Dog bites are traumatic incidents that can leave victims with severe injuries and lasting emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Lee’s Summit dog bite lawyer can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
At Kevin McManus Law, we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. Our experienced team of Lee’s Summit personal injury lawyers is committed to helping you through this difficult time and ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
Missouri’s Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
Missouri is a strict liability state for dog bites, meaning dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and insurance companies may try to use those to deny your claim.
Key points about Missouri’s dog bite laws include:
- Dog owners are liable if their dog bites someone, whether or not the dog has a history of aggression.
- Trespassing may reduce liability if the victim was unlawfully on the property where the bite occurred.
- Provocation matters—if the dog was provoked or attacked, liability may be reduced.
- The statute of limitations in Missouri gives you five years from the date of the bite to file a claim.
Understanding how these laws apply to your case is critical to achieving a successful outcome, which is why contacting a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible is essential. Our personal injury lawyers and legal team are ready to support your case and work hard for the compensation you deserve.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
Common Injuries From Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can range from minor cuts to life-threatening wounds that require extensive medical care. Many victims face long-term consequences, including scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma.
Some of the most common injuries from dog bites include:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- Infections, including rabies and tetanus
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage that can cause long-term mobility issues
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
These injuries often require significant medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and counseling. A dog bite attorney in Lee’s Summit can help ensure that your claim covers both current and future medical needs.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been bitten by a dog in Lee’s Summit:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, dog bites can cause infections and other complications. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also provides documentation of your injuries.
2. Report the Incident
Call animal control or the police to report the attack. This creates an official record, which will be valuable for your case.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries, the dog involved, and the location of the attack. Get the contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses to the incident.
4. Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Lee’s Summit
The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. An experienced lawyer can handle the legal process while you focus on recovering.
How a Lee’s Summit Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Handling a dog bite claim on your own can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, and navigating Missouri’s legal system can be difficult without proper guidance. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Lee’s Summit will:
- Investigate the incident to gather evidence and prove liability
- Handle communications with insurance companies to protect you from lowball settlement offers
- Work with medical professionals to document your injuries and future care needs
- Negotiate a fair settlement that accounts for all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Having legal representation not only increases your chances of a successful claim but also ensures that your rights are protected every step of the way.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, depending on the severity of your injuries. A skilled attorney will ensure that all relevant damages are included in your claim, such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work during your recovery
- Pain and suffering for both physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, including the costs of cosmetic surgery or ongoing treatment
Your lawyer will work to maximize your recovery by accounting for both current and future needs related to your injuries.
Why Choose Kevin McManus Law?
At Kevin McManus Law, we believe in providing personalized, compassionate legal representation. We understand that dog bite victims are often dealing with more than just physical injuries—they’re also navigating emotional trauma and financial uncertainty. Our team is here to support you through every stage of your case.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We’ve recovered millions of dollars and served hundreds of clients
- We have over 60 years of combined legal experience, giving us the expertise needed to handle complex cases.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- We offer free consultations to help you understand your options without any financial risk.
Our goal is to help you achieve maximum recovery—both financially and medically—while providing accessible, empathetic legal service.
Call now for a free consultation.
Contact a Lee’s Summit Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Kevin McManus Law for a free consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
With over 60 years of combined experience, we’ve helped countless clients in Lee’s Summit and beyond recover from devastating injuries. Let us help you get the results you deserve from a firm you can trust.
