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Dog attacks can lead to devastating physical injuries and long-term emotional trauma, particularly for children and the elderly. A severe bite can result in deep wounds, nerve damage, infections, scarring, and even psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Missouri law provides clear guidelines on dog owner liability, but victims must follow specific legal procedures to recover compensation.
Understanding Missouri’s dog bite laws, negligence rules, and legal options can help victims seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. If a dog injured you or a loved one, legal assistance can help protect your rights. Call TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (314) 789-1888 for your free case evaluation to discuss your case with our network of experienced lawyers.Â
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Dog attacks can cause serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma, especially for children and the elderly. In Missouri, dog bite victims have the right to pursue compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, dealing with insurance companies and determining liability can be complicated, particularly when dog owners dispute responsibility.
TopDog Law connects injured victims with Missouri dog bite lawyers who understand the state’s liability laws.Â
A lawyer from TopDog Law’s network can help victims build a strong claim, deal with insurance adjusters, and ensure they receive full compensation for their injuries. Taking legal action can hold negligent dog owners accountable and prevent future attacks.
Missouri law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog injures someone, but that does not mean insurance companies will pay a claim without a fight. Many victims encounter delays, low settlement offers, or outright denials, leaving them struggling with medical expenses. Additionally, in some cases, the dog’s owner may not have insurance, making it harder to recover damages.
A Missouri dog bite lawyer from TopDog Law’s network can assist by:
Dog bite injuries can lead to permanent scarring, infections, and even psychological trauma. Having an experienced legal advocate ensures that victims receive the compensation they need for recovery.
The effects of a dog bite injury often extend beyond the initial attack. Victims may require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or even reconstructive surgery. In severe cases, emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have long-term effects.
Compensation in a Missouri dog bite case may include:
Recovering full compensation is critical for both physical and emotional healing. TopDog Law connects victims with Missouri attorneys who can help them navigate the legal process and fight for the financial recovery they deserve.
Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. This means that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their pet, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Unlike states that follow a one-bite rule, which requires proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, Missouri law makes the owner liable for the first incident.
For a victim to recover damages, they must show that they were lawfully on public or private property when the attack occurred, that they did not provoke the dog, and that the bite caused injury. If these conditions are met, the owner is required to compensate the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In addition to strict liability, a dog owner can be held responsible under general negligence laws if their failure to properly control or restrain the dog contributed to the attack. Negligence occurs when an owner does not take reasonable precautions to prevent their dog from harming others.
Examples of negligence in dog bite cases include:
Even if a dog does not bite but knocks someone down or causes injury in another way, an owner may still be liable if they failed to properly control the animal.
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk of serious injuries from dog bites due to their size and ability to defend themselves.
Children often suffer bites to the face, neck, and hands, leading to permanent scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Many require reconstructive surgery and long-term psychological care to recover from the experience.
Elderly victims face additional risks, especially if a dog attack causes them to fall. A fall-related injury can result in broken bones, hip fractures, and long-term mobility problems. The recovery process is often more complicated for older adults, and complications from dog bite wounds can lead to infections or other health issues.
Because of the increased risk of severe injuries, cases involving children and elderly victims may require higher compensation to cover long-term medical care and emotional trauma.
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment. Common injuries include:
Immediate medical attention is essential after a dog bite to prevent infection and assess the full extent of the injury. In some cases, victims may need tetanus shots or rabies vaccinations as a precaution.
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy will cover the costs of a dog bite claim. This means that instead of the owner paying out of pocket, their insurance provider may compensate the victim for medical expenses and other losses.
However, some insurance companies have exclusions for specific dog breeds or refuse to cover claims if the owner violated local leash laws. If insurance does not cover the incident, the victim may need to file a legal claim against the dog owner directly to recover damages.
After a dog attack, taking the right steps can help protect both physical health and legal rights. Seeking medical care immediately is critical to prevent infection and assess injuries. The attack should also be reported to local animal control or law enforcement to create a record of the incident.
Victims should obtain the dog owner’s contact information and any available insurance details, take photographs of the injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack, gather contact information from any witnesses, keep records of medical treatment, and avoid speaking to insurance companies before consulting a Missouri dog bite lawyer.
Missouri law allows dog bite victims up to five years to file a claim, but acting quickly improves the chances of gathering strong evidence and receiving fair compensation.
Even though Missouri follows a strict liability law, dog owners and their insurance companies may try to dispute claims by arguing that the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack, provoked the dog by teasing or threatening it, suffered injuries from something other than the bite, or exaggerated the claim.
A strong legal case with medical records, witness statements, and photographic evidence can help counter these defenses and prove liability.
Many cities and counties in Missouri have leash laws that require dog owners to keep their pets properly restrained in public areas. Violating these laws can strengthen a dog bite claim by demonstrating the owner’s negligence.
Common leash law violations that may contribute to a dog bite case include:
If a dog owner disregards local leash laws and their pet attacks someone, this can serve as additional evidence of negligence, increasing the likelihood of securing compensation.
Dog bite injuries go beyond physical wounds—many victims experience lasting emotional trauma that can affect their daily lives. This is especially true for children and those who suffer severe attacks.
Common psychological effects of dog attacks include:
Psychological injuries are just as real as physical ones, and treatment such as therapy or counseling may be necessary for recovery. Compensation in a dog bite claim can cover these mental health expenses.
Dog bite wounds are prone to infection, which can lead to serious medical complications. If a bite becomes infected, the victim may experience increased medical costs, extended recovery times, and even permanent damage.
Common infections from dog bites include:
If a dog bite leads to infection, medical records documenting the progression of the injury and necessary treatments can strengthen a claim for additional compensation.
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the victim is found partially responsible for their injuries, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Scenarios where comparative negligence could apply include:
Even if a victim is found partially responsible, they may still recover damages, but the compensation will be reduced accordingly. A Missouri dog bite lawyer can help argue against unfair claims of comparative negligence by the dog owner or their insurance company.
Dog bite victims should not have to deal with the aftermath of an attack alone. Whether the injury is minor or severe, hiring a Missouri dog bite lawyer can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation.
TopDog Law connects dog bite victims in Missouri with experienced attorneys who understand the state’s liability laws and know how to handle insurance companies. A case review can determine the best course of action for recovering damages and holding negligent dog owners accountable.
Call (314) 789-1888 today to start a case review. Dog bite victims deserve legal support that ensures they receive the medical care and financial compensation they need to move forward.
TopDog Law is a national marketing network that collaborates with James Helm, Helm Law Group, LLC, and other experienced local attorneys across the country, licensed in the states where they practice, combining our extensive resources and knowledge with their deep understanding of state-specific laws and regulations.
Helm Law Group, LLC maintains at least joint responsibility for each client file, and most cases are referred to TopDog Law’s network of attorneys across the country for principal responsibility. This strategic partnership allows us to provide clients with the power and reach of a nationwide network of law firms, coupled with the personalized attention and local know-how of attorneys in your community.
With TopDog Law’s network of local attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that you have a tenacious, experienced team fighting tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, regardless of your location.
TopDog Law is a national marketing network for law firms, including Helm Law Group, LLC, which license the TopDog Law name and separately operate in states where they are each licensed.  James Helm is licensed to practice in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Helm Law Group, LLC operates in Arizona.
3225 Cumberland Blvd, Ste 100
Atlanta, GA 30339
111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 251
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
1 South St, Suite 2125A
Baltimore, MD 21202
950 22nd Street N. Suite 600
Birmingham, AL 35203
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Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
2201 4th Ave N
Birmingham, AL 35233
361 Newbury Street, 3rd Floor
Suite 310
Boston, MA 02115
305 E 204th St.
Bronx, NY 10467
215 E 5th St, Unit 1 Suite 400-3
Brooklyn, NY 11218
1207 Delaware Ave, Suite 012
Buffalo, NY 14209
101 N Tryon St. Suite C
Charlotte, NC 28246
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Volta Personal Injury Lawyers
1009 East Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
6343 S Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60636
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Law Offices of Sobo and Sobo
5764 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60638
2217 E 9th St, Suite A
Cleveland, OH 44115
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Law Offices of Sobo and Sobo
2215 E 9th St
Cleveland, OH 44115
66 S Logan St Suite B
Denver, CO 80209
645 Griswold Street, Suite 1309
Detroit, MI 48226
863 Massachusetts Ave 2nd floor Suite B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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McCready Law Injury Attorneys
8200 Haverstick Rd Suite 210
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317 E Capitol St suite 200C
Jackson, MS 39201
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Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers P.A.
162 E. Amite St.
Jackson, MS 39201
1701 Troost Ave suite 202b
Kansas City, MO 64108
Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm
6900 S McCarran Blvd # 1010
Reno, NV 89509
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Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm
801 S 4th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
#8 Shackleford Plaza, Suite 304
Little Rock, AR 72211
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Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
116 Ottenheimer Plaza Suite 4B
Little Rock, AR 72201
8124 W 3rd St, Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90048
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Oakwood Legal Group
8123 W 3rd St. 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
3385 Airways Blvd Unit 301F
Memphis, TN 38116
Keches Law Group
2 Granite Ave #400
Milton, MA 02186
1433 N Water St Suite 400D
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Law Offices of Sobo and Sobo
606 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Lawfty Law
8 S Main St
Mt Airy, MD 21771
Phillip S. Georges PLLC
801 18th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37203
600 Mount Prospect Avenue, Suite A
Newark, NJ 17104
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Law Offices of Sobo and Sobo
600 Mt Prospect Ave
Newark, NJ 07104
Law Offices of Sobo and Sobo
5008 Broadway
New York, NY 10034
770Good Law
5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite B17
Norcross, GA 30093
66 Franklin St, Suite 300C
Oakland, CA 94607
5627 Germantown Ave Suite 420
OaklandPhiladelphia, PA 19144
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Rodden, Rodden & Breslin
125 N 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
2700 N Central Ave Suite 320B
Phoenix, AZ 85004
6425 Living Place, Suite 200
Pttsburgh, PA 15206
Sigal Law Firm, PLLC
20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 320
Southfield, MI 48076
920 West Sproul Road, Suite 201
Springfield, PA 19064
4625 Lindell Blvd Suite 200 & 300C
St. Louis, MO 63108
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The Bruning Law Firm
555 Washington Ave Ste 600A
St. Louis, MO 63101
LM Law
1775 Tysons Blvd
Tysons, VA 22102
1150 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 802B
Washington, DC 20036
6832 W North Ave Suite 2A
Chicago, IL 60707
3509 Haverford Ave, Suite 102
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Lawfty Law LLP
1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, 4th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
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