If you’ve been injured by a dog in Missouri, you may have the right to recover damages through a dog bite lawsuit in St. Louis. Missouri applies a strict liability standard to most dog bite cases, which means dog owners are held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the animal has never shown aggression before or the owner was not negligent.
This is different from states that follow a negligence standard, where you would need to prove the owner was careless in controlling or restraining their animal. In Missouri, as long as you were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog, you can usually bring a claim for compensation. Contact us to discuss your legal options today.
Recoverable Damages After a Dog Bite in St. Louis
Victims of dog bites in Missouri may be entitled to several types of damages, depending on the circumstances of the attack. Here’s how those damages are typically broken down:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded to compensate victims for actual out of pocket expenses that can be calculated using receipts and other methods. These generally include:
Medical Expenses
You can recover what you spend on emergency care, hospital bills, surgeries, medication, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and any future treatment you might need due to the attack. Keeping detailed records of all medical appointments and expenses helps support your claim.
Lost Wages
If the injury caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost income. This also includes situations where you can’t return to your usual job or have ongoing reduced earning ability because of your catastrophic injuries.
Property Damage
In some attacks, clothing, glasses, jewelry, or other personal items get damaged. The cost of repairing or replacing this property can be included in your damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also recoverable. These are losses that can’t be calculated financially – they are more intangible. Common types include:
Pain and Suffering
Dog bite injuries often come with significant physical pain. Compensation may cover both the immediate discomfort and any ongoing symptoms related to your injuries.
Emotional Distress
Beyond the physical effects, dog attacks are traumatic events. Damages may be awarded for the psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Severe or permanent injuries can take away your ability to participate in hobbies, exercise, social activities, or even everyday tasks. This loss can be factored into your settlement or award.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages in Missouri dog bite cases are uncommon but possible if the dog owner behaved with extreme negligence or intent.
510.261. Punitive damages, restrictions on award of — proper award, when — civil actions, initial pleading not to contain claim for punitive damage award. — 1. Except as otherwise provided by statute, punitive damages shall not be awarded unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.
For example, if the owner knew their dog was dangerous due to previous attacks or complaints and still failed to keep others safe, a judge or jury might consider punitive damages. These are not designed to pay back losses, but rather to punish the owner and send a strong message to deter similar reckless or malicious actions in the future.
Navigating a dog bite claim in St. Louis, Missouri can feel overwhelming, but knowing what damages you may be eligible to recover can help you make informed decisions about your recovery and legal options. If you have any questions, contact our team of St. Louis dog bite injury lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth today to schedule a free consultation.