit by a stray dog in Missouri:
- Was this dog previously reported as dangerous?
Cities are responsible for making sure dangerous animals are not running freely around town. It’s possible someone had already reported this animal as being dangerous, and the city or county you were in did not take this dog into custody, or you were bit by a stray dog on public property. It could also be that the dog was previously picked up by animal control but somehow managed to escape back into the wild. Under any of these circumstances, the local area may be liable for your attack and resulting injuries, as they did not maintain safe premises.
- Were you on private property?
If a property owner knew that there was a stray dog on their premises and did not at least warn others of potential danger, they can be deemed negligent and thus liable for a lawsuit. Make sure you have the right to be on this property, though: Missouri law deems property or dog owners not liable if someone was bit by a dog while unlawfully trespassing on private property.
- Could authorities find the dog’s owner?
It’s entirely possible that during an investigation, it is determined that the stray dog that bit you is actually not a stray at all, but rather a dog either willfully abandoned by its owner or allowed to run free. Now, not only can we prove liability much easier, but the dog owner could also be subject to additional criminal charges, as animal abandonment is a Class C misdemeanor in Missouri.
How Much Can I Get for My Dog Bite Case?
Each jury award or settlement in a dog bite lawsuit takes into account a large number of factors. These include the severity of your dog bite injuries, how much treatment you required, and how long you were unable to earn a living after your attack.
Most dog bite lawsuits are settled before they go in front of a jury. Insurance companies like settlements because they avoid the risk of large jury awards, while plaintiffs may want a settlement as it allows for a quick resolution without the time and expense of a trial. According to data from a leading insurance firm, the average dog bite lawsuit settlement in Missouri for 2019 was $47,411.
However, you should keep in mind that Missouri is also what is known as a “comparative fault” state. What this means is that if a judge or jury decides that both parties were at least somewhat responsible for a dog bite attack, they can reduce the reward proportion to how much the plaintiff was liable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Missouri?
In Missouri, you generally have five years from the incident date to file a dog-bite lawsuit. However, talking to an attorney will ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
Are you struggling to find dog bite lawyers in St Louis? Call Missouri Injury Law Firm today to discuss your case. Our St Louis animal attack lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you get maximum compensation for your case.
What Are Medical Damages from Dog Bites?
Dogs are natural predators. With sharp teeth and strong jaws, their bites can be particularly vicious. The severity of your injuries can vary based on the size and breed of the dog that bit you. However, some of the most common dog bite injuries are:
- Cuts, bruises, or lacerations
- Infection: canine saliva can carry multiple bacteria strains that are harmful to humans
- Broken or cracked bones
- Damage to nerves and scarring
- Rabies or tetanus
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or other emotional trauma
Get expert legal assistance for animal attacks in St Louis by contacting our dog bite lawyers today.
What happens to a dog in a dog bite case?
In a dog bite case, the fate of the dog largely depends on the specific circumstances and local regulations. Typically, animal control will investigate the incident to assess the dog’s behavior and history.
If the dog is deemed dangerous or has a history of aggression, it may be subject to measures like quarantine, behavioral assessment, or, in severe cases, euthanasia.
However, if the dog has no history of aggression, it might be returned to its owner with specific conditions or warnings.
Each case is evaluated individually, and the primary concern is always public safety and preventing future incidents.
Can I Sue for a Minor Dog Bite?
Yes, you can sue for a minor dog bite in Missouri. Even if the injury seems minor, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, or other damages. Missouri law allows victims of dog bites to seek legal recourse regardless of the severity of the injury. Call Missouri Injury Law Firm today for a free case review and consultation.
Who Bears Liability for a Dog Bite in St. Louis?
In St. Louis, Missouri, dog bite liability is governed by Missouri’s dog bite statute (RSMo § 273.036). This law states that the owner or possessor of the dog is liable for damages when their dog bites or injures another person.
The statute applies regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness, meaning Missouri follows a “strict liability” approach for dog bites. The owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog biting someone who is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the property of the dog owner.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as if the person bitten was trespassing with criminal intent, provoking the dog, or performing a paid service involving the dog where the risk of dog bites is inherent to the job (e.g., veterinary work).
How Common Are Dog Bite Injuries in St. Louis?
While specific statistics regarding the frequency of dog bite injuries in St. Louis may vary year by year, dog bites are a common public health concern both in Missouri and across the United States. Nationwide, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs annually, with a significant portion of these incidents resulting in medical treatment and, in some cases, hospitalization.
Children are often more susceptible to dog bites than adults and can suffer more severe injuries. Local health departments and animal control agencies in St. Louis and surrounding areas frequently deal with reports of dog bites and work towards public education and safety measures to reduce these incidents.
Given the potential severity and frequency of dog bite incidents, it’s important for dog owners to understand their legal responsibilities and for victims to know their rights.
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