Bitten by a Dog? You Deserve Justice.
A dog bite can leave more than wounds. It can cause pain, fear, stress, and bills. If you were attacked by a dog in Kansas City, you might be able to take legal action. An affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City near me can guide you and fight for your rights. Dog attacks aren’t rare. Kansas City sees many each year. Victims range from toddlers to senior citizens. But you don’t need to face it alone.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs may bite when:
- They feel scared
- They are in pain
- They want to guard something
- They are not trained
Even calm dogs can bite. Big or small, every dog can be a threat if it feels cornered or upset. Children are often seen as less of a threat by dogs, but they’re also more likely to be bitten due to their small size and quick moves.
Kansas City Dog Laws Protect Victims
Missouri has a strict liability rule for dog bites. That means dog owners are responsible—even if their dog never bit anyone before.
Here’s what the law says:
- The dog owner is at fault, even without past bites.
- You don’t need to show the owner was careless.
- The law works in your favor if you were not trespassing.
Kansas City adds leash laws. Dogs must be leashed in public. If the dog was loose, that can strengthen your case.
Types of Injuries You Can Sue For
Dog bites range from mild to extreme. The most common injuries are:
- Deep cuts or gashes
- Muscle or nerve damage
- Broken bones or fingers
- Torn skin needing stitches
- Facial scars or disfigurement
- Infections like rabies or sepsis
- Long-term fear or trauma
Some bites may need surgery. Some scars never heal. If you need treatment, you can likely sue.
What To Do After a Dog Attack
Act fast. What you do right after a dog bite matters.
- Get Medical Help
Clean wounds at once. Visit urgent care or the ER. - Report the Attack
Call animal control or police. Ask for a copy of the report. - Get Owner Info
Name, address, and phone. Ask if the dog had vaccines. - Take Photos and Videos
Show the bite, blood, and torn clothes. - Talk to a Lawyer
The sooner you call, the better the case.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
Dog bite cases may seem simple. But insurance companies try to pay less. A lawyer makes sure that doesn’t happen.
A personal injury lawyer can:
- Collect proof
- Handle all paperwork
- Speak with the dog owner or their insurer
- Help get your medical bills covered
- Ask for money for lost work, pain, and trauma
Most lawyers work on contingency. That means they don’t get paid unless you win.
How Much Money Can You Get?
Each case is different. Some people get a few thousand. Others win over $100,000.
The money depends on:
- The injury’s size and type
- Lost time from work or school
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Permanent scars or disability
- Mental stress or fear
- Pain levels during recovery
A good lawyer will look at every part of your case before making a claim.
Kids and Dog Bites
Children are more likely to be bitten than adults. They’re also hurt more often in the face or neck. Kansas law lets parents sue for their kids. The court may offer more money when children are hurt.
In child cases, lawyers ask:
- Was the child allowed to be there?
- Was the dog known to be aggressive?
- Did the child tease or bother the dog?
Even if your child touched the dog first, the owner may still be to blame.
Where Dog Bites Happen Most
Dog bites can happen anywhere:
- Parks
- Yards
- Homes
- Sidewalks
- Dog-friendly cafes
- Apartment buildings
- School areas
If the dog was off-leash in public, the owner broke city rules. That helps your case. Even bites at someone’s home may be covered. As long as you were not trespassing, you may sue.
What If You Knew the Dog or Owner?
This is common. You might know the dog’s owner. They could be a neighbor, friend, or family member. Don’t feel guilty. Your case is against their insurance, not them. Most people carry homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. These policies cover dog bites. They won’t pay out of pocket. The insurer pays. You have a right to heal. You have a right to be made whole.
What About the Dog?
Many people fear that suing means the dog will be put down. But this isn’t always true. Usually, the dog is checked for rabies or placed under watch. If the dog has never attacked before, it may stay with the owner. Only very dangerous dogs—or those that attack again—face removal or worse. The court focuses on your injury, not the dog’s future.
What Proof Will Your Lawyer Use?
You don’t need to gather all the proof yourself. Your lawyer will help in the legal process. They’ll look for:
- Photos of your wounds
- Hospital or ER records
- Police or animal control reports
- Witness statements
- Proof you missed work
- Notes from your doctor or therapist
This proof helps show how the bite hurts your body and your life.
When To File Your Case
Missouri gives you five years to file a dog bite claim. But you should act soon.
Here’s why:
- Memories fade
- Witnesses move
- Photos get lost
- Medical bills stack up
If you wait too long, your case gets harder. Some lawyers won’t even take late cases.
How to Pick a Good Lawyer
Look for a lawyer who:
- Has handled dog bite cases
- Offers free case reviews
- Doesn’t charge unless you win
- Takes time to answer questions
- Has good online reviews
Ask them what they’ve done in past dog bite cases. See if they seem honest and strong. You want someone who listens—and fights.
FAQs
1. Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. You don’t need to show past bites. One bite is enough under Missouri law.
2. What if I was bitten on someone’s private land?
You can still sue. The law protects guests, workers, and others with a legal reason to be there.
3. Will the dog owner have to pay from their pocket?
Usually not. Most dog bites are paid by the owner’s insurance.
4. Will I have to speak in court?
Not always. Many dog bite cases settle before court. Your lawyer handles most speaking.
5. Can I file if my child was hurt but I wasn’t there?
Yes. Parents can sue for their child. You don’t need to see the bite happen.
You Don’t Have To Fight Alone
A dog bite can change your life in seconds. But with the right help, you can take your life back. A Kansas City personal injury lawyer can fight for you. They’ll make sure you get the care, support, and money you deserve. Don’t wait. Talk to a local skilled Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer today. Let them handle the stress while you heal.
