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If you are searching for a Kansas City dog bite lawyer, you are not alone. The CDC reports that over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.Â
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Most dogs in neighborhoods such as Brookside and the Northland are well behaved, but a single attack can cause serious injuries and lasting emotional harm. Missouri law holds dog owners accountable, and understanding your legal rights is the first step toward recovery.
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If you or someone close to you has been injured in a dog attack, speaking with a Kansas City dog bite lawyer can help you understand your options and what steps to take next. TopDog Law connects clients with experienced local attorneys who handle dog bite cases under Missouri law.
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Call TopDog Law today to explore your legal options and receive a free case evaluation.
Many people assume a dog must have a history of aggression before the owner can be held liable for a bite, but Missouri law takes a different approach.Â
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Under Missouri’s strict liability rule, outlined in § 273.036, a dog owner is automatically liable if the bite was unprovoked and the injured person was in a place they were legally allowed to be, such as public property like Swope Park, a Kansas City sidewalk, a home they were invited to, or while performing work duties such as delivering mail.Â
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Under this framework, claims are based on the injuries and resulting compensation rather than the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge.
After a dog attack, the hours and days that follow can be confusing and stressful. Once you are safe and have received initial medical treatment, the steps you take afterward can have a big effect on both your recovery and your legal options.
Focus on your health while creating a detailed record of your experience.
These records create a clear evidentiary basis to support your claim.
Report the bite to Kansas City’s Animal Health and Public Safety Division. This creates an official record and helps identify potentially dangerous animals. An officer may investigate, speak with witnesses, and verify vaccination records, which strengthens your case.
Because many claims are handled through homeowners or renters insurance rather than directly by the dog’s owner, pursuing compensation typically does not involve direct disputes with the owner.
A Kansas City dog bite lawyer can handle these conversations for you and help protect your rights while you focus on healing.
Strict liability is not the only way to pursue a claim after a dog attack. In some cases, a negligence claim may apply, focusing on what the owner did or failed to do and how that lack of care led to your injuries.Â
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Kansas City’s animal control ordinances, outlined in Chapter 14 of the city code, require dogs to be leashed, confined, and properly managed. If a dog is allowed to roam freely in violation of these rules and bites someone, that violation can be used as evidence of negligence, known as negligence per se.Â
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A Kansas City dog bite lawyer can assess whether strict liability, negligence, or both best support your case and build a strategy that fits your situation and injuries.
Pursuing a dog bite claim requires more than simply notifying an insurance company. A knowledgeable Kansas City dog bite lawyer conducts a thorough investigation by obtaining official reports, medical records, witness statements, and the dog’s history to establish liability.Â
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The attorney then evaluates the full scope of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other long‑term effects, to seek the highest possible compensation while allowing you to focus on recovery.
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Missouri law does not set a specific cap on damages in dog bite cases. Victims may seek full compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.Â
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Punitive damages are limited in most cases to the greater of $500,000 or five times the net judgment under § 510.265, RSMo, although punitive awards are uncommon in standard dog bite claims.Â
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Adults generally have five years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under § 516.120, RSMo. For minors, the statute of limitations is paused until the child turns 21, giving them until age 26 to bring a claim under § 516.170, RSMo. Because of these deadlines, speaking with an attorney promptly helps protect your right to recover damages.
Even with Missouri’s strict liability law, dog owners and their insurers may try to avoid paying by raising certain defenses. Knowing these arguments can help you prepare.
Owners may claim the injured person provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or cornering it. Under Missouri law, provocation can block recovery. However, actions such as petting a dog, running nearby, or stepping on its tail by accident are generally not considered provocation.
Another defense is that the injured person was trespassing. Missouri’s strict liability statute only applies if you were on public property or lawfully on private property.Â
The law defines “lawfully” broadly, covering invited guests, people performing job duties like mail carriers, and even children who do not understand property boundaries. Unless someone was truly on the property without any right or permission, this defense can be difficult to prove.
By understanding these factors and working with an experienced Kansas City dog bite lawyer, you can build a strong case and seek compensation for the harm you have experienced.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, and their injuries are often more serious than those suffered by adults. Beyond physical scars, an attack can cause lasting emotional trauma that affects a child’s sense of safety and confidence.
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When a child is involved, Missouri law provides additional protections through its rules on settlements for minors. Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 52.02(k), any settlement reached on behalf of a minor generally must be reviewed and approved by a court to make sure the agreement is fair and in the child’s best interests.Â
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In many cases, the court will direct that part or all of the settlement be placed into a restricted account, structured settlement, or trust that the child cannot access until reaching adulthood. A Kansas City dog bite lawyer with experience handling minor settlements can guide families through this process and help safeguard the child’s financial future.
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A dog attack can cause serious physical injuries as well as lasting emotional effects. Recovery can take time, but you do not have to handle the process on your own. Understanding your rights under Missouri law is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable and securing the resources you need to move forward.
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TopDog Law can connect you with an independent Kansas City dog bite lawyer from our nationwide network. You can receive a free, no‑obligation consultation to discuss your situation and learn about your options.
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Call (816) 293‑9923 today to take the first step toward recovery.
TopDog Law is known for its relentless pursuit of justice. Our experienced team fights tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for our clients, ensuring every case is handled with dedication and determination.
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We understand the emotional and financial toll that personal injuries can take. That’s why we prioritize open, compassionate communication and provide tailored support throughout the legal process. With free consultations and a contingency fee model, you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
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With TopDog Law on your side, you can rest assured that you have a tenacious, experienced team fighting to get you the compensation you deserve, no matter where you’re located.
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.
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