Missouri Dog Bite Laws

Do you know your rights in the state of Missouri when you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog? Let the Kansas City dog bite attorneys at Nash & Franciskato help you understand who might be liable for your injuries.

Missouri Dog Bite Laws

The state of Missouri has specific laws addressing dog bites. Section 273.036 of the Missouri Revised Statutes allows you, the victim of a dog bite, to hold a dog owner liable for your injuries if:

  • the injury was the result of a dog bite
  • you, the injured person, was on public property or lawfully on private property, and
  • you, the injured person, did not provoke the dog

Have you or a loved one suffered a serious dog bite?

Strict Liability vs. One Bite Rule

Missouri uses what is called a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is liable if the dog bites a person, even if the owner took reasonable care to restrain the dog or otherwise prevent the attack from occurring.

Some states use a “one bite” rule. This requires a dog’s owner to have known the dog would likely bite in order to be held liable. This is not applicable in the state of Missouri.

Standard Negligence Claims

The strict liability rule in Missouri only applies to injuries caused by dog bites.

There are other injuries that dogs can inflict simply by jumping on you or even knocking you down. In these situations, the dog bite attorneys at Nash & Franciskato would build a standard negligence case against the owner of the dog showing he or she failed to use reasonable care and, as such, resulted in your injuries.

Dangerous Dog Statute

Some states have what is known as a “dangerous dog” statute that imposes special restrictions on dogs that are labeled dangerous or vicious and may require owners to keep it securely confined, removed from the city or even destroyed. Missouri does not have a Dangerous Dog Statute.

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Addressing Potential Defenses to Dog Bite Lawsuits

The most common defenses to your dog bite claim are provocation and trespassing. As we explore and investigate your dog bite claim, we ensure it meets the standards specified:

  • that there was no provocation
  • that you, the victim, was not unlawfully trespassing

Provoking a dog includes things such as teasing or abusing the dog, for instance, poking it with a stick or pulling its tail.

You must also be either on public property or “lawfully” on private property. That means, if you are trespassing and get bitten, the dog’s owner may not be liable.

If provocation and trespassing are proven, it does not mean you do not have a claim. If you are partly responsible for the injury, Missouri law still allows you to pursue a claim under comparative negligence. This just means that any damages will be reduced by the amount of fault assigned to you, the injured party. For example, if you are found to be 50% responsible for the injury, your total damages would be reduced by 50% leaving you with a 50% award.

Questions? Call us today at (877) 284-6600 and talk to one of our experienced staff.


Deadlines for filing Missouri Dog Bite Lawsuits

In Missouri, an injured person has five years under the state’s statute of limitation to bring a dog bite case to court, which usually starts running on the date of the injury.


Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys

The Nash & Franciskato Law Firm in Kansas City has handled many serious animal attack cases involving dog bites. Our caring and compassionate lawyers look at all angles in order to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Plus, our personal injury legal team gives you:

  • Over 80 years of combined experience
  • Trusted legal advisor committed to your needs
  • Super Lawyers for over 10 years
  • The AV Preeminence Rating for Ethical Standards & Legal Ability
  • Compassionate advocacy for you and your family

Proven Results

$80,000 settlement for a 10-year old girl who was bitten in the leg by a neighbor’s dog when walking home.

$55,000 settlement for a 16-year old girl who was bitten in the face by a dog at the adoption facilities at a Petco store.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, find out if you can hold the animal’s owner liable for injuries suffered. Contact our dog bite lawyers in Kansas City for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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FAQ

What are the dog bite laws in Missouri?
Q
A

Missouri Statute Section 273.036 states:

The owner or possessor of any dog that bites, without provocation, any person while he or she is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner or possessor of the dog, is strictly liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s or possessor’s knowledge of such viciousness. Owners and possessors of dogs shall also be strictly liable for any damage to property or livestock proximately caused by their dogs. If it is determined that the damaged party had fault in the incident, any damages owed by the owner or possessor of the biting dog shall be reduced by the same percentage that the damaged party’s fault contributed to the incident. The provisions of this section shall not apply to dogs killing or maiming sheep or other domestic animals under section 273.020.

Any person who is held liable under the provisions of subsection 1 of this section shall pay a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars. The remedies provided by this section are in addition to and cumulative with any other remedy provided by statute or common law.

Do state or local laws cover dog bites?
Q
A

Yes. The state of Missouri has specific laws regarding dog bites. In addition to these laws, most local communities will have animal laws covering bites, leash laws, and vaccinations.

What are leash laws?
Q
A

Most communities have local leash laws that require dogs to be on a leash unless confined to a house or fenced yard even on your own property.

The attorneys at Nash & Franciskato will contact your local humane organization or animal shelter so that we know what applies to your specific dog attack.

What is the "one bite" rule?
Q
A

In some states, a dog’s owner is not held liable for the first bite the dog inflicts. Once an animal has demonstrated vicious behavior, such as biting, the owner can be held liable.

The “one bite” rule is not applicable in the state of Missouri.

Can posting a "Beware of Dog" sign offset any liability if a dog bites?
Q
A

A sign can help to alert others of the presence of a dog. However, when a dog attack occurs, the specific facts will determine liability.

Do I have a claim if I was petting the dog before it attacked?
Q
A

Yes, as long as you were not provoking the dog. Some examples of provocation would be hitting the dog, pushing a stick at the dog or its face, or yelling at the dog.

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