A dog attack can turn your life upside down. It can cause pain, fear, and costly medical bills. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may wonder what to do next. One big question is: should I call a lawyer? The short answer? Yes—if the bite caused injury, scarring, or trauma, you need legal help. This page will guide you on when to call a Kansas City personal injury lawyer after a dog attack, what steps to take, and how a lawyer can help.
Know When to Act
Not all dog bites are the same. Some are minor. Others leave deep wounds or even permanent damage. If any of the signs below apply, call a lawyer:
- The bite broke the skin
- You needed stitches or medical help
- The injury got infected
- You missed work or lost income
- A child or elderly person was hurt
- You have lasting scars
- The dog was loose or not on a leash
- You don’t know who owns the dog
Waiting too long can hurt your case. It’s best to call a lawyer within days of the attack.
What the Law Says in Missouri
In Missouri, dog owners are strictly liable for attacks. This means they are responsible, even if the dog never bit anyone before. You don’t have to prove the dog was dangerous.
Here’s what you must show:
- The dog bit you
- You were on public property or lawfully on private property
- You did not provoke the dog
That’s it. If these are true, the owner can be held responsible. But proving it without help can be hard.
Why You Need a Kansas City Lawyer
You may think you can handle the case alone. That’s risky. Insurance companies don’t play fair. They may try to blame you, offer low money, or delay your claim.
A personal injury lawyer in Kansas City knows the local laws. They can:
- Find the dog’s owner
- Talk to witnesses
- Collect medical records
- Take photos of injuries
- Handle insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if needed
- Fight for full payment
You pay nothing upfront. Most lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you win.
Common Dog Attack Injuries
Dog bites can lead to many injuries. Some are clear right away. Others take days to show.
Common ones include:
- Deep cuts and punctures
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Infections like rabies or tetanus
- Scars and disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress
- Fear of dogs or going outside
Even small bites can lead to big problems later. Always see a doctor and keep records.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Act fast after an attack. What you do in the first hours matters.
- Get medical help right away
- Report the bite to Kansas City Animal Control
- Take photos of wounds, the dog, and the scene
- Get contact info from the dog’s owner and any witnesses
- Save all bills and reports
- Do not talk to insurance before calling a lawyer
Every detail helps in the legal process. The more proof you have, the better your case.
Who Pays for the Injuries?
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance pays for damages. But not always. Some policies don’t cover certain breeds or may exclude dog bites. If there’s no insurance, the owner may still be held responsible. A lawyer can find out what coverage is available and help collect the money.
Damages You Can Claim
After a dog attack, you may be able to recover money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring
- Ongoing therapy or care
Each case is different. A lawyer can tell you what your claim is worth.
Kansas City Bite Stats
Dog bites are more common than people think. In Kansas City:
- Hundreds of bites are reported each year
- Many victims are kids under age 12
- Most attacks happen near the victim’s home
- Many dogs are not on leashes
The law is on your side. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
How Soon Should You Call?
Right away. Don’t wait weeks or months. The sooner you call, the better.
Why?
- Evidence can disappear
- Witnesses forget details
- The dog may move or be put down
- There are deadlines (5 years to file in Missouri)
If your child was hurt, the time limit may be longer. But don’t rely on that. Talk to a skilled and affordable dog bite lawyer in Kansas City now and get peace of mind.
What If You Know the Dog’s Owner?
This is common. Many dog bite victims know the owner. It might be a friend, neighbor, or family member. That can make things tricky.
Still, you have rights.
Remember:
- The claim goes through insurance, not their bank account
- You’re not suing them personally in most cases
- Medical bills can pile up fast
- You need help—even if it feels awkward
A lawyer can handle it with care. You can focus on healing.
Why Speed Matters
Dog bite wounds can change fast. Swelling, bruising, and infection can make the injury look worse (or better) later. Photos, doctor notes, and reports taken right away help show the truth. Also, insurance adjusters may try to settle fast—before you know how bad the injury is. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer.
How a Lawyer Builds Your Case
A Kansas City personal injury lawyer does more than fill out forms. They work to build a strong case from the start.
They will:
- Review your story
- Check medical records
- Look at laws and past cases
- Gather proof of pain and cost
- Talk to doctors, police, and experts
- Demand full payment
If the case doesn’t settle, they can take it to court.
Can You Afford a Lawyer?
Yes. Most dog bite lawyers in Kansas City offer free consultations and only get paid if you win. This is called contingency. You owe nothing upfront. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. It’s that simple.
Final Thoughts
Dog attacks can leave more than scars. They can shake your whole life. Don’t try to face it alone. If you were bitten by a dog in Missouri, call an experienced local Kansas City personal injury lawyer. They know the law. They know the system. And they know how to help you get what you deserve.
FAQs
1. How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Missouri?
You have five years from the date of the bite. But acting sooner helps your case.
2. What if the dog’s owner is my friend?
You can still file a claim. Most cases go through insurance, not your friend’s personal money.
3. What does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?
Most work on contingency. That means you pay nothing unless they win your case.
4. Can I sue if I was bitten in a public park?
Yes. As long as you were lawfully there and did not provoke the dog, you may have a case.
5. Will the dog be put down?
Not always. That depends on the dog’s history and what Animal Control decides. Your claim won’t decide that.
