Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills. If you’ve been bitten, it’s critical to understand your rights under Missouri law and take the correct steps to protect your health and pursue any compensation you’re entitled to. As experienced Missouri personal injury attorneys, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through the necessary actions after a dog bite, from immediate response to legal recourse.
Immediate Actions After a Dog Bite
Knowing what to do in the minutes and days following a dog bite can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are the most important steps to take:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority should always be your health. Even a small bite can lead to infections like rabies, tetanus, or other complications. Prompt medical attention not only ensures proper treatment but also creates medical documentation—an essential component for any potential claim.
2. Report the Incident
Contact your local animal control or police department to report the dog bite. An official report will serve as a valuable piece of evidence when pursuing legal action or an insurance claim. The agency may also conduct an investigation into the dog and its owner.
3. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Try to get the name, address, and contact information of the dog’s owner. If possible, gather witness statements and check if the dog has a history of aggression. This information can be vital in establishing liability and securing compensation.
4. Document Everything
Take clear photographs of your injuries immediately after the incident and throughout the healing process. Also, take photos of the location where the attack occurred and the dog itself (if safely possible). Keep all receipts and documentation related to your treatment, including medical records, prescriptions, and any missed work due to injury.
Understanding Missouri Dog Bite Law
Missouri follows a “strict liability” doctrine for dog bites. This means that the dog owner can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown prior signs of aggression.
Key Points of Missouri Dog Bite Law:
The victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent.
Liability applies whether the bite occurred on public property or lawfully on private property.
The victim must not have provoked the dog or been trespassing at the time of the attack.
Exceptions to Strict Liability:
There are circumstances where the owner might not be held liable:
Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on the dog owner’s property.
Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog into attacking.
Criminal Activity: If the bite occurred while the victim was engaged in a criminal act.
In such cases, you may still pursue a claim, but proving negligence becomes essential.
Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim in Missouri
Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs and documented the incident, the next step is understanding how to pursue a legal claim for damages.
1. Consult a Missouri Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite cases can become complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies or proving liability in disputed cases. A knowledgeable Missouri personal injury attorney can help you:
Understand your legal rights
Determine the value of your claim
Handle communication with insurance companies
Build a solid case based on evidence and state law
2. File an Insurance Claim
Most dog bite claims are filed against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Your attorney will help you submit the necessary documentation, including your medical records, incident reports, and photos, to support your claim.
3. Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies may try to minimize their payout. An attorney negotiates on your behalf to ensure that all your damages—medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering—are fairly compensated.
4. Consider Legal Action if Necessary
If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. In court, your attorney will present your case before a judge or jury to seek maximum compensation.
Conclusion
Dog bites are more than just a physical injury—they can have lasting emotional, financial, and legal implications. Fortunately, Missouri’s strict liability laws offer a strong legal framework to protect victims. By taking the right steps immediately after the incident and working with a skilled Missouri dog bite attorney, you improve your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog in Missouri, don’t wait. Consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options today.
