After a Dog Bite,
Know Your Rights.

Medical bills, scarring and disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care if reconstructive surgery or ongoing treatment is needed. Facial bites and injuries to children often carry higher value due to permanent scarring and psychological impact.

Yes. Missouri is a strict liability state under RSMo 273.036. This means the dog owner is liable for damages caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. There is no "one bite rule" in Missouri. You do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous—the fact that the dog bit you while you were lawfully present is sufficient to establish liability.

In most cases, the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers dog bite liability claims. These policies typically include personal liability coverage that pays for injuries caused by the policyholder's dog. If the dog owner does not have insurance, you may be able to pursue compensation directly from the owner. In rare cases involving landlords or property managers who knew about a dangerous dog on their property, additional parties may share liability.

Recovering compensation for a stray dog bite can be more challenging since there is no identifiable owner to hold liable. However, there may still be options available. If the stray dog was frequently seen in a particular area and local authorities or property owners failed to address the known danger, they might bear some responsibility. If the dog turns out to have an owner who allowed it to roam freely, that owner would be strictly liable under Missouri law. An attorney can investigate the circumstances and identify all potential sources of recovery.

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is 5 years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation. While five years may seem like a long window, we strongly recommend taking action as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories can fade, and early action gives your attorney the best opportunity to build a strong case on your behalf.

When you are dealing with the pain, medical bills, and emotional toll of a dog bite, you need an attorney who will fight aggressively for the full compensation you deserve. At The Bruning Law Firm, we bring the experience, knowledge, and dedication that dog bite victims in St. Louis need to recover.

Proven Experience with Dog Bite Cases: Our attorneys have handled numerous dog bite claims throughout the St. Louis area. We understand the medical complexities of bite injuries, the insurance claim process, and how to maximize your compensation.

No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in hiring us to represent you.

Deep Knowledge of Missouri Dog Bite Law: We are well-versed in RSMo 273.036 and Missouri's strict liability framework. We know how to apply the law to hold dog owners and their insurance companies accountable for the full extent of your damages.

Access to Medical Experts: Dog bite injuries can be complex, involving infections, nerve damage, scarring, and psychological trauma. We work with medical professionals who can document the full scope of your injuries and provide expert testimony when needed.

Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies routinely try to minimize dog bite payouts. We know their tactics and will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent scarring or disability.