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If a dog has bitten you in St. Louis, MO, you’re likely overwhelmed with questions about what comes next. Medical bills can skyrocket, and depending on the severity of the attack, you might be facing severe pain, scarring, or even emotional trauma. Missouri law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation, but getting what you’re owed isn’t always easy.
That’s where Goldblatt + Singer comes in. Our experienced dog bite lawyers in St. Louis fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable and help injury victims recover the money they deserve. Don’t wait—call us at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, which is great news for victims seeking compensation. This means that dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause—even if they had no prior knowledge that the dog might bite. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 273.036, a dog owner is liable if:
Unlike states that follow the “one bite rule,” which requires proof that a dog has a history of aggression, Missouri law protects victims even if the dog has never bitten anyone. This makes it easier to hold negligent owners accountable and seek financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a dog bite has injured you, don’t wait—speak with an experienced attorney today to understand your rights and start your claim.
Missouri’s strict liability law means dog owners can’t just say they didn’t know their dog was dangerous to get out of paying for injuries. Unless you provoked the dog or were trespassing when it happened, they’re on the hook. That makes filing a claim easier, but it doesn’t mean insurance companies won’t try to make things difficult. They’ll look for ways to blame you, downplay your injuries, or offer less than what you need. That’s why having a solid St. Louis dog bite attorney on your side matters. A good lawyer will stand up for you, push back against the insurance company’s tricks, and fight to get you the compensation you’re owed.
Not all dog bites are minor. Many leads to severe, long-term consequences that can affect a victim’s physical and emotional well-being. Some of the most common injuries include:
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries from a dog bite, don’t wait—speak with a skilled attorney today to explore your legal options.
When a dog bites someone, the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance typically covers the victim’s losses. However, dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and they often use tactics to reduce or deny claims, such as:
This is where having a skilled dog bite injury attorney makes all the difference. We push back against these tactics, gather the evidence to support your case, and fight for the full amount you’re entitled to. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you—get the legal help you need today.
If a dog bite left you with medical bills and other damages, you may be able to recover money for:
Dog bites often require medical treatment such as stitches, antibiotics, plastic surgery, or physical therapy. In some cases, victims may need rabies shots or specialized care for infections like tetanus or sepsis. The costs of these treatments can add up quickly, especially if ongoing care is needed for scarring, nerve damage, or rehabilitation. A claim should account for current and future medical expenses, ensuring victims aren’t left to cover the financial burden of their injuries alone.
If the bite caused serious injuries, you may need time off work for doctor’s appointments, surgery, or recovery. In more severe cases, lasting complications like nerve damage or mobility issues can affect your ability to return to work or perform the same job duties. A claim can help recover lost wages and even compensate for reduced earning potential if your injuries have long-term effects on your career and financial stability. You shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone.
Dog bites are not just physically painful—they can also have a lasting emotional impact. Many victims experience chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, or even depression after an attack, especially if the bite results in scarring or permanent damage. The trauma can affect daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Compensation for pain and suffering takes both physical pain and emotional distress into account, helping victims recover from the full impact of their injuries.
Some dog bites leave permanent scars, mainly when the wound requires stitches or surgery. These scars can serve as a lasting reminder of the attack and may cause emotional distress, especially if they are on highly visible areas like the face, hands, or arms. You may be entitled to compensation if scarring affects your appearance, self-confidence, or even professional opportunities. A claim can help cover medical treatments like scar revision and acknowledge the psychological impact of disfigurement.
A dog attack doesn’t just leave you with injuries—it can also wreck your property. Torn clothes, broken glasses, or other damaged belongings can add up quickly. These unexpected costs shouldn’t come out of your pocket. A claim can help cover repairs or replacements so you’re not stuck paying for something that wasn’t your fault.
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, acting quickly is crucial for your health and legal claim. Taking the proper steps can help ensure you receive the medical care you need and protect your right to compensation. Here’s what to do:
Taking these steps strengthens your case and helps protect your rights. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney to discuss your next move.
Missouri law allows dog bite victims up to five years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. This deadline, set by the statute of limitations, is strict—if you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether. While five years might seem like plenty of time, evidence can fade, witnesses may become more challenging to reach, and insurance companies may use delays against you. Starting the legal process as soon as possible strengthens your case.
While Missouri law is clear about holding dog owners responsible, getting the full compensation you deserve isn’t always easy. Insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you less. A skilled dog bite attorney from Goldblatt + Singer can:
With the right legal team, you can focus on healing while we handle the fight for your compensation. Don’t let an insurance company dictate what your case is worth—contact us today for a free consultation.
Here are answers to the questions our clients most often ask us about dog bite claims.
Yes! Missouri is a strict liability state, which means it doesn’t matter if the dog has bitten someone before or not. The owner is still responsible.
You can still file a claim. In most cases, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will cover your damages, so the money won’t come directly out of their pocket.
You can still seek compensation if you were lawfully on the property (like a guest, worker, or delivery driver). However, if you were trespassing, your claim may be harder to win.
No. Missouri’s strict liability law applies to all breeds, even if some are perceived as more aggressive.
That’s when a lawyer steps in. We can help you file a lawsuit and take legal action to get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in St. Louis, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Goldblatt + Singer is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—insurance companies will try to pay you less. Take action now. Contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.