When a dog bite injures you or a loved one, our experienced Liberty dog bite lawyer is here to help. Dog bites are more common than many realize—affecting nearly 4.5 million people across the U.S. every year, with many victims needing serious medical treatment.
Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s take the first step towards your recovery together.
Facing the aftermath of a dog bite can be stressful, especially when dealing with insurance companies. They might seem helpful at first, but their main focus is usually on reducing payouts, not making sure you fully recover.
That’s where Empower Injury Law steps in. We’re here to ensure you receive the care and compensation you’re entitled to. Here’s how we’ll guide you through every step of the process:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation We begin by reviewing the details of your case, including medical records, incident reports, and other evidence, to build a strong foundation for your claim.
Thorough Investigation We collect all key evidence, such as witness statements, video footage, vet records, and animal control reports, making sure no detail is missed in proving liability.
Collaboration with Experts To get a complete picture of your injuries, we work with experts and medical professionals who can assess both the incident and its long-term effects on your health.
Insurance Policy Analysis We carefully review insurance policies to identify all sources of compensation. Sometimes, dog owners aren’t fully transparent about their insurance coverage. We use advanced resources to identify potential policies, ensuring you have access to the financial support you deserve.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies You don’t have to worry about haggling with insurance adjusters. We’ll handle all negotiations, working to secure a settlement that truly reflects the impact of your injuries.
Trial Advocacy If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our attorney will advocate for the justice you deserve.
At Empower Injury Law, we’re proud to serve the Liberty community with personal, dedicated support. Let us handle the legal challenges, allowing you to concentrate on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
“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
“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
UNDERSTANDING LIBERTY, MISSOURI DOG BITE LAWS
WHAT IS THE MISSOURI DOG BITE STATUTE?
In Missouri, dog owners are held to a standard of strict liability for any injuries caused by their pets. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is usually responsible, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before.
It’s important to understand that Missouri no longer adheres to the “one bite rule.” Dog owners can be held liable for the first incident without giving dogs a “free pass” on the initial bite.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR A DOG BITE IN LIBERTY, MO?
When a dog bite occurs in Liberty, Missouri, figuring out who’s responsible is important for getting the compensation you deserve. Since liability can depend on several factors, we must consider all the parties who might be involved.
Dog Owner
Under Missouri’s strict liability laws, the dog owner is typically responsible for bites, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. The owner is generally required to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Property Owners or Landlords
These parties may be liable if they knew of a dangerous dog on the property and failed to address the risk.
Negligent Third Parties
If someone other than the owner, like a dog walker or pet sitter, was in charge of the dog and acted negligently, they could be held partially responsible for the bite.
Employers
If a dog bite happens while someone is working, like a delivery driver or postal worker on duty, the employer could be liable, especially if they didn’t provide a safe working environment.
PROVING LIABILITY IN LIBERTY DOG BITE CASES
To prove liability in a Liberty dog bite case, you need to consider the following:
Ownership
Begin by proving that the person responsible owns the dog. You can demonstrate this through veterinary records, licensing, or witness statements.
Injury
Next, you must prove that the dog bite resulted in injuries. Medical records, photos, and expert testimony are effective ways to document the extent of your injuries.
Lawful Presence
Missouri law offers protection to individuals who are legally on the property. You fulfill this requirement if you were invited or had a legitimate reason to be there. Trespassers typically do not have the same protections.
No Provocation
It’s important to show that you did not provoke the dog. Witness statements and your personal testimony can help demonstrate that the bite occurred without provocation.
COMPENSATION FOR DOG BITES IN LIBERTY
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Liberty, Missouri, it’s important to understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to.
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
These are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment necessary due to the dog bite.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If the injury prevents you from working, you can be compensated for your lost income, including future earnings, if your ability to work is permanently affected.
Property Damage: If your personal property, such as clothing or a phone, was damaged during the incident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacements.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
These compensate for the more subjective, emotional, and psychological impacts of the injury.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation that covers both the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
Emotional Distress: The psychological trauma from a dog bite can cause long-lasting anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Compensation may cover therapy or counseling to help manage these effects.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: You may be entitled to compensation if the injury affects your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or overall quality of life.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation addresses both the lasting physical impact and emotional toll of permanent scars or disfigurement from a bite.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
The court may award punitive damages when the dog owner acts with extreme negligence or malicious intent. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar incidents in the future.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOG BITE CLAIMS INVOLVING CHILDREN
Higher Risk of Severe Injuries
Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, and because of their smaller size, they’re at greater risk for serious injuries, especially to the face, neck, and hands. These injuries can leave permanent scars, cause disfigurement, or even lead to long-term disabilities, all of which can significantly affect a child’s development and quality of life.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can have lasting emotional effects on children. The trauma of the experience may cause fear, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Including therapy or counseling in your compensation claim is essential to help your child heal emotionally and regain a sense of safety.
At Empower Injury Law, we understand how important it is for your child to recover physically and emotionally. We’re here to help secure the compensation your child needs to heal and move forward. Contact us for a free consultation.
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR DOG BITE INJURY CLAIMS?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims is generally five years from the date of the incident. However, if the victim is a minor, this timeframe may be extended, allowing additional time to file a claim once the child reaches adulthood.
For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is shorter, set at three years.
If you miss these deadlines, the court could dismiss your case, preventing you from seeking compensation for your injuries. At Empower Injury Law, we ensure your claim is filed promptly, giving you the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve.
COMMON INJURIES FROM DOG BITES IN LIBERTY
Dog bites can cause various injuries, some of which have long-lasting effects. In Liberty, Missouri, the city ordinances incorporate the Dunbar Scale to assess the severity of dog bites, highlighting the seriousness with which these incidents are treated.
Common dog bite injuries include:
Puncture Wounds: Deep injuries caused by a dog’s teeth, potentially leading to muscle, tendon, or bone damage, with a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth.
Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts or tears in the skin caused by a dog’s bite or claws, often requiring stitches and leaving scars.
Nerve Damage: Severe bites that can cause numbness, loss of function, or chronic pain due to damaged nerves.
Broken Bones: Strong dog bites that can fracture bones, particularly in the hands, wrists, or face.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites, especially on the face, can lead to long-lasting scars and physical disfigurement, often requiring cosmetic surgery.
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 LIBERTY DOG BITE CASE TAKE?
Are you curious about how long a dog bite case might take? Knowing the process can help you set realistic expectations and be prepared for each step. Watch this video to learn what to expect.
HOW MUCH DOES A LIBERTY DOG BITE LAWYER COST?
After a dog bite in Liberty, Missouri, the cost of hiring a lawyer shouldn’t add to your worries. At Empower Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis so you can get the legal help you need without financial stress.
No Upfront Costs
You won’t pay anything out of pocket to get started. This lets you focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.
Pay 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. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing—ensuring there’s no financial risk for you.
Clear and Transparent Terms
We’ll explain our fee structure in detail from the beginning so you’ll know exactly what to expect. There are no hidden costs or surprises—just straightforward, honest communication.
If a dog has bitten you or your child in Liberty, you can get the legal help you need without the stress of worrying about the cost. Contact us for a free consultation.
CONTACT A LIBERTY DOG BITE LAWYER TODAY
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one in Liberty, reach out to an experienced dog bite lawyer today for help.
At Empower Injury Law, we manage everything—from investigating the case to negotiating on your behalf—ensuring you get the maximum compensation you deserve while you concentrate on recovery.
Call (816) 892-9909 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
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This page was fact-checked and approved by Kevin Jones, a personal injury attorney with over 15 years of experience and a frequent speaker on personal injury topics. Voted the #1 attorney in the Courier Tribune and Gladstone Dispatch’s “Best of the Northland” annual community survey, Kevin has empowered hundreds of clients to reclaim control of their lives after serious injuries, helping them restore their finances, support their families, and move forward with confidence. His commitment to accurate, trustworthy guidance makes every page a reliable resource for those seeking support on their path to recovery.
I was in a car accident in Missouri and had no idea how to deal with all the medical bills or insurance stuff. Thankfully, I found this amazing personal injury lawyer. Kevin and his team handled everything from start to finish, and not only did they get me a great settlement, but they also got my medical bills reduced and paid off! I even ended up with a nice amount in my pocket. The whole team was super helpful, keeping me in the loop the whole time. If you need a car accident lawyer who actually cares and gets things done, I can’t recommend them enough!
—JM
Kevin went above and beyond to get the max amount awarded to me in a settlement for an automobile accident I was involved in. He guided me through the process and advocated for me until we were able to get the best settlement possible in my case. His experience, knowledge, negotiation skills, communication, and follow through took the stress off my plate and made something that could have been extremely difficult and stressful for me, an easy and stress free process. I would highly recommend Kevin if you are in need of a trustworthy and reliable lawyer who will fight for you.
—HS
After a car accident and a terrible time with the insurance companies, I contacted Kevin Jones. He jumped right in and was able to work with all parties to get a great settlement offer. He made the process easy and gave me great advice about which steps to take moving forward. I am grateful for his help and would definitely recommend him to my family and friends, should they ever find themselves in a similar situation. It is very comforting to have an expert on your side. Thank you!
—SB
I was involved in a car accident that left my life changed forever. Hiring Kevin Jones was the best decision my wife and I made after. He went to battle with the insurance companies and got me the the treatment I needed. His skills awarded my wife and I a substantial recovery along with peace of mind that we were never alone. Thank you Kevin for all the hard work you put in to protect us and keep me moving forward with my recovery.
—CJ
Kevin helped us with a moto vehicle accident. He was knowledgeable, respectful and truly was concerned with our well-being. Most importantly, he listened to us. He explained the process he would go through in dealing with the insurance companies and handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about dealing with anything except recovering from our injuries and for that we are extremely grateful!
—JS
Kevin came highly recommended by another attorney I had worked with, so he’s well thought of in the legal community and is considered an expert in his field. He’s knowledgeable, professional and experienced, so he made a very bad situation manageable. He’s also a very kind person and was so helpful during the entire process.
