Bitten by a Dog? Here’s What to Do
Dog bites are scary. They can cause pain, blood loss, stress, and big bills. In Kansas City, you have rights if this happens. You may be able to get money for your injuries. The steps you take after a bite are key. Don’t guess—act smart.
Step 1: Get Medical Care
See a doctor right away. This is not the time to wait and see. Even small bites can lead to serious infections. Rabies, tetanus, or deep wounds need fast treatment. If you wait, your injury could get worse. And your legal case could get weaker.
Step 2: Report the Bite
Call Kansas City Animal Control or the police. Make a full report. Give them the date, time, and place. If you know the dog’s owner, tell them. If there were witnesses, write down their names. This report helps prove your case later.
Step 3: Learn the Law
Missouri law protects dog bite victims. It uses a rule called strict liability. This means the dog’s owner is at fault—even if the dog never bit anyone before. You don’t have to prove the dog was dangerous. You don’t have to prove the owner was careless. If you were bitten without warning, the law is likely on your side.
There are a few exceptions. If you:
- Teased or hurt the dog
- Went into someone’s yard or house uninvited
- Tried to steal or harm property
Then the law might not protect you.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Get proof right away. Don’t rely on memory. What you collect now can help your case later. You may need:
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the dog
- Pictures of the area
- Medical records and bills
- Witness names and numbers
- Torn or bloody clothes
Also, write down how you felt. Were you scared? Did it hurt to sleep, walk, or work? That counts, too.
Step 5: Call a Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer
Don’t try to handle this alone. A good dog bite lawyer can help in the legal process in many ways. They deal with:
- Insurance companies
- Medical bills
- Court papers
- Missed wages
- Settlement talks
Most work on a contingency basis. This means you only pay if they win. They take a small part of the money you get. You don’t pay upfront.
What You May Get Paid For
After a dog bite, you might get paid for:
- Doctor visits
- Emergency room care
- Shots and medicine
- Surgery or stitches
- Lost work time
- Scars or lasting pain
- Stress or fear
- Therapy costs
Each case is different. Your lawyer can tell you what’s fair.
Children Are at Greater Risk
Kids are more likely to be bitten than adults. They are smaller, and dogs may see them as less of a threat. Kids may also act in ways that dogs don’t like. The law gives extra care to injured children. If a child has scars, trauma, or needs long-term care, the court may award more money.
What If the Dog Belongs to a Friend or Family?
This is tricky. You may not want to “sue” someone you know. But most dog bite cases are not paid by the dog’s owner. They’re paid by homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. Filing a claim doesn’t mean you’re blaming them. It just means you need help paying bills. And your friend or family member won’t pay out of their own pocket.
The Claim Process
Here’s what usually happens:
- You talk to a lawyer.
- Your lawyer sends a notice to the dog’s owner or their insurer.
- You send proof of injury and costs.
- The insurance company may offer money.
- If the offer is fair, the case ends.
- If not, you may go to court.
- A judge or jury decides the outcome.
Most cases end with a settlement. Few go to court. But your lawyer should be ready for both.
How Long Do You Have to File?
Missouri law gives you five years to file a dog bite claim. But don’t wait. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to find proof and witnesses. And insurance companies may use the delay against you. Act early, even if you’re unsure. An experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer can review your case and explain your options.
Dog Bites Can Leave More Than Scars
A bite can cause lasting harm. Some people:
- Need surgery
- Get nerve damage
- Have trouble walking
- Can’t sleep
- Develop fear of dogs
- Feel depressed or anxious
You may need counseling, rehab, or more time off work. These costs add up. Don’t ignore your pain—physical or mental.
See Also: Affordable Kansas City DUI Lawyer for First-Time and Repeat Offenders
Kansas City Rules on Dangerous Dogs
Kansas City has rules for dogs with a history of violence. If a dog has bitten someone before, the owner must:
- Keep the dog on a leash
- Use a muzzle in public
- Fence the dog in
- Post warning signs
If these rules were broken, your case may be even stronger. Your lawyer can check past complaints or reports.
Don’t Make These Mistakes
Here are common errors people make after a bite:
- Not going to the doctor
- Failing to report the bite
- Speaking to insurance without a lawyer
- Posting about it online
- Waiting too long to act
These choices can hurt your case. Play it safe. Speak with a lawyer before making any major steps.
What If You Were Bitten at Work?
If the bite happened on the job, you may have more than one case. You could file for:
- Workers’ compensation
- A dog bite injury claim
This could mean more money to help with your injury and lost wages.
FAQs
1. Can I sue even if the dog didn’t break my skin?
Yes. Some bites bruise or cause fear but don’t bleed. You can still have a case.
2. How long does it take to settle a dog bite claim?
Most cases settle in a few months. Some take longer if court is needed.
3. Do I need to know who owns the dog?
It helps. But your lawyer can find out using reports, cameras, or witness help.
4. What if the dog was off-leash in a public park?
That helps your case. Dogs must be leashed in public places in Kansas City.
5. Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?
Not likely. Filing a claim doesn’t mean the dog will be taken or killed. That’s handled by animal control, not you.
Take Action Today
You don’t have to suffer alone. The law is on your side. Dog bite cases can be won—but you must take the right steps. Start with medical care. Report the bite. Save your records. Talk to a skilled and affordable dog bite lawyer in Kansas City. They’ll fight for your rights and help you get paid. Time matters. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. Reach out now.
