Missouri Dog Bite Laws?

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Brenton Armour
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases...Read more

Missouri dog bite laws are essential to understanding for both dog owners and victims of dog attacks. The laws aim to protect the people and hold the dog owners responsible for any harm caused by their pets. In this introduction, we will dive into the details of Missouri dog bite laws, including what to do in case of a dog bite, the consequences of violating the laws, and how to prevent dog attacks from happening in the first place.

Dog bites can be a traumatic experience for victims, leaving them with physical and emotional scars. That’s why it’s crucial to know your rights and responsibilities under Missouri dog bite laws. Whether you’re a dog owner or a victim of a dog attack, this guide will provide you with valuable information to help you navigate the legal aspects of dog bites and ensure that justice is served. So, let’s get started!

Missouri Dog Bite Laws: In Missouri, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for any damages that result, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. However, if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, the owner may not be held liable. It’s important to note that Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations on dog bite lawsuits, meaning that victims must file a claim within five years of the incident.

Missouri Dog Bite Laws?

Understanding Missouri Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know

As a dog owner or someone who has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to be aware of the laws surrounding dog bites in Missouri. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Missouri dog bite laws, including liability, damages, and how to protect yourself.

What is the Missouri Dog Bite Law?

Missouri is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for any damages that result, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or the owner was negligent in controlling the dog.

In addition, Missouri law also allows for “negligence” claims, which means that a dog owner can be held liable if they were negligent in controlling their dog, even if the dog didn’t actually bite anyone. This can include situations where a dog jumps on someone, knocks them down, or causes other injuries.

If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and report the incident to the police or animal control. You should also consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Missouri?

As mentioned, in Missouri, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for any damages that result from a dog bite. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, you can file a claim against the owner to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property or provoking the dog in some way, the owner may not be held liable for the bite. Additionally, if the dog was being used for law enforcement or military purposes, the owner may not be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Dog Bite in Missouri?

If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, you may be able to recover a variety of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
  • Lost wages and income if you are unable to work due to your injuries
  • Pain and suffering, including both physical and emotional pain
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Property damage, if the dog damaged your personal property

It’s important to keep in mind that Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it’s important to act quickly if you have been bitten by a dog and want to seek compensation.

What Should You Do if You are Bitten by a Dog in Missouri?

If you are bitten by a dog in Missouri, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:

  1. Seek medical attention right away, even if the bite seems minor
  2. Report the incident to the police or animal control
  3. Get the owner’s contact information and insurance information, if possible
  4. Take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the bite
  5. Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options

How Can Dog Owners Protect Themselves?

If you own a dog in Missouri, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from liability in the event that your dog bites someone:

  • Train your dog to be well-behaved and non-aggressive
  • Keep your dog on a leash or in a secure enclosure when in public
  • Post signs warning others that you have a dog on your property
  • Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date
  • Take steps to prevent your dog from escaping your property

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of your dog biting someone and protect yourself from liability if an incident does occur.

Conclusion

In Missouri, the laws surrounding dog bites are designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable for any damages their dogs may cause. If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation. And if you own a dog, taking steps to train and control your pet can help prevent accidents and protect you from liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Missouri Dog Bite Law?

Missouri dog bite law states that if a dog bites a person, the owner of that dog is strictly liable for any damages suffered by the person who was bitten. This means that the owner cannot claim that they were unaware of their dog’s tendency to bite or that they took reasonable precautions to prevent the bite from occurring. The law applies to both public and private property, with a few exceptions.

However, if the person who was bitten was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the dog at the time of the bite, the owner may not be held strictly liable. It’s important to note that Missouri has a one-bite rule, which means that if a dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner may not be held liable for the first bite.

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog in Missouri?

If you are bitten by a dog in Missouri, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if the wound appears minor, it’s important to have it properly cleaned and treated to prevent infection. You should also contact the authorities and report the bite to your local animal control agency.

It’s also important to gather as much information as possible about the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name and contact information, as well as any information about the dog’s vaccination history. If there were any witnesses to the bite, get their contact information as well.

Can I sue the owner of a dog that bit me in Missouri?

Yes, you can sue the owner of a dog that bit you in Missouri. As mentioned earlier, the owner is strictly liable for any damages suffered by the person who was bitten. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You will need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner to recover these damages.

It’s important to note that Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This means that you have five years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit against the owner.

What if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?

If you were partially at fault for the dog bite, your damages may be reduced under Missouri’s comparative negligence law. This means that if you were found to be 20% at fault for the bite, your damages would be reduced by 20%.

For example, if your total damages were $10,000 and you were found to be 20% at fault, you would only be able to recover $8,000. It’s important to note that if you were found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover any damages at all.

What if the dog that bit me was a service animal?

If the dog that bit you was a service animal, the laws regarding liability may be different. Service animals are typically trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, and they are protected under federal law.

In Missouri, if a service animal bites someone while performing its duties, the owner may not be held strictly liable. However, if the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a propensity to bite, they may still be held liable. It’s important to consult with an attorney if you have been bitten by a service animal.

In conclusion, Missouri dog bite laws exist to protect both dogs and humans. These laws specify the responsibilities of dog owners and the penalties they will face if their dogs bite someone. It is important for dog owners to understand these laws and take proper precautions to prevent their dogs from biting others.

If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the authorities. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries under Missouri’s dog bite laws.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to dog bites. Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching a dog, and never provoke or tease a dog. By following these simple guidelines, we can all work together to prevent dog bites and keep our communities safe.

Brenton ArmourUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases from minor injuries to devastating accidents, earning him a sterling reputation as a trusted and passionate advocate for justice. Brenton's unwavering dedication to his clients has cemented his position as a sought-after personal injury attorney.

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