If you or your child were bitten by a dog in Kansas City, you may deserve compensation. Dickerson Oxton, your experienced Kansas City dog bite lawyers, have 81 years of combined experience and a 98% success rate. Contact us for a free consultation at (816) 268-1960 and get the legal help you need.
Dog bites and dog attacks can cause serious injuries. In some instances, the injuries from a dog attack may be fatal. However, dog bite claims can be complicated because they may involve several parties and areas of law.
We encourage you to seek legal counsel from an experienced Kansas City dog bite lawyer. Since 2010, our Kansas City personal injury lawyers have recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. You and your family are our priority. We are client-focused and driven to obtain the best possible outcome for your dog bite injury claim. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless and until we recover money for your case.
How Dickerson Oxton Can Help if You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in Kansas City
All dogs are capable of attacking or biting someone. Even friendly dogs and family pets can attack without warning. When this happens, the victim may sustain life-altering injuries, scarring, and disabilities. They may require ongoing medical treatment long after they heal from the initial injuries.
If a dog in Missouri attacked you or someone you love, you have rights. The dog’s owner, property owner, or another party may be responsible for your damages. However, the responsible parties and their insurance companies may fight your claim to avoid paying what you deserve.
At Dickerson Oxton, we’ll fight to obtain a settlement or verdict that compensates you fully for your injuries. When you hire our top-rated personal lawyers in Kansas City, we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog attack
- Obtain copies of police reports and other incident reports
- Handle all communications with the at-fault parties and their insurance providers
- Work with expert witnesses as necessary
- Carefully document your damages to accurately assess how much your claim is worth
- Pursue each claim to the fullest to exhaust all sources of compensation for your claim
- Aggressively negotiate a fair settlement agreement
- Proceed to trial to argue your case if the at-fault parties or insurance companies refuse to agree to a fair settlement amount
Call Dickerson Oxton today to request your free case evaluation with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Kansas City, MO.
How Common Are Dog Bites and Attacks?
According to one report, dogs were the third deadliest animal worldwide in 2022. They caused about 30,000 deaths that year. Only snakes and mosquitoes caused more deaths that year.
There are about 90 million dogs living in U.S. homes. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with children receiving most of those injuries.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the number of dog bite claims increased by 8.3% from 2022 to 2023. In 2023, the III reports 19,062 dog bite claims were filed against insurance policies. The value of all claims totaled more than $1.1 billion.
What should you do if you or your child is bitten by a dog in Kansas City? According to the National Library of Medicine, you should:
- Stop the wound from bleeding
- Wash the wound with mild soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infection
- Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound
- Apply a dry, sterile bandage
It is wise to seek immediate medical attention for a dog bite. You may need stitches for some wounds and antibiotics for infections. Depending on your situation, you may also need a tetanus shot. In severe dog bite cases, the victim may require one or more surgeries to repair the damage.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks and Dog Bites in Kansas City, MO
Our lawyers handle all types of dog bite claims. Injuries caused by dog bites and attacks include, but are not limited to:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injury
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
- Facial injuries
- Avulsion fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Head and neck injuries
A victim may not survive their injuries. If so, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim seeking damages caused by the loss of their loved one. Our legal team at Dickerson Oxton will fight to obtain the maximum compensation available for your damages and injuries.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Kansas City, MO?
Dog bites and attacks cause a variety of damages. The damages include monetary losses and expenses (economic damages). Your damages also include the pain and suffering you experience because of a dog bite (non-economic damages).
Examples of damages in a dog bite injury claim include:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalizations, doctor bills, surgeries, physical/occupational therapy, reconstructive surgery, and more
- Pain and discomfort caused by injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Past and future loss of income and benefits, including diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including personal care, household services, travel to medical appointments, and others
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
Our legal team will work with you and your physicians to document the extent of your injuries and damages. When needed, we also work with experts to accurately value future damages, such as permanent impairments, lost wages, ongoing medical/personal care, and other losses.
Who Is Responsible for the Damage Caused by a Dog Bite in Kansas City, MO?
Missouri has a strict liability law for dog bite claims and doesn’t have a “one bite” rule like many other states. Missouri Revised Statutes §273.036 states that a dog owner or person in possession of a dog is strictly liable for damages if:
- A dog bites someone without provocation;
- When that person is on public property or lawfully on private property;
- Regardless of whether the dog has been vicious in the past or the owner or possessor knew of such viciousness.
Strict liability only applies in cases when the dog bites and injures you. In other cases, you would need to prove negligence to recover damages.
Negligence is failing to take reasonable care to prevent the dog from injuring someone. Examples of negligence may include failing to obey local leash laws or allowing a dog to roam freely.
Does Contributory Fault Apply in Dog Bite Cases in Missouri?
Yes, contributory fault is a defense to a dog bite claim. If you were partially to blame for causing your dog bite injuries, your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, suppose the dog owner proves you provoked the dog or were trespassing on private property. A jury may conclude you were 50% at fault for the dog biting you. In that case, your damages would be reduced by one-half.
Contributory fault does not always apply the same way when a child is the victim. Children are often held to a different standard of care because they may not understand the dangers posed by their actions.
What Is the Deadline for Filing Dog Bite Claims in Kansas City, MO?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, is five years. However, there are exceptions to the Missouri statute of limitations that could shorten that time. For example, a notice of claim against the state or a city must be filed within 90 days after the injury date.
When Should I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite in Kansas City, MO?
Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations is a bit longer than deadlines in other states. However, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible about filing a Kansas City dog bite claim.
The injured party has the burden of proving their claim. You must have sufficient evidence to establish each legal element for liability. Evidence can disappear or be destroyed the longer you wait to pursue a claim. The dog’s owner or other responsible party may leave the state.
Contacting a Kansas City dog bite lawyer allows you to learn about your legal options for receiving compensation for damages. If you pursue a claim, your attorney can take prompt action to secure and preserve the evidence you need to prove your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyers
You don’t have to face going against an insurance company or responsible party alone. Put our award-winning personal injury law firm’s resources, skills, and experience on your side. Call us to request a free case review with a Kansas City dog bite attorney. We are here to help you when you need a trusted legal advocate on your side.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Kansas City, MO
Dickerson Oxton – Kansas City Office
1100 Main St #2550, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States
(816) 268-1960