Dog bites are serious. They hurt people and lead to costly legal trouble. Missouri has clear rules for who’s responsible when a dog attacks. This guide breaks those laws down in simple terms. If you live in Kansas City or nearby, here’s what you need to know.
Missouri Has a “Strict Liability” Rule
In Missouri, dog owners are strictly responsible if their dog bites someone. This means:
- The victim doesn’t need to prove the dog was dangerous before.
- The owner is liable even if the dog never bit anyone before.
As long as:
- The victim was on public property or legally on private property.
- The victim didn’t provoke the dog.
If those things are true, the owner pays.
What Counts as a Dog Bite?
A bite means the dog’s teeth broke the skin. Scratches don’t count. If the dog knocks someone over without biting, that’s not a bite under this law. That might fall under a different law, like negligence.
Kansas City Dog Owners Have Extra Rules
Kansas City has its own rules. If you live there, you must:
- Keep your dog on a leash in public.
- Keep dangerous dogs away from others.
- Register certain breeds with the city.
Failing to follow these rules could lead to:
- Fines
- Impoundment
- Bigger penalties if the dog bites
Victims Can Get Money for Damages
If a dog bites you in Missouri, you can ask for:
- Medical bills
- Lost pay from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or permanent injury
- Mental stress or fear of dogs
A lawyer helps victims calculate what’s fair.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?
Usually, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance pays. If they rent, renter’s insurance might cover it. If the dog was part of a business (like security), the business might be responsible. If there’s no insurance, the owner pays out of pocket.
Time Limits Matter
Missouri law gives dog bite victims 5 years to file a lawsuit. After that, courts won’t hear the case. But waiting is risky. Witnesses forget. Evidence disappears. A skilled and affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can help you act fast.
Defenses Dog Owners Might Use
Dog owners may try to avoid paying. They might say:
- You were trespassing.
- You teased or provoked the dog.
- You knew the dog was dangerous and still got close.
If they prove any of these, they might win the case or reduce what they owe.
What If a Child Gets Bitten?
Kids are often victims. Missouri courts treat these cases with care.
- Kids under 7 are not seen as able to provoke dogs.
- Even if a child walked up to a dog, owners are still responsible.
Parents can file claims on their child’s behalf. Settlements for kids often need court approval.
Do Dog Bite Laws Apply to Other Injuries?
Not always. If a dog scratches, knocks someone over, or causes a fall — that’s not covered under the bite law. But victims can still sue under general negligence. In that case, they must prove the owner was careless. Example: The dog owner let the dog run loose. It jumped on someone and knocked them into traffic. The victim could sue.
What If the Dog Bites Another Dog?
Missouri’s dog bite law is about people, not pets. If a dog attacks another dog, that’s not covered under strict liability. But the injured dog’s owner might still sue under property damage or negligence. In some cities, owners can face fines or lose their right to own pets.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Kansas City
If you get bitten:
- Get medical help.
- Report the bite to Kansas City Animal Control at 311.
- Give them the dog’s details.
- Get witness names and contact info.
Reporting helps protect others from future attacks.
What Should a Dog Owner Do After a Bite?
If your dog bites someone:
- Help the victim get medical care.
- Give them your name and insurance info.
- Call Animal Control to report the bite.
- Don’t admit fault.
- Call your insurance company and a lawyer.
Hiding the incident can make things worse.
Why a Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer Helps
Dog bite laws are short — but legal cases can get tricky. A lawyer helps by:
- Talking to insurance companies
- Collecting evidence
- Finding witnesses
- Getting expert help if needed
- Fighting to win fair money
Without a lawyer, you could get less than you deserve — or nothing at all. Call an experienced local Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer near me today.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites often cause:
- Puncture wounds
- Scars
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- PTSD
- Broken bones (from falling or being dragged)
Some injuries need surgery or leave lasting marks.
What Makes a Dog “Dangerous”?
Missouri doesn’t label dogs “dangerous” unless local laws do. Kansas City, for example, tracks repeat offenders or dogs that act in threatening ways. Owners of those dogs face stricter rules — like fencing, muzzles, or signs. Not following those rules can lead to criminal charges.
Dog Bite Laws and Landlords
Landlords usually aren’t responsible for a tenant’s dog.
But if:
- The landlord knew the dog was dangerous, and
- Did nothing to stop it,
They might be liable. This is rare but possible. A lawyer must prove the landlord had control or ignored the danger.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?
It depends on:
- Medical costs
- How long you’re hurt
- If you miss work
- If the scars are visible
- If kids are involved
Cases can range from a few thousand to six figures. A lawyer can estimate what’s fair and help in the legal process.
What If the Dog Has No Shots or License?
That hurts the owner’s case. Cities like Kansas City require shots and licenses. If the dog isn’t registered or vaccinated, the owner could face fines, lose the dog, or even be charged with a crime. This also helps the victim’s case.
Can You Sue a Friend or Family Member?
Yes, you can. It feels hard, but often their insurance pays — not them.
This helps you cover:
- Hospital visits
- Missed work
- Future care
A lawyer can handle the claim with care to avoid conflict.
Do You Need to Go to Court?
Not always. Most cases settle before trial. Lawyers often reach deals with insurance companies. But if the offer is too low, going to court may be the only way to get full payment.
Missouri Dog Bite Law in One Sentence
If a dog bites you and you didn’t provoke it — the owner pays.
FAQs
1. How long do I have to sue for a dog bite in Missouri?
You have five years from the day of the bite.
2. What if I was bitten while on someone’s property?
If you were there legally, the owner is still responsible.
3. Can I get paid even if the dog never bit before?
Yes. Missouri doesn’t require a history of biting. One bite is enough.
4. What if a dog scared me and I got hurt running away?
You might have a case under negligence, but not under dog bite law.
5. Does it matter what breed bit me?
No. All breeds are treated the same under Missouri law.
