Experienced Kansas City Dog Bite Attorneys
Strong representation for victims of animal attacks in MO and KS
Dog bite injuries can turn daily life upside down in a matter of seconds. The pain puts everything on hold. Dealing with medical bills and questions from insurance companies often adds to your stress. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may feel anger, fear, or confusion about what comes next.
Our Kansas City law firm has spent years standing with people hurt by dog attacks. We understand how state laws can protect you and help you seek money for doctor visits, lost time at work, or other changes to your quality of life.
Our premises liability attorneys are skilled at representing dog bite victims. We work with investigators and use the discovery process to determine what happened, and to build the case that the dog owner should be responsible for your injuries, the injuries your child has, or the tragic death of a loved one.
If you have questions or are ready to take the first step, you can reach out to learn about your options.
Table of contents
- How often do dog bites occur?
- What is the Missouri law on dog bites?
- What is the Kansas law on dog bites?
- What types of injuries do dog bites cause?
- What damages can Kansas City dog bite victims claim?
- Deadlines to file dog bite claims in Kansas City
- How does a Kansas City dog bite lawyer fight for dog bite victims?
- What to do after a dog bite in Kansas City
- How does someone get compensated after a dog bite incident?
- Frequently asked questions
- Do you have a dog bite attorney near me?
Do I have a case?
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How often do dog bites occur?
Dog bites occur more often than many people think. It’s reported that almost 1,000 Americans require emergency care for a dog bite every day. In 2024, there were 66 fatal dog bites/attacks in the United States. Some other notable dog bite statistics include the following:
- In 2024, insurance companies paid out approximately $1.6 billion in dog-related injury claims
- The average cost per claim has increased 18% from 2023 to 2024 – it went from $58,545 to $69,272
- Nearly 1 in 5 of the 4.5 million dog bites that occur annually become infected
Dog bites are a serious public health issue, and if you’ve been a victim, you should seek the legal and medical help you deserve.
What is the Missouri law on dog bites?
Missouri dog bites are governed by strict liability. This means the victim does not have to show the dog owner/possessor was negligent or that the dog owner knew, or should have known, the dog had a propensity to bite. As long as the victim was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, and they weren’t provoking the dog, they generally can seek damages.
What is the Kansas law on dog bites?
Kansas does not have a strict liability dog bite statute. Claims are typically based on negligence, which may include proving the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies, or failed to reasonably control the animal.
What types of injuries do dog bites cause?
Dog bites are serious injuries, especially for children. The more common injuries include:
Abrasions and lacerations
Abrasions are minor cuts that need to be treated to prevent infections or other diseases. Lacerations are deeper cuts than abrasions, and often require stitches. Lacerations affect the deeper layers of the skin. They can also affect the victim’s nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and bones.
Puncture wounds
These wounds are deeper than abrasions and lacerations. They require immediate medical care.
Infections
Dogs have a lot of bacteria, and a large percentage of people who get bitten develop infections. The signs of a dog bite infection include swelling and redness, pain that lasts more than a day, wound drainage, warmth around the wound, and difficulty moving the affected body part. Signs the infection is spreading include fever, night sweats, and shaking. Your doctor will clean the wound and likely give you antibiotics for the infection.
Rabies
While the risk of rabies in America is low, it is deadly and incurable. Dogs that haven’t been vaccinated are especially prone to rabies. It’s critical in dog bite cases that victims identify (with the help of their lawyer if necessary) the dog that bit the victim. The dog may need to be tested for rabies.
Tetanus
Getting tetanus after a dog bite is possible. Your doctor will want to know if you have had a recent tetanus shot.
Scarring and disfigurement
Many dog bites, especially deeper wounds, leave scars. In severe cases, such as when a dog bites someone’s face or the bite is disfiguring, the victim may require skin grafts and plastic surgery. Many dog bite victims who have scars or disfigurements require treatment with a psychologist to manage the emotional concerns about their appearance.
Some dog bites, especially when the victims are small children, may cause muscle, nerve, and bone injuries. In severe cases, a dog bite can cause paralysis. If the victim falls, they could suffer other injuries such as head trauma, brain trauma, fractures, and death.
What damages can Kansas City dog bite victims claim?
Dog bite victims (and their parents if the victim was a child) can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses. They can claim damages for:
- The ER, hospital, doctor, and therapy bills
- The cost of medications and assistive devices
- Psychological care
- Lost income
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Other damages, depending on what happened
We also file wrongful death cases on behalf of families if a child or any family member dies due to a dog bite.
Deadlines to file dog bite claims in Kansas City
When you’ve been bitten by a dog, acting quickly is important, not only for your health but also to protect your legal rights. Every state sets a time limit, known as the "statute of limitations," for when you can file an injury claim in court.
In Missouri, you usually have up to five years from the date you were bitten to start a lawsuit. It’s important to know that there are exceptions, especially when children are involved, allowing them more time to file their lawsuit.
Other unique situations may also change the deadline, either shortening or extending it.
Kansas statute of limitations for dog bites
If your bite occurred in Kansas, the deadline is usually shorter, just 2 years. Again, there are exceptions for children and other categories, so make sure you seek legal help right away.
Contacting a lawyer early helps make sure you don’t lose out because of a missed deadline.
How does a Kansas City dog bite lawyer fight for dog bite victims?
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we:
- Investigate the dog that bit you, and how the bite occurred.
- Work with your physician to verify the injuries and the medical care required.
- Explain to the insurance adjuster or courts all the ways the dog bite has changed your life or the life of a loved one.
- Obtain records of all your medical care and financial losses.
- File a complaint against the dog owner or possessor.
- Conduct discovery through oral questions, written questions, and other inquiries.
- Negotiate with the insurance company with the aim of trying to settle your case.
- Prepare your case for court if a settlement can’t be reached.
- Present your claim before a jury.
What to do after a dog bite in Kansas City
Dog bites happen in seconds, but the effects can last for months or longer. Whether the bite took place in a busy Plaza neighborhood, along a quiet trail in Westport, or while delivering packages in a local suburb, what you do next can shape the rest of your recovery. Here are actions to protect your health and your rights:
- Get medical help fast, even for minor wounds.
- Take clear photos of cuts and bruises
- Take pictures of the location of the incident
- Learn the owner's name and details about the dog’s vaccination record.
- Contact animal control or the county health department to create a record.
- Keep any torn clothing or damaged property.
- Politely decline to give insurance adjusters a recorded statement right away.
- Make written notes about pain, scars, or symptoms as days go by.
- Wait to settle your claim until future medical needs are clear.
Our lawyers help bite victims in all scenarios, no matter where the bite happened or how severe your injuries are.
How does someone get compensated after a dog bite incident?
Getting money to cover injuries from a dog attack depends on the family’s circumstances and the location where the bite occurred.
Homeowners insurance
Many homeowners have insurance that covers dog-bite claims, even if the attack occurred outside the home. This type of coverage helps pay for victims’ medical bills and other related costs.
Renters’ insurance
If the dog’s owner rents their home, their renters' insurance may include coverage similar to that of a homeowner’s policy.
Business liability
If the bite occurred at a store, restaurant, or pet-friendly park owned or operated by a business, the business's liability coverage could cover injury claims.
Umbrella policies
Some dog or property owners have an umbrella policy for extra insurance. These can kick in after regular coverage reaches its limits, providing more financial compensation for larger claims.
Personal injury lawsuits
Sometimes, insurance won't cover the full cost, and disputes keep dragging on. In those cases, taking the owner or the responsible business to court is sometimes necessary to obtain fair damages.
These avenues ensure you have more than one way to seek fair payment for what has happened to you. Getting legal advice early on lets you protect your interests right from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. In Missouri, you can still recover damages even if you were mostly at fault for the incident because the state follows pure comparative negligence laws. Your payment will just be reduced by your share of blame. However, provocation is usually a bar to recovery.
Kansas is different; you must be less than 50% at fault to collect any compensation. Your compensation will also be reduced by your share of blame.
How much is a dog bite case worth in Kansas City?
There’s no set amount. Case value depends on things like the cost of medical care, whether there is permanent scarring, your lost income, and facts about who was responsible. Every situation is unique, and these details will affect the final amount.
Do I have to go to court for a dog bite claim?
Most cases settle without needing a trial. Many dog bite claims are resolved through insurance. Going to court is only necessary if a fair agreement can't be reached.
Who pays for my medical bills after a dog bite?
Usually, the dog owner’s insurance (like homeowners or renters) covers your medical costs if their dog hurts someone. Sometimes, your own health insurance may help at first, with a portion paid back later from a settlement.
Do you have a dog bite attorney near me?
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys is located at 510 Walnut Street, Suite 100, in Kansas City, Missouri, close to City Hall. Speak with a respected Kansas City dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City dog bite attorney
It’s critical that dog bite victims seek medical and legal help as soon as possible. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we understand how traumatic a dog bite is. We can work with your medical team to understand your injuries or your child’s injuries. We’re able to settle many personal injury cases because insurance adjusters respect our strong record of obtaining strong jury verdicts when cases don’t settle.
We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. To discuss your right to hold the dog owner or property owner liable, call us, start a live chat today, or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.