Kansas City Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been injured by a dog in Kansas City, you need a Kansas City dog bite lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Dog bites can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and lasting scars. At Empower Injury Law, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights at every step.

Whether you’re facing uncooperative insurance companies or need to establish liability, we’re committed to helping you find justice and peace of mind. Contact us today for a free consultation.

HOW OUR KANSAS CITY DOG BITE LAWYER CAN HELP YOU 

At Empower Injury Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the aftermath of a dog bite, especially when dealing with insurance companies. While they might seem supportive, their primary goal is usually to reduce payouts, not to ensure your full recovery.

This is where our Kansas City dog bite lawyer steps in. Here’s how we help you secure the compensation you deserve:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

We review your case, including medical records, incident reports, and other evidence, to build a strong foundation for your claim.

Investigation

We gather all the evidence needed to establish liability for your injuries, including witness statements, video surveillance footage, veterinarian records, and animal control reports.

Collaboration with Experts

We work with experts and medical professionals to assess the incident and the full extent of your injuries.

Insurance Policy Analysis

We carefully analyze insurance policies to explore all possible sources of compensation. Sometimes a dog owner is less than forthcoming about their insurance coverage. We have access to cutting edge resources to help us identify potential insurance policies to ensure you get access to the financial resources you are entitled to.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies

We handle all negotiations with insurance companies to pursue a settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Trial Advocacy

If a fair settlement isn’t reached, our experienced attorney is ready to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.

At Empower Injury Law, your recovery is our priority. Let us handle the legal complexities and insurance battles while you focus on healing. We offer free consultations, so contact us today to learn how we can help.

HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS 

“Kevin was very thorough and was able to help my son with his case after a dog attack. He explained everything to us so we could understand the process and always updated us with the next steps and what the possible outcomes could be. Would definitely refer anyone and everyone to him for their legal needs.”
–Leilani

“Kevin’s an amazing lawyer he helped me win my case for a dog bite injury, he walked me through every step of my case and always kept me up to date with how things were going with it. Very professional and a good guy I would 10/10 recommend.”
–Corey

UNDERSTANDING MISSOURI DOG BITE LAWS 

MISSOURI DOG BITE STATUTE 

Missouri law holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes. This means that if a dog bites or attacks someone, the owner is usually responsible for the damages, even if the dog has no history of aggression or the owner wasn’t aware the dog could be dangerous.

It’s important to understand that Missouri no longer follows the “one bite rule.” Dog owners can be held liable from the first incident without giving dogs a “free pass” on the first bite.

WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR A DOG BITE IN KANSAS CITY? 

When a dog bite happens in Kansas City, figuring out who’s responsible is key to getting the compensation you deserve. Liability can depend on several factors, making it important to explore all potentially responsible parties.

Dog Owner

In most cases, the dog owner is responsible for the bite. Kansas City’s strict liability laws hold the owner liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The owner is typically responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.

Property Owners or Landlords

A property owner or landlord could be liable if they knew a dangerous dog was on the premises and did nothing to address the risk.

Negligent Third Parties

Sometimes, a third party, like a dog walker or pet sitter, might be at fault. They could share the blame if they were responsible for the dog at the time of the bite and acted negligently.

Employers

The employer may be liable if a dog bite occurs while someone is working, such as a delivery driver or postal worker. This is particularly true if the employer fails to provide a safe working environment. According to the United States Postal Service, Kansas City ranked 11th in the United States for the most dog bites in 2023, with 32 incidents involving mail carriers that year.

HOW TO PROVE LIABILITY IN A KANSAS CITY DOG BITE CASE 

To prove liability in a Missouri dog bite case, you need to establish the following key elements:

Ownership or Possession

First, you need to show that the person you’re holding accountable owns or possesses the dog. You can do this using veterinary records, licensing, or witness testimony.

Injury

You must prove that the dog bite caused actual injuries. Medical records, photos of your injuries, and expert testimony are important evidence to strengthen your claim.

Lawful Presence

Missouri law protects people legally on the property where the bite occurred. You meet this requirement if you were invited or had a valid reason to be there. Trespassers typically don’t have the same legal rights in these cases.

No Provocation

It’s crucial to show that you did not provoke the dog. If the dog was provoked by taunting, teasing, or the like, the claim could be denied or your settlement reduced by your share of the fault in causing the dog to bite you. Witness statements and your testimony can help establish that the bite was unprovoked.

Each of these steps is key to building a strong case. At Empower Injury Law, we’ll guide you through the process, gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability and secure the compensation you deserve.

COMPENSATION FOR DOG BITE INJURIES 

After a dog bite injury, it’s important to understand the compensation you may be entitled to. This compensation can help cover your financial losses and emotional hardships, ensuring you have the support needed for a full recovery.

ECONOMIC DAMAGES 

Economic damages cover the financial costs directly related to your injury. These are usually easier to calculate because they involve specific monetary losses.

• Medical Expenses: This covers all medical care costs, from emergency treatment to surgeries, follow-up visits, and long-term rehabilitation. It’s important to also account for future medical needs.
• Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injury causes you to miss work, you can recover both lost income and future earnings impacted by the injury.
• Property Damage: This includes compensation for any personal property damaged in the incident, such as clothing or electronics.

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES 

Non-economic damages cover the intangible effects of your injury. While they don’t have a set dollar amount, they are just as important to your overall compensation.

• Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers the physical and emotional suffering caused by the dog bite.
• Emotional Distress: This compensation covers the psychological impact of the incident, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma related to the attack.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury stops you from enjoying activities you once loved, this compensation helps account for the decrease in your quality of life.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: If the bite leaves permanent scars or disfigurement, this compensation covers the lasting physical impact and the emotional toll it causes.

PUNITIVE DAMAGES 

Punitive damages in Kansas City dog bite cases punish the dog owner for reckless or malicious behavior, going beyond simply compensating for your losses. The court awards these damages in cases where the owner’s actions were particularly egregious, such as knowingly letting a dangerous dog roam freely or encouraging aggressive behavior.

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR CHILD DOG BITE VICTIMS 

Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites and face a much higher risk of severe injuries.

Higher Risk of Severe Injuries
Due to their smaller size, children are more likely to suffer severe injuries, especially to the face, neck, and hands. These injuries can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and, in some cases, long-term disabilities that affect them for the rest of their lives.

Emotional and Psychological Impact
The impact of a dog bite goes beyond physical wounds. For a child, the trauma of such an event can result in lasting emotional effects, including fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Including counseling or therapy in the compensation claim is essential to support your child’s emotional recovery.

At Empower Injury Law, we know how challenging this situation can be for you and your child. We’re here to help you secure the compensation your child needs for both immediate and long-term recovery. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can support your family through this difficult time.

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR DOG BITE CLAIMS? 

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Kansas City, it’s important to know the statute of limitations—the deadline for filing your claim. In Missouri, you have five years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

For wrongful death cases, a shorter three-year statute of limitations applies. If the victim is a child, the law allows more time to file a claim.

Failing to meet the statute of limitations means you lose the opportunity to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. At Empower Injury Law, we make sure your claim is filed on time, giving you the best opportunity to secure the compensation you deserve.

INJURIES CAUSED BY DOG BITES 

Every year, an alarming 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, with many of these incidents resulting in serious injuries such as:

• Puncture Wounds: Puncture wounds are common in dog bites, where the dog’s teeth pierce the skin, potentially damaging muscles, tendons, or even bones. These wounds are prone to infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Lacerations are deep cuts or tears caused by a dog’s teeth or claws, often requiring stitches and leaving scars. Abrasions, though less severe, can still be painful and are often caused by a dog’s claws or the impact of the bite.
• Nerve Damage: Severe dog bites can result in nerve damage, leading to numbness, loss of function, or chronic pain. These injuries often require extensive medical care and may cause permanent impairment.
• Broken Bones: The force of a dog bite can sometimes cause broken bones, especially smaller bones in the hands, wrists, or face. These fractures may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites, especially to the face, can cause significant scarring or disfigurement. These injuries may require cosmetic surgery and can have lasting emotional and psychological effects.

The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale helps classify the severity of dog bites, ranging from minor nips to serious injuries. In a dog bite case, the Dunbar scale helps injury lawyers assess the extent of injuries and determine the appropriate compensation for victims.

HOW LONG DOES A KANSAS CITY DOG BITE CASE TAKE? 

Are you wondering how long a dog bite case might take? Understanding the process can help set realistic expectations and ensure you’re prepared for each step along the way. Watch this video to find out what to expect.

HOW MUCH DOES A KANSAS CITY DOG BITE LAWYER COST?

Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Kansas City shouldn’t add to your worries, especially when facing medical bills and other expenses. At Empower Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that legal costs are one less thing to stress about.

No Upfront Costs

You won’t pay anything upfront. Our services are provided without any initial fees, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the pressure of legal expenses.

Payment Only If We Win

We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded to you, meaning if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Transparent Terms

From the beginning, we’ll clearly explain our fee structure so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs, no surprises.

Empower Injury Law is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation without adding to your financial burdens. Contact our Kansas City dog bite lawyer for a free consultation.

CONTACT A KANSAS CITY DOG BITE LAWYER TODAY 

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Kansas City, let us take the stress off your shoulders. At Empower Injury Law, we take care of everything—from investigation to negotiation. This allows you to focus on recovery while we work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call (816) 892-9909 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.