If you’ve ever experienced a serious dog bite injury, you know it’s not just a physical injury; it’s also a legal challenge. In Missouri, the law holds dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions, especially when a bite happens in public or on the owner’s property while someone is there legally. Navigating these laws can be tricky. In this article, we’ll simplify Missouri’s dog bite laws to help you, the person who experienced the bite, better understand your rights.
5 Key Aspects of Missouri Dog Bite Laws
- Strict Liability Standard: Missouri doesn’t give dog owners a second chance if their dog bites someone. Regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s awareness of its aggression, the owner is responsible for the consequences from the very first bite.
- Trespassing Tangles: Strict liability applies primarily if you weren’t trespassing. It doesn’t mean the owner gets off the hook if their dog bites you while you’re on their property without permission, but the law is more lenient when you’re an intruder in any sense.
- Time Limit: In Missouri, you have up to five years to seek justice. If you miss this deadline, you might miss out on compensation for damages and medical costs, so act swiftly.
- Comparative Negligence: Missouri considers your actions in dog bite cases. If your behavior contributed to the bite, your compensation may be reduced. It’s a gray area where fault isn’t always clear-cut.
- Past Incidents: Missouri takes a strong stance against dangerous dogs. If you discover that the dog has bitten someone before without provocation and it happens again, the owner could face serious criminal charges.
Who Covers Missouri Dog Bite Injuries?
In your quest for justice, homeowner’s insurance policies often come into play. They frequently cover injuries caused by dogs. However, insurance companies may try to minimize your payouts, so legal assistance is often essential to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries: Your Fight for Fairness
You’re not just seeking reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages; there’s also the emotional toll to consider. Every case is unique, and while the average settlement in Missouri is around $84,000, your situation may warrant higher compensation. Going through this legal process alone can be overwhelming. To recover from both the physical and legal aspects of a dog bite, it’s wise to consult an experienced personal injury law firm in dog bite or other animal injury cases.
For a free case evaluation contact our Kansas City personal injury attorneys at 816-999-9999, and our experienced lawyers will evaluate your case.