Dog Bite Lawyers in St. Joseph, Missouri

Attacked by A Dog? We Can Help You Recover

Have you or your child been bitten or attacked by a dog in St. Joseph? The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens can be overwhelming. Dog attacks often happen suddenly, leaving victims with serious injuries, medical bills, and sometimes lifelong scars—both physical and emotional.

You shouldn’t have to bear these burdens alone. Missouri law protects dog bite victims and holds pet owners responsible for the harm their animals cause.

Our experienced dog bite lawyer team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of animal attacks. We’ve helped countless victims recover fair compensation—and we’re ready to fight for you too.

Call us for a free consultation and speak to a compassionate legal team. Let us help you understand your rights while you focus on healing.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Missouri

Strict Liability for Dog Owners

Missouri follows what’s known as a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that in most cases, dog owners are legally responsible when their pet bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past.

Unlike some states that follow a “one bite rule” (where owners are only liable if they knew their dog was dangerous), Missouri law holds owners accountable even for a dog’s first bite.

Owner Responsibility

Dog owners in St. Joseph have legal duties to:

• Keep their dogs under proper control

• Obey leash laws in public areas

• Prevent their dogs from trespassing

• Take reasonable steps to prevent attacks

When owners fail to meet these responsibilities and someone gets hurt, they can be held financially responsible for the resulting damages.

Public vs. Private Property

Where the bite occurred can impact your case. Attacks that happen in public places, like parks or sidewalks, are often straightforward liability cases. Bites that occur on private property may involve additional factors, such as whether you were legally on the property.

Our attorneys understand these nuances and will investigate all aspects of your case to build the strongest possible claim.

Common Injuries from Dog Attacks

Dog bites and attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma:

• Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep cuts that may require stitches and can lead to infection

• Broken Bones: Particularly in the hands, arms, or legs from the force of a bite or from falling during an attack

• Facial Injuries: Often requiring plastic surgery and leaving permanent scars

• Nerve Damage: Leading to reduced function, sensation loss, or chronic pain

• Scarring and Disfigurement: Especially concerning when on visible areas like the face or arms

• Infections: Including serious ones like MRSA, rabies, or tetanus

• Emotional Trauma: Post-traumatic stress, fear of dogs, anxiety, or depression

• Death: In severe cases, especially involving children or elderly victims

Children are particularly vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries, as they’re often bitten on the face, head, or neck due to their height. Their smaller size also means injuries can be more severe and potentially life-altering.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

After a dog attack, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial outcome.

Thorough Investigation

We will:

• Identify the dog and its owner

• Gather evidence about the attack

• Obtain witness statements

• Research the dog's history of aggression

• Review animal control records

• Document your injuries thoroughly

Navigating Insurance Claims

Most dog bite claims are covered by the owner’s:

• Homeowner's insurance

• Renter's insurance

• Special animal liability policy

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Our attorneys know how to deal with insurance adjusters and counter their tactics effectively.

Establishing Liability

We’ll help prove:

• The defendant owned the dog

• You were lawfully on the property where the attack occurred

• You didn't provoke the dog

• You suffered actual damages as a result of the bite

Maximizing Compensation

Many dog bite victims underestimate their claim’s value. We consider all current and future impacts, including:

• Long-term medical needs

• Reconstructive surgeries

• Psychological treatment

• Permanent scarring

• Impact on quality of life

Call us now to learn your rights and options. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your case.

Types of Compensation You May Receive

After a dog bite or attack, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency room treatment

• Hospital stays

• Surgeries (including plastic surgery)

• Medications

• Physical therapy

• Future medical procedures

Lost Income

• Wages lost during recovery

• Reduced earning capacity

• Time off for medical appointments

• Career impacts

Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries

• Emotional distress

• Mental anguish

• Fear, anxiety, or PTSD

Scarring and Disfigurement

• Additional compensation for visible scars

• Impact on self-image and confidence

• Future corrective procedures

Other Damages

• Property damage (torn clothing, broken glasses, etc.)

• Counseling or therapy expenses

• In-home care during recovery

The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your prognosis for recovery, and the impact on your daily life. Our attorneys work diligently to document all your damages and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.

Our Experience with Dog Bite Cases

For years, our law firm has successfully represented dog bite victims throughout St. Joseph and the surrounding areas. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have developed effective strategies to overcome them.

Compassionate Representation

We know that dog bite cases aren’t just about physical injuries—they often involve significant emotional trauma as well. Our team provides supportive, understanding representation while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Proven Results

We’ve secured substantial settlements and verdicts for dog bite victims, including:

• Children attacked in neighborhoods or parks

• Delivery workers bitten on private property

• Visitors injured in friends' or relatives' homes

• People attacked in public places

Knowledge of Local Ordinances

Our attorneys are familiar with St. Joseph’s specific animal control ordinances and how they can impact your case. This local knowledge gives us an advantage when building your claim.

Resources to Build Strong Cases

We work with medical experts, plastic surgeons, psychologists, and other specialists to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

We Handle All Types of Injury Cases

Our law firm is dedicated to helping injury victims throughout St. Joseph with a wide range of legal services:

If you were injured in a collision with a vehicle, our car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and fight for fair compensation.

Motorcyclists face unique challenges after an accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyer understands these issues and works to protect riders’ rights.

Were you involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle? Our truck accident lawyer knows how to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.

If you were injured while using a rideshare service, our uber accident lawyer can help sort through the complicated insurance issues these cases often involve.

Did you fall on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions? Our slip and fall lawyer will work to hold negligent property owners accountable.

In the tragic event that you’ve lost a loved one due to an animal attack, our wrongful death lawyer provides compassionate representation during this difficult time.

For life-altering injuries requiring long-term care, our catastrophic injury lawyer has the experience to secure the substantial compensation you’ll need for future medical expenses.

Don't Wait to Get the Legal Help You Deserve

After a dog bite, time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and Missouri law limits the time you have to file a claim. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

We make getting legal help easy:

• Free, no-obligation consultations

• No upfront costs or fees

• You pay nothing unless we win your case

• Evening and weekend appointments available

• We can come to you if you can't come to us

Don’t let insurance companies or dog owners determine what your case is worth. Let our experienced attorneys fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency basis—no fees unless we win. Call us today for a free, no-obligation case review. Our team is standing by to help you get justice and the compensation you need to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

First, seek medical attention right away, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections or hidden damage beneath the skin. After getting medical care, document your injuries with photos, report the incident to local animal control or police, and try to identify the dog and its owner. Gather contact information from any witnesses. Keep all medical records and receipts for expenses related to your injury. Then, contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Can I Sue the Dog Owner for Emotional Trauma?

Yes, compensation for emotional trauma is often included in dog bite claims. Many victims, especially children, develop psychological issues after an attack, such as fear of dogs, nightmares, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones and deserve compensation. Our attorneys work with mental health professionals to document psychological impacts and include them in your claim, ensuring your settlement accounts for both physical and emotional suffering.

What if The Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?

In Missouri, it doesn’t matter if the dog has never shown aggression before. The state follows a “strict liability” rule, which means owners are responsible for damages their dogs cause, even on the first bite. Unlike states with a “one bite rule,” Missouri holds dog owners accountable regardless of the dog’s history. Even if the owner claims, “My dog has never done this before,” they can still be held liable for your injuries. This is why homeowner’s and renter’s insurance typically includes coverage for dog bite claims.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including dog bites, is five years from the date of the injury. However, if a child is bitten, the deadline may be extended until they turn 21. Despite having several years to file, it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and the dog’s history becomes harder to investigate as time passes. Additionally, insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously when you act promptly.

Will the Dog Be Taken Away if I File a Claim?

Filing a legal claim for compensation doesn’t automatically mean the dog will be taken away or euthanized. These decisions are typically made by local animal control authorities based on the severity of the attack, the dog’s history, and local ordinances—not by the civil legal system. Your claim is primarily about securing compensation for your injuries and is separate from any animal control proceedings. Many of our clients care about animals and worry about this aspect, but seeking fair compensation for your injuries doesn’t necessarily impact what happens to the dog.