Who Pays for A Dog Bite Injury in Missouri Rental Homes?

When a dog bite occurs on rental property, both tenants and landlords often wonder who bears financial responsibility. The answer depends on your state laws, the specific circumstances of the incident, and the relationship between the dog, the property owner, and the injured person. Understanding these legal distinctions can mean the difference between receiving full compensation and being left with mounting medical bills.

Our St. Joseph personal injury lawyers are here to explain Missouri’s dog bite laws and how they apply to rental properties. If you've been injured and want to learn more about your rights and options, contact our firm today to get set up with a free case evaluation.

Missouri Dog Bite Law

Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries, which makes the state more favorable to injury victims than many others. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 273.036, dog owners are automatically liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

What Strict Liability Means:

• The dog owner is responsible for damages even if they had no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior

• Victims don’t need to prove the owner was negligent or careless

• The “one bite rule” that exists in some states doesn’t apply in Missouri

• Owners cannot escape liability by claiming their dog was normally gentle

Important Exceptions:

Missouri’s strict liability rule has some limitations. Dog owners may not be liable if:

• The victim was trespassing on private property

• The victim was committing a crime when bitten

• The victim provoked or tormented the dog

These exceptions become particularly important in rental property situations where questions of lawful presence and property boundaries can be complex.

When Is the Landlord Responsible?

While dog owners typically bear primary responsibility, landlords can also face liability for dog bite injuries under specific circumstances. Understanding when landlords become responsible helps ensure all liable parties are held accountable:

Knowledge of Dangerous Dog:

• If the landlord knew or should have known that a tenant’s dog was dangerous or had previously bitten someone

• When the landlord received complaints about aggressive behavior but failed to take action

• If the lease specifically prohibited pets but the landlord allowed the dog to remain

Common Area Incidents:

• Bites occurring in hallways, stairwells, lobbies, or other shared spaces

• Incidents in parking areas, courtyards, or communal outdoor spaces

• When the landlord controls and maintains the area where the bite occurred

Lease Violations and Negligent Oversight:

• If the tenant violated lease terms by having an unauthorized pet

• When the landlord knew about lease violations but failed to enforce them

• If the landlord negligently allowed dangerous conditions to persist

Premises Liability Factors:

• Poor lighting or inadequate security in common areas

• Failure to maintain safe conditions that contributed to the incident

• Negligent screening of tenants with known dangerous animals

When Is the Tenant Responsible?

Tenants face liability for dog bite injuries in most situations involving their pets or dogs under their control:

Dog Ownership or Control:

• When the tenant owns the dog that caused the injury

• If the tenant is keeping or caring for someone else’s dog

• When the tenant has control over the dog’s behavior and access

Failure to Properly Restrain:

• Not keeping the dog on a leash in areas where required

• Allowing the dog to roam freely in common areas

• Failing to properly secure the dog within their rental unit

Inadequate Warning:

• Not warning visitors, delivery persons, or maintenance workers about an aggressive dog

• Failing to post appropriate warning signs when required

• Not taking reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable injuries

Lease Violations:

• Keeping a dog in violation of lease terms

• Harboring banned breeds when prohibited by rental agreements

• Failing to comply with pet deposit or insurance requirements

The tenant’s liability can extend beyond just medical bills to include lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages recognized under Missouri law.

What Should You Do If You’re Bitten?

Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen any potential legal claim:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

• Get professional medical evaluation even for seemingly minor bites

• Dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and scarring

• Document all medical treatment and follow all prescribed care

• Keep detailed records of medical expenses and treatment

Report the Incident:

• Contact local animal control or police to file an official report

• Notify the property manager or landlord about the incident

• Ensure the dog is quarantined and tested for rabies if necessary

• Get copies of all official reports for your records

Gather Evidence:

• Take photographs of your injuries, the scene, and the dog if safely possible

• Get contact information from witnesses who saw the attack

• Document torn clothing, damaged property, or other physical evidence

• Keep records of any communications with landlords or dog owners

Contact Legal Counsel:

• Consult with an experienced dog bite attorney

• Legal representation becomes especially important when multiple parties may be liable

• An attorney can investigate all potential sources of compensation

• Professional legal guidance helps navigate insurance claims and settlement negotiations

Protect Your Rights After a Dog Bite Injury

Dog bite injuries in rental properties involve complex legal questions about liability, insurance coverage, and available remedies. Missouri’s strict liability law provides strong protection for injury victims, but determining all responsible parties requires thorough investigation and legal expertise.

Don’t let confusion about landlord versus tenant responsibility prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Whether your injury occurred in a Kansas City apartment complex, a St. Joseph rental home, or anywhere else in Missouri, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.

Contact Us Today

We’ll review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what compensation may be available. You won’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Don’t wait—Missouri law imposes time limits on personal injury claims, and evidence can disappear quickly. Call Murphy, Kinney & Sumy, LLC now and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve for your dog bite injury.