I Have Been Bitten By A Dog - Who is Responsible?

Personal injuries can result from any number of different causes and accidents, but they all have one thing common: the resulting consequences and the required recovery time can last for months or even years. Dog bites are an example of personal injury cases at the Lake of the Ozarks, that can be very serious but are not talked about frequently. The Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to provide you with some important information if you are bitten by a dog and injured. If necessary, we will be here to defend your rights in such a situation.

Certain Conditions Must Be Met In Order For Dog Owners To Be Liable

 According to Missouri law, dog owners are legally responsible for preventing their dogs from injuring others. Dog owners may be held financially liable for the injuries their dogs inflict on others if the following conditions are met:
  • The victim was bitten while on public property or while lawfully on private property,
  • The victim did not do anything to provoke the dog, and
  • The victim's injuries were caused by the dog bite.

The statute of limitations for Missouri most causes of action in a dog bite case is five years. If you do not file your case within the statute of limitations from the date of the bite, the case could be dismissed.

Missouri Adheres To The "Strict Liability" Dog Bite Rule

There are two alternative rules governing dog bite law. Some states follow the "one bite" rule. This rule essentially states that dogs are allowed to bite someone once before their owners can be held liable, the reasoning being that the owners may not know the dog could be likely to bite before the first bite. 

The other is the "strict liability" rule. According to this rule, owners can be held legally liable for the injuries their dogs cause starting with the very first bite - even if they did not know their dogs could be inclined to bite. Missouri is one of the many states that follows the strict liability rule.

It is important to note that the strict liability rule only applies to dog bite cases. If a dog injures someone via other behavior (jumping, playing roughly, etc) and the victim wishes to seek compensation, he/she will have to do so by under a standard negligence case.

Dog Bite Consequences Can Be Severe

 Dog's may be "man's best friend," but some dogs can cause serious injuries to their owners and/or strangers. Depending on how serious and aggressive the bite was, dog bites can result in:
  • Emotional trauma
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Infection
  • Disease

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If you believe you may have grounds for a dog bite injury case, contact one of our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks to get the process started. We promise to do everything we can to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
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Camdenton, MO 65020   GET A MAP
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