How to Sue After a Dog Bite in Kansas City: A Legal Guide

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A dog bite can be painful and scary. After being bitten by a dog, you may have medical bills, pain and suffering, and maybe even permanent scars. If you were bitten by a dog in Kansas City, you have rights. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries suffered due to a dog bite. This guide will help you understand how you can sue for your injuries after suffering a dog bite. We describe the process in simple terms and steps to follow as a function of your options. 

What Should You Do First After A Dog Bite

Act fast. Take these steps:

  • Get medical help. Treat your injuries right away.
  • Report the bite. Call animal control or the police.
  • Get the dog owner’s name and contact details.
  • Document your injuries with photographs, and photographs of where they happened. 
  • Keep all of your medical documentation and receipts.
  • Do not talk to the dog owner’s insurance company without consulting with a lawyer first.

While it is still fresh in your mind, write down your version of events, including time, place, and what the dog did. If someone saw the bite, get their name and number. Witnesses can help prove your case. Consult a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City right away.

Kansas City Dog Bite Laws

Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means:

  • If a dog bites you without reason, the owner is responsible.
  • You don’t need to prove the dog was dangerous before.
  • The bite must happen in a public place or where you were allowed to be.

This law applies to Kansas City and the rest of Missouri. Even if the dog never bit before, the owner can still be liable. This law protects mail carriers, delivery workers, and guests at homes.

When You Can Sue

You can sue if:

  • You were bitten in public or had permission to be on private property.
  • The dog was not provoked.
  • You suffered physical, mental, or financial harm.

Even a small bite can lead to big costs. Infections, missed work, or fear of dogs can affect your life. You don’t need to be badly hurt to have a case.

What You Can Get in a Lawsuit

You may get money for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost pay from missed work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Mental distress

Some victims may need therapy. Some may need plastic surgery. The court can include those costs too. In rare cases, you could also get money to punish the dog owner. This happens if they were very careless. For example, letting a known dangerous dog roam free.

How to Start a Lawsuit

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Talk to a dog bite lawyer.
  2. Gather your proof (photos, bills, witness names).
  3. Your lawyer files a claim with the dog owner’s insurance.
  4. If no fair deal is offered, your lawyer can sue in court.

A lawyer helps with deadlines and legal steps. They know what evidence makes a strong case.

Time Limit to Sue

You have 5 years from the date of the bite to sue in Missouri. Don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it is to prove your case. Waiting may cause key evidence to disappear. Witnesses may forget. The dog may move away or be put down.

Proving Your Case

To win, you must show:

  • The dog bit you.
  • You didn’t provoke it.
  • You were allowed to be where it happened.

Pictures, medical records, and witness statements help. Your lawyer will guide you on what you need. You don’t need to prove the dog was trained to attack. Just that it bit you without cause.

The Dog Owner’s Defense

The owner might say:

  • You provoked the dog.
  • You were trespassing.
  • You knew the dog was dangerous but stayed near it.

Sometimes owners claim you teased or hurt the dog. If you stay calm, it helps your case. Your lawyer will help you deal with these claims.

Should You Settle or Go to Court?

Most cases settle out of court. This saves time and stress. A good lawyer will  help in the legal process and fight for a fair amount. But if the offer is too low, going to court might be better. In court, a judge or jury decides what you get. That can take longer but may lead to more money.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Dog bite cases can be tricky. A lawyer helps by:

  • Dealing with insurance companies
  • Finding strong evidence
  • Calculating how much money to ask for
  • Filing the lawsuit if needed

Many lawyers offer free first visits. They only get paid if you win. A lawyer knows the law and local court rules. They can stop you from making costly mistakes.

What If a Child Was Bitten?

Children are common victims. Parents can sue on their child’s behalf. Settlements for kids may need court approval. Courts check that the deal is fair. Child cases often lead to higher awards due to trauma and scarring. Kids may suffer fear for years.

What If It Was a Friend’s Dog?

You may not want to sue a friend. But remember, the claim is usually with their insurance—not their wallet. You can still recover money without hurting the friendship. The friend may not even have to appear in court. The insurance company handles most of it.

Dog Bite from a Stray or Unknown Dog

If the dog had no owner, suing may be hard. Still, report the bite. If the dog was on someone’s property or under a group’s care (like a shelter), they could be liable. Some cities have laws about loose dogs. If the city failed to catch the dog before, you might have a case.

Tips to Make a Strong Case

  • Keep a journal of your pain and recovery.
  • Don’t post about the bite on social media.
  • Stay away from the dog after the bite.
  • Follow all doctor’s advice.

Also:

  • Save bloody or torn clothes.
  • Keep all letters from insurance or the dog owner.
  • Don’t sign anything without a lawyer looking at it.

Final Thoughts

Dog bites can lead to more than wounds. They cause fear, lost time, and high bills. In Kansas City, the law is on your side. Talk to a local Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer near me. Take action. Get the help you need. If you’re not sure where to start, call a personal injury law office. Most offer free advice.

FAQs

1. How much is a dog bite case worth in Kansas City?

It depends. Cases may settle for a few thousand to over $100,000. Medical bills and injury severity matter most.

2. Can I sue if the dog bit me at a friend’s house?

Yes. If you were invited and didn’t provoke the dog, you can sue. Their homeowner’s insurance may pay.

3. What if the dog bit my child?

You can sue on behalf of your child. A court may review the settlement to protect your child’s rights.

4. Do I need a lawyer to sue for a dog bite?

Yes, it helps a lot. A lawyer knows the law, gathers proof, and talks to insurance companies for you.

5. What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?

You can still sue. But the delay may weaken your case. Get medical help now and explain the delay to your lawyer.

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