Understanding Missouri Dog Bite Laws

Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs and any losses they cause to others. That said, if you are hurt due to a dog bite, you may not be sure what your rights are for holding the dog owner responsible. There are various rules and limitations that must be considered. To understand Missouri dog bite laws, there are several key factors to consider, and our Springfield dog bite lawyer can help you know what to expect.

Dog Owners Are Automatically Responsible

One of the most important Missouri dog bite laws is that the state does not have the ” one-bite rule.” That means that if a dog bites a person and the person did nothing to provoke the dog, the owner is responsible for the animal’s actions.

In some states, a one-bite rule exists. If a dog has never shown any potential risk to others by not biting anyone before and the owner could not have known the dog was a risk, the owner may not be responsible the first time. Note that Missouri does not follow this premise.

Responsibility of the Dog Owner

Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036, if a dog causes harm to another person not living in the home, that victim has the right to pursue a claim for compensation against the dog owner. That may include recovering medical costs and any other damages. To do so, the dog bite victim must demonstrate that:

• The dog causes a physical injury to them, requiring medical care
• The person was on public property at the time of the dog bite or was lawfully on private property at the time
• The dog bite victim did not do anything to provoke the dog into being aggressive or attacking

In these situations, victims can recover their losses. The law also requires dog owners to pay a filing fee.

There Are Limitations to This Law

In some situations, a dog bite may occur because the victim has teased or taunted the animal. The dog may have attacked other times because it perceived a threat against its owner or property.

Dog owners have to do what they can to minimize such risks. For example, if a dog is walking in the park, that dog should be on a leash. However, the owner remains at fault if the dog bites someone who does not provoke it while on that leash. However, if someone hit the dog before it attacked, then there is less responsibility to the owner for those losses.

Recovery of All Losses

If you suffer a dog bite, the law allows you to seek compensation for any losses you have. Those losses may include a wide range of factors such as:

• Medical bills for the injury and ongoing care needs
• Lost time at work if you could not work
• Disfigurement losses if scarring occurs
• Property damage as applicable
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering

It is up to the victim to prove what these losses are and to do so through comprehensive documentation. That can prove to be challenging in some situations.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Speak to An Attorney About Your Rights

Any time you are facing injuries and losses due to the actions of someone else’s dog, seek out the help of a local dog bite attorney to navigate a claim. They will know what actions to take.