Dogs make wonderful pets and I encourage anyone to consider adopting a dog at an animal rescue shelter. This article is not an anti-dog article, it is intended to provide information to anyone who has received medical attention as a result of a dog bite. It’s a good idea to understand Missouri laws regarding dog bites if you need compensation after a dog bite incident.
With roughly 4.7 million dog bites per year, there is a very real chance you could encounter a dog bite. Around 800,000 of them require medical treatment, and we all know medical bills aren’t cheap. So, what does the law say about dog attacks? In Missouri, strict liability applies to the owner of the dog.
Civil Law and Personal Injury
In Missouri, the victim of a dog bite can be thrown a legal bone. Revised MO statutes, Section 273.036 says that the owner of a dog that bites someone who is either on public property or legally on private property, may be responsible for the damages and costs. Recoverable damages could also apply if the victim requires medical attention. Something else to consider, Missouri uses the strict liability rule; even if the owner didn’t know the dog would be aggressive, they’re still liable, as long as the victim did not provoke the encounter with the dog.
Don’t Get the Short Stick
Recovering damages after a dog attack is no walk in the park. There’s a 5-year statute of limitations and if the victim is shown to be partly at fault, the amount owed can be reduced depending on the circumstances. The victim could still be facing medical bills, scarring, or pain. Anyone who has suffered from a dog attack should get the proper reports from both the police and animal control, as well as witness statements and other important information. In order to protect your rights, it’s critical to seek legal advice from an attorney with expertise in Missouri dog attack laws. You need someone fighting in your corner; don’t just roll over! KC Road Lawyers won’t take injustice lying down, and neither should you.
Call Day or Night for an Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you have any questions about dog attack bite claims in Missouri or would like a free consultation, contact attorney Chris Benjamin at KC Road Lawyers by calling 816-425-2420 / 660-679-4161 or navigating to our contact page for a consultation at the firm’s Lee’s Summit or Butler Missouri offices.