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A dog attack can be shocking, painful, and emotionally draining, leaving victims uncertain about what steps to take next. Among the many questions that arise after such an incident, one of the most common is, “Do I have to report a dog bite to my insurance?” The short answer is yes, and reporting the incident quickly can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and strengthen any claim you may later pursue.
At Goldblatt + Singer, we’ve helped countless dog bite victims across St. Louis handle both the legal and insurance complications that follow an attack. Our team takes pride in guiding clients through every step of the process with compassion, professionalism, and care.
Dog bites can result in far more than surface-level injuries. Each year, an estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those, about 800,000 require professional medical care, and many need ongoing treatment or reconstructive surgery. Children are especially vulnerable due to their size and tendency to approach dogs without fully understanding the risks.
Common injuries from dog attacks include:
Beyond the physical damage, dog bites can also lead to significant emotional suffering. Many victims, especially children, carry the trauma of the experience for years. In some cases, victims face financial strain due to lost work time and medical expenses. Reporting the incident early can be a crucial step in documenting these damages for insurance and legal purposes.
Missouri law treats dog bites as serious public safety concerns. Local authorities use bite reports to identify dangerous dogs, verify vaccination status, and prevent future incidents. A timely report doesn’t just help your case; it also helps keep the St. Louis community safer. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your experience could help protect others from suffering similar harm in the future.
Missouri law is designed to protect those who are hurt and ensure that dog owners are held accountable when their pets cause harm. Under the state’s strict liability law, outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes § 273.036, an owner is responsible if their dog injures someone who was lawfully on public or private property. Victims don’t need to prove that the owner was careless or acted negligently, only that the attack happened and caused injury. This approach enables victims to obtain fair access to compensation without encountering unnecessary legal hurdles.
But liability for a dog bite doesn’t always fall solely on the owner. In some cases, several people or entities may share responsibility, including:
Sorting out who’s at fault can quickly become complex. Insurance companies often point fingers or delay payment while they debate who should cover the damages. For victims, that can mean extra stress during an already difficult time. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference. They can untangle the details, manage the communication with insurers, and keep your claim moving forward. With the legal side handled, you can concentrate on what really matters—your recovery and peace of mind.
Dog bite incidents can escalate quickly, so taking the proper steps afterward can protect your health and your case. Here’s what to do:
Dog bite claims can involve multiple insurance policies, especially when both the victim’s and the owner’s coverage come into play. Having legal guidance from the start helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures all possible sources of compensation are pursued. It also provides reassurance that your case is being handled correctly and that deadlines are met.
Yes, and doing so promptly can significantly strengthen your position. Both your insurance and the dog owner’s homeowners or renters policy may cover your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, and other damages that follow an attack.
Reporting quickly serves several essential purposes. It establishes an official record while details are still fresh. It prevents the insurer from claiming you missed their reporting deadline. It also clarifies which policy applies and what compensation you’re entitled to receive. If your case isn’t resolved fairly, that early report becomes crucial evidence.
Waiting to report often creates avoidable problems. Insurance adjusters may use the delay to suggest your injuries weren’t serious or that your account has become less reliable over time. A timely report eliminates these arguments.
Something many victims may not realize is that insurance companies often prioritize their own financial interests. While your adjuster may seem understanding, their job is to minimize what the company pays out. They’re trained to ask questions that might lead you to downplay your injuries, and they may offer settlements that sound reasonable but don’t actually cover your losses. This is why consulting an attorney before providing recorded statements or signing documents is so important. A lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than your case is worth.
Reporting also serves the broader community. Animal control uses bite reports to track dangerous animals and take appropriate action. Your report could prevent another person from suffering a similar attack.
A dog bite can change your life in seconds, leaving behind pain, anxiety, and unexpected expenses. At Goldblatt + Singer, we know how stressful this experience can be and how important it is to have support you can rely on. Our St. Louis attorneys have decades of experience helping people recover compensation under Missouri’s strict liability laws. We handle the paperwork, insurance negotiations, and legal details so you can focus on healing.
We help clients recover for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and the lasting effects of a dog attack. No one plans for something like this, but when it happens, you deserve someone who will stand by you and fight for what’s fair.
Contact Goldblatt + Singer at (314) 231-4100 to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in moving forward after a dog bite in St. Louis.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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