St. Louis Dog Bite & Attack Attorneys

Missouri Dog Bite Law

Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means a dog owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog had never shown aggression before, and even if the owner had no reason to expect an attack.

To recover compensation, you generally need to show:

• You were bitten or attacked by the dog
• You were in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time
• You did not provoke the animal

You do not need to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. The strict liability rule removes that burden, which is one reason these cases can be stronger than people expect.

What About Comparative Fault?

Dog owners and their insurers frequently argue that the victim provoked the dog or acted carelessly. Under Missouri's pure comparative fault rule, if they successfully assign you a percentage of blame, your recovery is reduced proportionally.

We anticipate these arguments from day one. Our team investigates the circumstances thoroughly, reviewing incident reports, witness accounts, and any prior complaints about the animal, to counter blame-shifting before it gains traction.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In most cases, the dog owner is the liable party. But some situations are more complex. If you were bitten at a rental property, liability may extend beyond the owner to a landlord or property management company, particularly if they knew the dog was present and potentially dangerous. We review lease documents, local ordinances, and incident reports to identify every party that may share responsibility.

Dog owners also frequently carry homeowner's or renter's insurance that covers bite claims. We identify all available coverage so nothing is left on the table.

How We Win Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite cases have a unique dynamic in the courtroom. Jurors sometimes sympathize with the dog, or the owner, in ways that can work against an injured victim. Knowing this, we do not just show up and present the facts. We prepare.

Before our $250,000 dog bite jury verdict, our focus group work revealed something important: jurors did not want to blame or shame the dog. They wanted to hold the owner accountable for their responsibility to control their animal. That insight changed how we framed the entire case, and it changed the outcome.

This kind of preparation is standard practice at Meyerkord Law Group. We test our case narratives with real community members before trial, so we know exactly how to tell your story when it matters most.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks produce a range of injuries, some obvious, some that develop over time:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
• Infection from bacteria introduced during the bite
• Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or loss of movement
• Broken bones, particularly in hands, arms, and face
• Soft tissue damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring, especially common in children
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, and PTSD

Facial and psychological injuries deserve particular attention. Visible scarring affects how victims feel about themselves every day. PTSD and fear of animals can disrupt daily life in ways that are hard to quantify but very real. We document both, and we argue for compensation that reflects both.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A dog bite claim in Missouri can include compensation for:

Economic Damages

• All medical bills related to the attack, including surgery and follow-up care
• Future treatment costs, including scar management or reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages during recovery
• Counseling and psychological support

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress and PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What To Do After a Dog Bite

It's important to:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even wounds that seem minor can become seriously infected
• Report the incident to St. Louis Animal Control
• Photograph your injuries and the location where the attack occurred
• Get the dog owner's name, contact information, and insurance details
• Ask for witness contact information
• Do not give a recorded statement to the owner's insurer before speaking with an attorney

Contact us as early as possible. Evidence and witness recollections are strongest right after an attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Missouri?

Missouri's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of the attack. Do not wait; early investigation preserves the strongest evidence and protects your rights.

What If the Owner Says I Provoked the Dog?

This is a common defense. We investigate the circumstances thoroughly and build the evidence needed to counter it. Missouri's comparative fault rule means your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, but you are not barred from collecting.

Can a Landlord Be Held Responsible?

Potentially, yes, if they knew the dog was present and dangerous, or if the dog's presence violated lease terms or local ordinances. We review all available documentation to determine every liable party.

Is a Dog Bite Covered by the Owner’s Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance?

Often yes. Many dog bite claims are paid through the owner's homeowner's or renter's policy. We identify all available coverage as part of how we build your claim.

What Does It Cost to Hire Meyerkord Law Group?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.