Missouri Revised Statutes section 273.036.1 says that where a dog owner's animal bites someone else, the owner is liable for the resulting injuries if:
The statute also states that an owner who is held liable for a dog bite must pay a fine of $1,000.00, in addition to paying any other damages that the injured person can prove in the case, such as medical expenses (past and future), disfigurement, lost earnings and earning capacity, property damages, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life and loss of consortium (companionship).
Missouri's dog bite statute is a "strict liability" statute. This means that it applies even if the owner took reasonable care to restrain the dog or otherwise prevent the attack from occurring. However, any lawsuit under section 273.036.1 must be filed within the applicable time limits set by Missouri law. In Missouri, an injured person has five years under the state's statute of limitations to bring a dog bite case to court. This five-year deadline usually starts running on the date of the injury.
At MacPherson Law Center LLC we are dedicated to providing personal, caring and experienced representation to protect your legal rights in your dog bite or attack injury claim.
