Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyers

In a city that loves its pets, from the dog-friendly patios of the Crossroads to the walking trails around Smithville Lake, we share our community spaces with our four-legged friends. We trust that owners will act responsibly to keep everyone safe. When that trust is broken by a sudden, violent attack, the aftermath is devastating. It leaves not only physical injuries but also a deep sense of betrayal and fear in the very places you once felt at ease.

At DM Injury Law, we understand that a dog bite is more than just an injury; it’s a traumatic event that shatters your sense of security. Our compassionate legal team is here to help you regain your footing.

A dedicated Kansas City dog bite lawyer from our firm will fight to hold the negligent owner accountable, seeking the financial resources you need to heal your wounds—both seen and unseen. Contact us today at (816) 888-7500 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation.

We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Key Takeaways About Kansas City Dog Bite Claims

Dog bite liability laws differ significantly between Missouri and Kansas, impacting how a case is proven.
Missouri follows a “strict liability” rule, meaning an owner is typically liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
Kansas generally uses a “one-bite rule,” which often requires proving the owner knew their dog was potentially dangerous.
Compensation in a dog bite claim can cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring.
Parties other than the owner, such as landlords or property managers, may sometimes be held liable for an attack.
Evidence like medical records, photos of injuries, and animal control reports is vital for building a strong claim.

Why Choose DM Injury Law’s Dog Bite Lawyer in Kansas City?

When you are facing a powerful insurance company, you need a law firm with the resources and experience to level the playing field. At DM Injury Law, our size is one of our greatest strengths. With a team of approximately 70 attorneys and 250 support staff members, we have the personnel to dedicate focused attention to every aspect of your case.

Our investigators can quickly gather evidence, our paralegals can manage complex paperwork, and our trial attorneys can prepare your case for court from day one. We have seen the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims, and we know how to fight back effectively. This team-based approach ensures that no detail is overlooked and that your case receives the comprehensive, aggressive representation it deserves.

Our Dog Bite Case Results

Whether you were hurt on the job while delivering mail or when you were taking a relaxing walk at Loose Park, being attacked by a dog can lead to serious injuries. That’s why our dog bite lawyer in KC will fight for the financial compensation you are owed.

Take a look at some relevant case results:

$300,000: We secured this result for a family whose child was bitten by a neighbor’s dog and needed multiple surgeries.
$300,000: Our client was chased by three dogs and bitten on her arms and legs.

Understanding Your Rights After a Dog Attack in Kansas City

Kansas City’s unique position on the border of Missouri and Kansas means that the laws governing your case depend entirely on where the attack happened. An incident in Brookside, Missouri, will be handled differently from one in Overland Park, Kansas.

Our legal team is well-versed in the specific statutes of both states. A dog attack lawyer in Kansas City from DM Injury Law can clarify your rights and build a strategy tailored to the laws that apply to your situation, ensuring your claim is built on a solid legal foundation from the very start.

Dog Bite Laws: Missouri vs. Kansas

The legal framework for dog bite cases varies greatly between the two states that make up the Kansas City metropolitan area. This is one of the most critical factors in your claim and determines what must be proven to hold the owner responsible.

Missouri’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Missouri law is generally more favorable to victims of dog bites. Under the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) § 273.036, the state operates under a “strict liability” statute. This legal term simply means that proving the owner was negligent is not always necessary.

Owner is Responsible: The dog’s owner is automatically considered liable for injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether they knew the dog might be aggressive.
No “One-Bite Rule”: It doesn’t matter if the dog had a perfect history with no previous bites or aggressive behavior. The owner can be held accountable for the very first incident.
Location is Key: This law applies as long as the injured person was on public property or was lawfully on private property, meaning they were not trespassing.

There are only two major defenses an owner can use in Missouri: if the injured person was trespassing or if they provoked the dog into attacking. This straightforward law places the responsibility firmly on the dog owner to control their animal.

Kansas’s “One-Bite Rule” and Negligence Laws

Kansas law is more complex and typically follows what is known as the “one-bite rule.” This rule is based on the legal concept of negligence, which means you must prove the owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack from happening.

Proving Negligence: Your claim must show that the dog’s owner knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog had dangerous tendencies.
Evidence of Prior Aggression: To prove the owner’s knowledge, your dog bite attorney in KC will look for evidence that the dog had bitten someone before, frequently lunged at people, or was known in the neighborhood for being aggressive.
Violation of Local Laws: If the owner violated a local leash law or another animal control ordinance, this can serve as strong evidence of their negligence.

While some Kansas statutes address liability for dogs that cause harm, most cases hinge on proving the owner was aware of the dog’s potential to be dangerous. This makes gathering evidence extremely important for a successful claim in Kansas.

Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

A dog’s powerful jaws can cause devastating damage in a matter of seconds. The injuries often go far beyond a simple puncture wound and can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.

Some of the most common physical injuries include:

Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Nerve damage leading to loss of sensation or function
Broken or fractured bones
Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Beyond the immediate wounds, victims also face a high risk of infection. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause serious infections like cellulitis, staph, or rabies if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.

Furthermore, the emotional trauma from a vicious attack can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a lifelong fear of dogs.

These long-lasting consequences highlight the importance of seeking comprehensive medical care and documenting every aspect of your recovery.

Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Kansas City?

While the dog’s owner is the most obvious party to hold responsible, they are not always the only one. Depending on the circumstances of the attack, other individuals or entities could share in the liability. An experienced Kansas City dog bite attorney will investigate every angle to identify all potential sources of compensation.

The Dog Owner’s Responsibility

The primary responsibility almost always falls on the dog owner. They have a duty to restrain their animal, whether through a leash, a fence, or other means, to prevent it from harming others. Their failure to do so is the basis for most dog bite claims in both Missouri and Kansas.

Landlord Liability: When Can a Property Owner Be Responsible?

In some situations, a landlord or property management company can be held partially liable for an attack that occurs on their premises. This is often the case if they were aware of a tenant’s dangerous dog but failed to take reasonable steps to protect other residents or visitors.

Landlord liability may apply if:

The landlord knew the specific dog had aggressive tendencies.
The landlord had the authority to have the dog removed from the property, but failed to do so.
The attack occurred in a common area of the property, such as a hallway, lawn, or playground.

Proving landlord liability can be complex, but it can provide an additional avenue for compensation, especially if the dog owner is uninsured or underinsured.

Liability for Other Parties (Keepers or Harborers)

Sometimes, the person in control of the dog at the time of the attack is not the legal owner. This could be a dog walker, a kennel, a pet sitter, or a family member watching the animal. In these cases, the person “keeping” or “harboring” the dog could also be held liable for failing to properly control it.

Seeking Fair Compensation for Your Injuries

The financial impact of a serious dog bite can be immense. Our legal team fights to recover compensation for all the ways an attack has affected your life, both economically and personally.

Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for all past and future medical care related to the bite, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and counseling for emotional trauma.
Lost Wages or Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, we will seek compensation for the income you have lost. If the injury results in a long-term disability, we can also pursue damages for your diminished future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the attack. While this is harder to quantify, it is a critical component of your claim.
Disfigurement and Scarring: We fight for compensation specifically for permanent scars or other disfiguring injuries, which can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.

Our team will meticulously document your losses to build a comprehensive demand for the maximum compensation available under the law.

The Role of Homeowners and Renter’s Insurance

A common concern for dog bite victims is the fear of suing a neighbor, friend, or family member. It is important to understand that in the vast majority of cases, a dog bite claim is filed against the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against the individual’s personal assets.

These policies typically provide liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s pet. However, insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their profits. They may try to deny the claim, argue that you provoked the dog, or offer a quick, low settlement that does not cover the full extent of your damages. A dog attack lawyer in Kansas City from our firm will handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from their tactics and fighting for a fair outcome.

Building a Strong Dog Bite Claim in Kansas City

A successful dog bite claim depends on strong evidence. While your primary focus should be on your medical recovery, taking a few steps after you are safe at home can significantly strengthen your case.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite (After Seeking Medical Care)

Once you are safely home and your immediate medical needs have been addressed, taking these proactive steps can be vital for protecting your right to fair compensation.

Report the Incident: File a report with the local animal control agency in Kansas City, MO, or the appropriate municipality in Kansas. This creates an official record of the attack.
Document Everything: Take clear photographs of your injuries as they heal. Keep a journal detailing your physical pain, emotional state, and any daily activities you can no longer do.
Gather Information: If you haven’t already, get the dog owner’s name and contact information, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Preserve Evidence: Keep the clothing you were wearing during the attack in a sealed bag. Do not wash it.
Avoid Speaking to Insurers: Do not give a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. They may try to use your words against you.

Taking these steps can provide your attorney with the foundational evidence needed to start building your case.

Crucial Evidence Your Dog Attack Lawyer in Kansas City Will Gather

Our firm has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack. We will work to collect and analyze all available evidence to build a compelling claim on your behalf.

Medical Records: We will obtain all of your medical charts, bills, and reports to document the severity of your injuries and the cost of your treatment.
Photos and Videos: We will use your photos of the injuries, as well as any surveillance or cell phone video of the incident or the dog’s behavior.
Animal Control Reports: The official report can contain important details about the dog, its owner, and any history of prior incidents.
Witness Statements: We will interview neighbors, eyewitnesses, and anyone else who can testify about the attack or the dog’s aggressive history.
Expert Testimony: In cases involving severe or permanent injuries, we may consult with medical experts, vocational specialists, or economists to demonstrate the full long-term impact of the attack.

This comprehensive approach to evidence collection ensures we are prepared to negotiate from a position of strength or, if necessary, take your case to trial.

When a Dog Attack Tragically Leads to Wrongful Death

In the most heartbreaking cases, a dog attack can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 5 people require medical care for dog bites each year, and a number of these incidents result in death. When this happens, grieving families have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the negligent owner accountable.

These claims allow eligible family members to seek justice for their loved one and recover damages for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
Loss of companionship, guidance, and comfort
The pain and suffering the victim endured before their death

Handling a wrongful death claim while mourning is unimaginable. Our firm handles these sensitive cases with the utmost compassion and determination, pursuing justice for your family. Missouri and Kansas have specific laws governing who can file a wrongful death claim, and our attorneys can guide you through every step.

FAQs: Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer

Here are some answers to common questions our attorneys hear from dog bite victims and their families.

What should I do if the dog that bit me belongs to a friend or family member?

This is a very common and sensitive situation. Remember that you are typically filing a claim against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not seeking money directly from them. Pursuing a claim is about ensuring your significant medical bills and other losses are covered by the insurance they pay for. Our attorneys can handle these cases with discretion and professionalism to help preserve your personal relationships.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Missouri and Kansas?

This time limit is called the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. In Kansas, the deadline is much shorter—you typically only have two years. It is crucial to contact an attorney well before this deadline expires to protect your right to seek compensation.

What happens if my child was the one bitten by a dog?

Dog bites involving children can be especially traumatic and often result in more severe injuries, particularly to the face and neck. The legal process is similar, but the claim is filed on behalf of the minor. Any settlement or award is often placed into a protected account until the child turns 18. The statute of limitations may also be different for minors, so it is important to consult a lawyer promptly.

Do I have a case if the dog didn’t bite me but caused an injury by knocking me down?

Yes, you may still have a valid claim. If a dog’s aggressive or unruly behavior, such as jumping on you or chasing you, directly causes you to fall and get injured, the owner can still be held liable for their failure to control the animal. This falls under general negligence principles in both Missouri and Kansas.

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

Both Missouri and Kansas use a legal rule called “comparative fault.” This means that if you are found to be partially responsible (for example, by unintentionally provoking the dog), your potential compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. As long as you are not found to be 50% or more at fault in Kansas or 51% or more at fault in Missouri, you can still recover damages.

Contact a Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer Today

At DM Injury Law, we are committed to helping you recover the resources you need to heal and rebuild after a dog bite attack. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and dedication to stand up to insurance companies and fight for the justice you deserve.

We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.

Call (816) 888-7500 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged based on its own merits.