Understanding Dog Bite Personal Injury Cases in Missouri: What Dog Owners Need to Know About Liability

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

July 1, 2025

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, both physically and emotionally. In Missouri, dog bite victims have legal rights to seek compensation, and dog owners can be held liable under specific statutes and legal doctrines. If you're a dog owner or a personal injury victim in Missouri, it's crucial to understand how liability works in dog bite cases.

Missouri’s Dog Bite Statute: Strict Liability

Missouri follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 273.036, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and showed no prior signs of aggression.


The statute provides that:


"The owner or possessor of a dog that bites a person, without provocation while such person is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."


This means the injured party does not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent. Simply put, if a dog bites someone under the conditions above, the owner is responsible.

Key Elements of a Dog Bite Claim in Missouri

To bring a successful claim under Missouri law, the injured person must show:


  1. The defendant is the dog’s owner.
  2. The dog bit the plaintiff.
  3. The bite occurred while the plaintiff was on public property or lawfully on private property.
  4. The plaintiff did not provoke the dog.


If all these elements are met, the dog owner can be held liable for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

Despite Missouri's strict liability law, dog owners may assert certain defenses:


  • Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog, the owner may not be held liable.
  • Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on private property at the time of the bite, liability may not apply.
  • Comparative Fault: Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. If the victim was partially responsible for the incident (e.g., ignoring warning signs or provoking the dog), their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.

Additional Considerations

  • Landlord Liability: In most cases, landlords are not liable for dog bites caused by a tenant’s dog unless they had actual knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities and control over the premises.
  • Criminal Penalties: In severe cases, dog owners may also face criminal charges, especially if the dog was known to be dangerous or previously declared a nuisance.

Why Legal Representation Matters

If you’re a dog bite victim, consulting with a personal injury attorney is essential. An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your legal rights under Missouri law.

Conclusion

Dog bite cases in Missouri are governed by a strict liability statute that favors victims, but defenses such as provocation and trespassing can still play a role. Understanding the law and acting promptly is critical when seeking compensation.


If you’ve been the victim of dog bite in Missouri, contact a qualified personal injury attorney, like Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC to explore your options. We have over 10 years of experience advocating for dog bite victims with a proven track record of success.


Call today to schedule your free consultation.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Missouri

September 24, 2025
Discovering that you have an active warrant in Missouri can be overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s for missing a court date, unpaid fines, or a new criminal charge, ignoring the problem will only make matters worse. Warrants don’t go away on their own, and law enforcement can arrest you at any time—at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop. At Finder Law, LLC, we help clients throughout Missouri resolve active warrants and protect their rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing this situation.

Minor Injury Soft Tissue (MIST) Personal Injury Claims in Missouri: What You Need to Know

September 18, 2025
Not every personal injury case involves broken bones, surgery, or long hospital stays. Many accidents—especially car crashes, slips and falls, or workplace incidents—result in soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, bruises, whiplash, and other injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While some people assume these are “minor” injuries, soft tissue damage can still cause lasting pain, limited mobility, and lost wages. If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and fight for fair settlements—even in cases involving injuries that insurance companies try to minimize.

Are Traffic Tickets Public Record in Missouri? Who Can See Them?

September 16, 2025
Getting a traffic ticket in Missouri can be stressful—fines, possible court dates, and the risk of points on your license. But many people don’t realize that traffic tickets are also part of the public record. That means others may be able to see your driving history, which can have long-term consequences for your job, insurance, and reputation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help drivers across Missouri understand their rights and protect their records when facing traffic violations. Here’s what you need to know about how traffic tickets are recorded, who can see them, and why it matters.

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri

September 9, 2025
Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a fall, a machinery accident, or a repetitive stress injury. In Missouri, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in case of a job-related injury. But what happens if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance and you get hurt on the job? At Finder Law, LLC, we often hear from injured workers in this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if your employer is uninsured.

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation in Missouri?

September 4, 2025
Being placed on probation in Missouri often feels like a second chance. Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you’re given the opportunity to live in the community under certain rules and conditions. But what happens if you violate probation? The consequences can be serious—and in some cases, life-changing. At Finder Law, LLC, we represent clients facing probation violations throughout Missouri. Here’s what you need to know about how violations are handled, what penalties you could face, and why having an experienced defense lawyer matters.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?

September 2, 2025
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I have to go to court?” The answer is yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.

The “Laughing Heirs” in Missouri: What Happens When Remote Relatives Inherit?

August 26, 2025
Estate planning often focuses on spouses, children, and grandchildren. But what happens when someone dies without a will and without any close relatives? This is where the concept of “laughing heirs” comes into play.

When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

August 19, 2025
If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri, you’re likely dealing with pain, medical treatment, and the stress of lost wages. While workers’ compensation benefits exist to provide financial and medical support after a workplace injury, navigating the system can be complex and frustrating. Knowing when to hire a workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Personal Injury Claim FAQs in Missouri: What You Need to Know

August 14, 2025
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be considering a personal injury claim. Whether the incident involved a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or workplace accident, Missouri law provides a legal pathway for victims to recover compensation. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury claims in Missouri.

Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Missouri?

August 12, 2025
Family relationships can be complex, and when parents separate or a child loses a parent, extended family members—especially grandparents—may wonder about their legal rights to remain in a child's life. In Missouri, grandparents do have potential visitation rights, but those rights are limited and only apply under specific circumstances.