Who doesn’t love dogs?! From cuddling with them on the couch to taking walks in the park, they truly are our best friends!
However, some dogs have aggressive tendencies and attack or bite us and our loved ones. Whether you’re bitten by a dog at Loose Park or at the Swope Dog Park, dog bites can be more dangerous than you may think.
At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we understand the difficulties and pain you’re facing. With over 25 years of experience, our Overland Park dog bite injuries lawyer is dedicated to providing compassionate and skilled legal guidance to you and your family.
As a small law firm, we provide personalized, one-on-one attention. That means you’ll work directly with our attorney, who genuinely cares about your dog bite claim. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
While we are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave, we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Key Takeaways for Missouri and Kansas Dog Bite Claims
- Dog bite liability rules differ significantly across the Kansas City metro area: Missouri applies a strict liability standard where the owner is automatically responsible, while Kansas follows the more restrictive “one-bite rule,” which requires proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous, although violating a leash law can establish negligence.
- Injured individuals may seek compensation for all losses stemming from the attack, including financial damages for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
- While the dog owner is the primary responsible party, liability can potentially extend beyond them to others, such as landlords or animal keepers (dog walkers or pet sitters), depending on the circumstances of the injury.
- The statute of limitations (time limit to file a lawsuit) for dog bite claims is typically five years in Missouri, but is shorter, generally two years, in Kansas.
- Following an attack, victims should immediately seek medical attention, report the incident to animal control, and document all injuries and incident details to protect their potential legal claim.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You
Dealing with a dog bite or another animal attack can be overwhelming. We hope for all pets to be warm and cuddly, but that is not always the case. An Overland Par dog bite lawyer can lift this burden from your shoulders. At our firm, we will:
- Investigate Your Case: We will gather all necessary evidence, including medical records, police and animal control reports, and witness statements, to build a thorough claim.
- Explain Your Rights: We’ll walk you through the applicable laws in Kansas and Missouri, ensuring you understand your legal options every step of the way.
- Handle Insurance Companies: We will manage all communications and negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance provider, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
- Fight for Fair Compensation: Our goal is to secure the financial resources you need to cover all your losses, from medical bills to pain and suffering, so you can move forward with your life.
What Makes The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. Different?
You deserve a Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri dog attack lawyer who will treat you and your case with the attention you deserve. When you hire our law firm, you will receive our full, undivided attention, which is backed by decades of great results.
- Direct Attorney Contact: As a small law firm, we offer a level of personal attention that larger firms often cannot. You will work directly with our team, ensuring consistent and knowledgeable guidance throughout your case.
- Over 25 Years of Experience: With decades of experience exclusively in personal injury law, Peter A. Jouras, Jr. has the expertise to handle even the most complex dog bite cases.
- Serving Both Kansas and Missouri: We are licensed to practice in both states, providing seamless legal support to clients throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
- No-Risk Representation: We offer free consultations to discuss your case and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Kansas Dog Bite Laws
Kansas generally follows what is known as the “one-bite rule.” Under this rule, a dog owner is only liable if it can be proven that they knew (or should have known) that their dog was dangerous. This can be established by showing the dog had bitten someone before or exhibited aggressive behavior.
However, Kansas law, under Kansas Statutes § 47-645, also specifies that if a dog kills or injures any domestic animal, the owner is liable for the damages. While this statute focuses on domestic animals, negligence principles are often applied to cases involving injuries to people. For instance, if an owner violates a local leash law and their dog injures someone, that violation can be used as strong evidence of negligence.
Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Missouri law is typically more favorable to victims. Under the Revised Statutes of Missouri § 273.036, the state applies a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means a dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression in the past.
This law applies as long as the injured person was on public property or lawfully on private property (including the dog owner’s property) and did not provoke the dog. This straightforward rule places the responsibility firmly on dog owners to control their animals at all times.
Learn More about Kansas and Missouri Dog Bite Laws
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Attacks?
While the dog owner is the primary person responsible, other parties may also be held liable depending on the circumstances. Our dog bite attorney in Kansas and Missouri will investigate all possibilities, which may include:
- Property Owners or Landlords: If a landlord knew a tenant had a dangerous dog but failed to take action to protect others, they may share liability.
- Animal Keepers: A person caring for the dog at the time of the attack, such as a dog walker or pet sitter, could also be held responsible.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
A dog attack can cause severe physical and emotional harm. Even a minor bite can lead to serious, long-term complications. We have helped clients who have suffered a range of injuries, including:
- Deep Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Injuries caused by sharp teeth breaking the skin, potentially causing significant bleeding.
- Torn Muscles and Nerve Damage: Severe bites can tear muscle tissue and damage nerves, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Broken Bones: Strong bites or falls during an attack can fracture bones, commonly in the hands, arms, or legs.
- Disfiguring Scars: Permanent marks or deformities, often on visible areas like the face, caused by deep wounds.
- Serious Infections: Bites can lead to infections such as cellulitis (skin infection) or even rabies if untreated.
- Emotional Trauma: Psychological effects like PTSD, anxiety, or a long-lasting fear of dogs following an attack.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
Your health and safety are the top priorities after a dog attack. To protect your health and injury claim, here are a few important steps to take after being attacked by a dog:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the wound seems minor, see a doctor right away to prevent infection and document your injuries. The dog could have underlying issues, like rabies, that can seriously harm you.
- Report the Bite: Contact your local animal control or police department to file an official report. This creates a record of the incident that can be used as evidence in your claim.
- Gather Information: If possible, get the dog owner’s name and contact information, as well as the names of any witnesses.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries and the location of the attack. Write down everything you remember about the incident.
- Contact an Attorney: Before speaking with an insurance company, consult with a dog attack lawyer to understand your rights and protect your claim.
- Tell Your Employer (if applicable): If you were injured at work, such as while delivering mail or a package or doing home improvement work, you may have a workers’ compensation claim.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri
A dog attack can create significant financial strain. Our Overland Park and KCMO dog bite lawyer is dedicated to securing compensation for all of your losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgery, hospital stays, medication, and future medical needs like physical therapy or counseling.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for any income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the attack.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Damages for any permanent scars that affect your appearance and self-esteem.
- Wrongful Death Benefits: Compensation for the loss of a loved one, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support they would have provided.
Kansas and Missouri Dog Bite Claim FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Missouri and Kansas?
The time limit, or statute of limitations, is different in each state. In Missouri, you generally have five years to file a lawsuit. In Kansas, the deadline is shorter, typically two years.
What if I Wasn’t Bitten, but Still Injured by a Dog?
You may still have a valid claim. If a dog knocks you down, causing you to fall and get hurt, the owner can be held liable for failing to control their animal. This is known as a “non-bite” injury claim.
Can I File a Dog Attack Claim if The Dog Accidentally Hurt Me?
Yes. The owner’s responsibility is to control their pet. Even if the dog’s actions were playful or “accidental,” if they resulted in an injury, the owner can still be held liable for negligence.
Can I only File a Dog Bite Claim if A Certain Breed of Dog Attacked Me?
No. The breed of the dog does not determine your right to file a claim. An owner of any breed of dog can be held responsible for an attack.
Do Dog Owners Need to Keep Their Dogs on Leashes All the Time?
While not all areas require leashes on private property, most municipalities have leash laws for public spaces. If an owner violates a leash law and their dog causes an injury, this can be strong evidence of negligence.
Kansas City Ordinance 14-33 says:
- All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet when in public.
- The owner must be physically holding the leash.
- The leash law applies in public spaces such as parks and sidewalks.
Contact Our Overland Park Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you or a family member has been injured by a dog, you don’t have to go through this alone. Let The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. provide the compassionate support and experienced legal representation you need to heal and move forward.
Tell us your story today. Our dog bite attorney, Peter A. Jouras, Jr., has over two decades of experience in helping clients in similar situations to yours. Trust us to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. We serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
