While dogs are called "man's best friend," an untrained and uncontrolled canine can leave you with serious injuries, like deep bites or scratches. If a dog attacked you or someone you love, you may be dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and time off work. That is not your fault. You deserve to be compensated.
At DM Injury Law, our experienced dog bite lawyers are ready to fight for you. We investigate the attack, prove who was responsible, and demand the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. You don't pay unless we win.
Call 816-888-7500 or contact us online today
Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
When a dog bites you, the owner's insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible. They will try to blame you by saying you provoked the dog or did something else to cause it to bite you. We don't let them twist your story.
You need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back. Here is what makes our dog bite attorneys at DM Injury Law different:
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Our Clients
We have a long track record of winning for people just like you. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for accident and injury victims. We know how to go up against big insurance companies and win.
Take a look at some of our successful case results:
A Powerful Team Working for You
When you hire DM Injury Law, you are not just getting one lawyer. You get a full team of legal experts on your side. Our large support staff includes investigators, medical record specialists, and case managers who work together to build the strongest possible case for you. While you focus on healing, we handle everything else.
Free Consultations and No Fee Unless We Win
We believe that everyone deserves great legal help, no matter their financial situation. That is why we offer free consultations.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are zero upfront costs. You pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. Once we do win, we make sure you understand exactly how your settlement check works.
Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?
Dog bites can cause serious, life-changing injuries. The wounds can be deep and painful, and the emotional trauma can last a long time. Knowing what to do right after the attack can make a big difference in your health and your case.
- Get Medical Help Immediately: Even if the bite looks small, go to a doctor or emergency room. Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and other serious problems that are not always visible. They can also carry harmful diseases that can be life-threatening to humans.
- Report the Bite: Tell your local animal control authority or police what happened. This creates an official record of the attack.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the dog owner's name and contact information if you can. Write down the dog's breed, size, and color.
- Take Photos: Document your injuries, your clothing, and the location where the attack happened. If there are any witnesses to the attack, make sure to get their names and contact information, as well. The more evidence you have, the better.
- Call an Attorney: The dog owner's insurance company may contact you quickly. Do not speak with them without having a dog bite attorney on your side. An attorney will protect your rights and handle all communication on your behalf.
The 6 Levels of Dog Bites
Your settlement value will depend on how severe your injuries are. To calculate that, we'll need to understand the level of your bite. Dr. Ian Dunbar's Dog Bite Scale is widely used to measure how serious a dog bite is.
Here is a simple breakdown:
- Level 1: The dog snaps or lunges but makes no contact with the skin.
- Level 2: The dog's teeth make contact with the skin but do not break it.
- Level 3: One to four shallow puncture wounds from a single bite.
- Level 4: One to four deep puncture wounds. The bite may leave bruising from the dog shaking its head.
- Level 5: Multiple Level 4 bites in one attack. This is considered a serious, life-threatening attack.
- Level 6: The victim dies from the attack.
If you experienced a Level 3 or higher bite, you likely needed medical treatment and may be dealing with lasting health consequences. Our dog bite lawyers handle cases that require a hospital or doctor visit, no matter how serious the attack.
Contact DM Injury Law today, and tell us about your incident. We offer free consultations, so you don't have to worry about paying us anything.
Call 816-888-7500 or contact us online today
Long-Term Effects of Dog Bites
A serious dog attack can drastically change many parts of your life. Long-term effects can include:
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially on the face or hands
- Nerve damage, which can cause lasting pain or loss of feeling
- Infections, including serious conditions like rabies or sepsis
- Emotional trauma and PTSD, including a fear of dogs that affects daily life
- Difficulty working, especially in jobs that require physical activity or appearance
You can receive compensation for long-lasting injuries, scars, or trauma that this attack has left you with. Speak to our attorneys to learn about your rights.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Our dog bite attorneys will fight to recover money for every loss you have suffered. This can include:
- Medical bills: Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and physical therapy
- Future medical care: Ongoing treatment, plastic surgery for scarring, and long-term care needs
- Lost wages: The paychecks you missed while you were recovering
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring: You can receive money for the permanent scars or injuries the attack left you with
- Property damage: Reimbursement for personal items damaged in the attack, like clothing or glasses
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one died as a result of a dog attack, you may be entitled to funeral and burial costs as well as compensation for the financial support they provided
A serious injury can also be connected to other areas of law. If the attack happened at a business or rental property, our team also handles premises liability cases.
If you were injured on the job, we can also help with a workers' compensation claim. Common cases for workers are delivery drivers who were attacked while dropping off a package at a person's door.
Our Dog Bite Law Firm Locations
Our Midwest dog bite lawyers serve clients across multiple states. We have the knowledge of local laws and the resources to get you the results you deserve. You can reach out to us at any of our local offices:
- Kansas City dog bite lawyer
- St. Louis dog bite lawyer
- Columbia dog bite lawyer
- Topeka dog bite lawyer
- Wichita dog bite lawyer
- Oklahoma City dog bite lawyer
- Tulsa dog bite lawyer
- Omaha dog bite lawyer
- Denver dog bite lawyer
We also serve clients in Blue Springs and Olathe.
Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs
Who is responsible for a dog bite?
In most cases, the dog's owner is responsible. Many states follow a "strict liability" rule, which means the owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Does homeowners' insurance cover dog bites?
Yes, in many cases it does. Homeowners insurance and renters insurance often cover dog bite claims. However, some insurers exclude certain dog breeds from their policies.
What if I was bitten by a stray or unknown dog?
It is harder to file a claim if you do not know who owns the dog, but it is not impossible. Report the bite to animal control right away. Our investigators can help track down the responsible party. We will explore every option to get you compensation.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
Every case is different. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical bills, time missed from work, and the long-term effects of the bite. Our team carefully evaluates every detail of your case to pursue the maximum amount you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney?
Nothing upfront. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay us only if we win your case. There are no hidden fees and no out-of-pocket expenses.
Contact DM Injury Law's Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. You should not have to go through this alone. Our dedicated dog bite lawyers at DM Injury Law are here to fight for you every step of the way.
While you focus on healing, we will focus on getting you the money you need. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win. Remember, Mike's Got This!
Call 816-888-7500 or contact us online today
Helpful Legal Resources
State Dog Bite Laws
- Dog Bite Laws in Kansas
- Missouri vs. Kansas Dog Bite Law: Why State Lines Matter
- Dog Bite Liability Coverage in Missouri & Kansas
- Pit Bull Attacks in Kansas City: Recent Cases and Legal Rights
Insurance
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
- When Homeowners Insurance Won't Cover Dog Bites: Breed Exclusions