A dog bite can leave more than a scar. Beyond the initial wound, victims can face reconstructive surgery, lasting nerve damage, infection, and a lingering fear of dogs that outlasts the physical injury. Kansas and Missouri take different approaches to who’s responsible for that harm. Missouri is a strict liability state (RSMo § 273.036), meaning an owner is generally responsible for a bite that happens while you’re lawfully on public or private property, regardless of the dog’s history. Kansas has no statewide strict liability statute; instead, many cities and counties across the state have local “one-bite” or leash ordinances, and a Kansas claim often relies on showing the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
Compensation can cover medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery for facial or hand injuries, which are common in bite cases, plus scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Children face a higher risk of facial injury and lasting scarring, which we document carefully with medical and, where appropriate, plastic surgery experts. Property owners can sometimes share liability with a dog’s owner too, particularly a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog on the premises and didn’t act.
Get medical attention right away, report the bite to local animal control, which creates an official record and often triggers a rabies-quarantine check, and photograph the wound as it heals. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance carrier before speaking with an attorney.
Peter A. Jouras Jr. has represented dog bite victims throughout the Kansas City metro for over 30 years, and a first consultation is always free. Reach our office at (913) 677-1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
Two years from the date of the bite in Kansas (K.S.A. 60-513); five years in Missouri (RSMo § 516.120). Different tolling rules may apply if a child was bitten.
Does it matter if the dog never bit anyone before?
In Missouri, no, ownership alone can create liability under the strict liability statute. In Kansas, prior history strengthens a negligence claim but isn’t always required.
What if the bite happened on someone else’s property?
The property owner may share liability if they knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act; that’s a fact-specific question worth investigating early.
Does homeowners or renters insurance cover dog bite injuries?
Yes, most dog bite claims are paid out through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy rather than out of their personal savings.
What should I do immediately after being bitten by a dog?
Seek immediate medical care for infection prevention, report the incident to animal control, take photos of the injuries, and obtain the owner’s information.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
