A dog bite can turn an ordinary day into a medical emergency, leaving victims with painful injuries, emotional trauma, and costly treatment. Whether the attack occurred in a public park or a neighbor’s backyard, a skilled Lee’s Summit dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and take legal action.
As your Lee’s Summit personal injury lawyer, Foster Wallace provides experienced, compassionate representation for individuals and families dealing with serious dog attacks. With more than $1 billion recovered and 45 years of combined experience, we are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can range from minor wounds to life-threatening injuries, particularly in children and the elderly. Beyond the immediate physical trauma, victims often suffer long-term effects that deserve to be addressed in a legal claim.
- Puncture wounds and lacerations: Deep bites can damage nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue.
- Infections and disease: Dog bites can lead to serious infections, including rabies or MRSA.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Facial or hand injuries often require plastic surgery and leave permanent scars.
- Emotional trauma: Dog attacks frequently cause anxiety, PTSD, and fear of animals. This is especially common in young children.
- Nerve damage: Bites to hands or arms can cause lasting functional limitations.
Our team works with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and ensure your claim reflects both short- and long-term impacts.
When the Dog Owner Is Liable
Missouri follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. That means a dog owner can be held responsible even if the animal has never shown signs of aggression before. However, proving liability still requires evidence, and insurance companies may try to shift blame or claim provocation.
A dog owner may be liable if:
- Their dog bit or attacked someone unprovoked, even without a previous history of aggression.
- The victim was lawfully on the property, including guests, delivery workers, or anyone not trespassing.
- Negligence contributed to the attack, such as failing to leash the dog in public or secure the yard.
At Foster Wallace, our dog bite law firm in Lee’s Summit investigates every aspect of the incident. We gather medical records, witness statements, veterinary records, and any available photos or video footage to build a compelling case for liability.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
The Challenges of Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite cases can be emotionally sensitive, especially when the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member. Many victims are hesitant to file a claim for fear of damaging relationships. In most cases, though, the claim is filed against the homeowner’s insurance policy, not the individual dog owner personally.
We help our clients navigate:
- Insurance negotiations: We handle communication with adjusters and fight back against lowball settlement offers.
- Emotional concerns: We explain how claims work and help you make decisions that protect both your rights and your relationships.
- Medical cost recovery: We ensure that your medical expenses—past and future—are fully considered in the claim.
- Legal deadlines: Missouri law imposes a five-year statute of limitations on dog bite claims. Delaying can hurt your case.
The team at Foster Wallace truly understands the emotional and legal dimensions of these cases. We know how to balance both with compassion and confidence.
Dog Bites Involving Children
Children are the most frequent victims of serious dog bites—and the injuries they suffer are often far more severe than those experienced by adults. Attacks to the face, head, or neck can result in permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological effects that carry into adulthood.
As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your child suffer. Our team works with pediatric specialists and child therapists to document every aspect of your child’s injury, including the emotional toll. We also understand the legal nuances involved when the victim is a minor. Our team is here to guide you through the additional steps required to pursue a claim on their behalf.
Foster Wallace fights to ensure young victims receive full compensation for not just today’s medical bills but also future treatment. We can help you recover the costs for counseling and cosmetic surgery that may be needed down the line as well.
Why Dog Bite Cases Require Legal Experience
Dog bite claims might sound straightforward, but they can quickly become complicated when insurance companies are involved. Many policies contain hidden limitations, and adjusters may try to settle fast and cheap, hoping victims don’t realize what their claim is worth.
Here’s why legal experience matters:
- Understanding liability laws: Missouri’s dog bite statutes offer strong protection, but applying them requires legal precision.
- Navigating insurance coverage: Not all policies cover dog bites, and some have breed exclusions or low caps.
- Valuing non–economic damages: Emotional trauma and disfigurement often carry the most lasting impact, but insurers rarely acknowledge that without legal pressure.
- Managing complex relationships: When the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, or relative, we handle the claim with professionalism and discretion.
Our team has 45 years of combined experience tackling cases just like yours. When you work with a seasoned dog bite attorney in Lee’s Summit, you’re putting your case in the hands of professionals who know how to get results.
Talk to a Lee’s Summit Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog attacks can leave more than physical scars. They can affect your health, finances, and peace of mind for years to come. At Foster Wallace, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. Whether you’re recovering from a recent attack or helping a child who was bitten, our team is ready to provide the guidance and legal support you need.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a skilled Lee’s Summit dog bite lawyer. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand the best path forward—at no cost and with no obligation.
