Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

In April 2011, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District ruled that a Missouri dog owner may be held liable if his or her dog bites someone else, but that the pet adoption agency the owner got the dog from is not liable, as long as the agency no longer has any power or control over the dog.

In Miles v. Rich, Ms. Miles was bitten by Ms. Rich’s dog in 2004. Ms. Rich had adopted the dog from the St. Louis Humane Society some time before the dog bit Ms. Miles, and after the dog bite occurred, Ms. Rich let the Humane Society know that her adopted dog had bitten someone.

Not long after the bite occurred, Ms. Miles filed a lawsuit seeking to hold Ms. Rich liable for the injuries caused by the dog bite. Ms. Miles also filed a lawsuit against the St. Louis Humane Society, arguing that because the Humane Society regularly handled dogs and because it had handled this particular dog, the organization should have realized that the dog might bite someone and should therefore have either warned Ms. Rich or refused to let her adopt the dog. However, the Missouri Court of Appeals found that because the Humane Society had no control over the dog’s behavior, it had no duty to protect anyone from bad behavior like biting. That responsibility belonged to the dog’s owner, Ms. Rich.

Missouri law holds dog owners responsible when their dogs bite other people, even if the dog never showed signs of biting before. If you or someone you love has been injured by a biting dog, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Missouri dog bite lawyers at Page Law. We will examine your case carefully and fight to hold anyone responsible for the bite accountable for their actions. For a free consultation, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515.

Missouri’s dog bite law makes owners of biting dogs strictly liable when their dog bites another person. This means that the dog’s owner may be responsible for paying the costs of the injury, regardless of whether the owner was careful to restrain the dog or didn’t know the dog would ever bite a person.

The strict liability a dog owner faces isn’t limited to situations in which the dog bites other human beings. Dog owners may also be liable if their dogs bite animals another person owns. These include livestock like cows, pigs, or chickens, as well as pets owned by other people. Dog owners who are found liable when their dogs bite other animals may face a fine of up to $1,000.

Dogs that kill or maim sheep, livestock, or other household pets may also be required under Missouri law to pay for the damage the dog caused. Missouri law allows courts to impose a fine of one dollar for every day the costs of the dog’s biting go unpaid. In addition, the dog’s owner may be required to have the dog euthanized, especially if it is revealed that the dog has a history of biting other animals or people.

Missouri’s dog bite laws hold owners liable in a wide variety of dog bite situations. If you or someone you love has been injured by a biting dog, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Franklin County dog bite attorneys at Page Law. For a free consultation, call us today at 314-322-8515.

In 2009, Missouri passed a “strict liability” dog bite law. A “strict liability” law is one that holds someone liable even if that person was as careful as possible. In the case of Missouri’s dog bite law, strict liability means that a dog owner can be held legally responsible if his dog bites someone, even if the dog had never bitten before or the owner took precautions to ensure that the dog could not bite anyone.

Specifically, Missouri’s dog bite law makes an owner responsible if the dog bites anyone on public property or who is legally on private property, like a business customer or a party guest. The dog owner will face liability “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's or possessor's knowledge of such viciousness.” In other words, it doesn’t matter if the dog’s owner knew the dog might bite or had bitten in the past. “I had no idea my dog would do that,” is not a valid excuse for a person to suffer painful and expensive dog bite injuries.

Dog bites send hundreds of thousands of Americans to the emergency room each year, many of them children. If you or someone you love has been injured by a biting dog, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Missouri dog bite injury lawyers at Page Law, LLC. We will examine your case carefully and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. To learn more, call Page Law, LLC today at 314-322-8515 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Most people who suffer a dog bite do not catch rabies or any other disease from the bite. However, if the dog is a strange one or is acting strangely, it’s wise to have the dog tested for rabies if possible.

Dogs can experience rabies in two ways: “Furious Rabies” or “Dumb Rabies,” also known as paralytic rabies. A dog with dumb rabies will droop at the mouth and may begin to drool as the disease paralyzes the jaw and throat muscles. Dogs with dumb rabies do not usually attack or bite.

Dogs with violent rabies will show it by hiding in dark places whenever possible, such as under beds or vehicles or in closets or sheds. They become nervous and excitable and will fight their way through fencing or other enclosures to escape. Once loose, a dog with violent rabies may roam for miles, trying to bite anything that crosses its path. Both dumb rabies and violent rabies are fatal.

If you suspect a dog that bit you has rabies, wash the bite area with soap and water for at least twenty minutes and contact a physician or hospital immediately. For the best chance at an accurate rabies diagnosis, do not kill the dog; call the Missouri Department of Health or a local veterinarian for help.

Rabies is a frightening disease, but it’s rare for people to get it from dog bites. If you have been bitten by a dog, however, the injuries and medical expenses may be severe, even if the dog has no infections. To learn more about your rights under Missouri dog bite law, contact the experienced St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law today. For a free consultation, call 314-322-8515.

Dog bites send over 800,000 Americans to the doctor each year. Most of those bitten by dogs are children, and most dog bite sufferers know the dog and/or its owner. Many believe they have a friendship with the dog until it suddenly bites them. In order to help prevent dog bites, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other research groups have gathered statistics on which dogs are more likely to bite people.

Researchers found that the breeds involved in most of the bites they studied were German shepherds, chows, pit bull terriers, and poodles. They also found that most of the bites they studied were inflicted by dogs that were younger, between one and five years of age. Male dogs seemed to bite more often than female dogs, and a male dog who had not been neutered was probably more likely to bite than a male dog who had been neutered. Finally, a large percentage of the bites researchers examined were given by dogs that were tied or chained up in their yards.

These statistics can help you identify dogs that may be more likely to bite. However, it’s important to remember that any dog, no matter its age, breed, or temperament, may bite under the right conditions. Missouri law provides rights and options for residents who have suffered a dog bite. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Missouri, call the experienced St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law today. We’ll examine the details of your case and help you hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. For a free consultation, call us today at 314-322-8515.

A ten-year-old Kansas City boy suffered injuries to his face, back, and arm when he was attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull, according to a recent news report from WDAF.

The boy was riding his bicycle around the neighborhood when Bo, the neighbor’s 55-pound pit bull, began chasing him. The dog bit the boy’s bicycle wheel, causing him to fall, and then bit the boy several times until the ten-year-old was able to get up and run home. At the local emergency room, the boy received several stitches and was released.

Kansas City animal control officers seized Bo and are currently holding the dog in quarantine until he can be tested for rabies. Bo’s owner, who also has two other pit bulls, is hoping to get his dog back. He believes that the boy must have tried to pet Bo, who bit to defend himself. This is not the first time Bo has bitten someone; the dog also bit a visiting social worker last summer, according to WDAF.

Dog bites are painful, dangerous, and terrifying, especially for a child. Each year, thousands of children in the U.S. require hospital care after a dog bite. If your child has been bitten by a dog, please don’t hesitate to contact experienced Missouri child dog bite lawyer John Page. Mr. Page and the experienced legal team at Page Law will examine your case carefully and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 314-322-8515 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Over four million Americans suffer dog bites each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and at least 800,000 of these injuries require medical attention. In Missouri, the law protects those who are bitten by aggressive dogs by allowing dog bite injury victims to hold the dog’s owner accountable for the dog’s actions.

Missouri’s dog bite statute applies to any dog “that bites, without provocation, any person” who is on public property or who is legally on someone else’s private property - including property owned by the dog’s owner. For instance, a dog that bites a person in a public park is covered by the law, and so is a dog that bites a guest in its owner’s home. The Missouri dog bite law applies to any dog that bites a person under these conditions; even if it’s the first time the dog has ever bitten anyone or acted aggressively.

In addition to facing a fine under the dog bite statute, the owner may be held liable for damages related to the injury itself, such as the cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering caused by the dog bite injury. If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Missouri dog bite attorneys at Page Law. We will examine your case carefully and can help you hold dog owners responsible for their animal’s actions. To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515.

According to the National Institute of Health, if a person’s skin is broken by a dog or wild animal bite, that person should get a tetanus shot if he or she has not had a tetanus shot within the past five years.

Tetanus is an infection of the nervous system by a potentially deadly bacterium. The bacterium typically enters the body through a wound and symptoms usually begin to manifest 7 to 21 days after the time of infection. Tetanus usually begins with mild spasms in the jaw, also known as lockjaw. The spasms, in some cases, can also affect the muscles that control breathing. Other symptoms of tetanus include drooling, fever and sweating, hand or foot spasms, difficulty swallowing, and incontinence, or the inability to control the bladder or bowels.

Unfortunately, without treatment, one in four of those infected with tetanus will die. If the wound that caused the tetanus is on the head or the face, it is generally more dangerous than wounds on other parts of the body. However, with proper treatment, less than 10 percent of infected patients die. Treatment can include antibiotics, bed rest, muscle relaxers, surgery, sedatives and other medicines. Sometimes, breathing support is also needed.

If you have been bitten by a dog or other wild animal, and you have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years, you should see a doctor immediately. If you are bitten by a dog, you also have legal rights against that dog’s owner. Contact the Missouri dog bite attorneys at Page Law to learn more about your rights against the owner of a dangerous dog. Call today at 314-322-8515 to learn more.

In the United States, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. About one in five of those injuries require medical attention. Among children, those ages 5 to 9 have the highest rate of dog-bite related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of those bites are from the family dog. However, there are ways to keep your children safe around your dog and prevent Missouri dog bite injuries from occurring.

It helps to keep your children in mind before choosing a dog for your family. If your child seems scared of dogs, it’s probably not the time to get a dog. In addition, extra care should be taken before you bring a dog into a household with infants and toddlers. Once you feel your family is ready for a dog, consult with the family veterinarian or a breeder to see what might be the best breed of dog for your household. Before purchasing or adopting a dog, spend time with the animal. See if the dog is gentle with your children and if they feel comfortable around the dog.

After you have decided on a particular dog, have the animal spayed or neutered, which can reduce aggressiveness. Spend time training and socializing the dog. Teach the dog how to behave submissively. Don’t wrestle or play other aggressive games with your dog or the dog might think it’s acceptable to wrestle with young children.

Has your child been bitten by a dog that did not belong to you? By law, the dog’s owner could be held liable for any injuries suffered as a result of the bite. Contact the St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law to learn more about your legal options. Call our law office today at 314-241-2273 for a free consultation.

Dogs bite almost five million people a year, most of whom are children under four. A study published by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System reports that when small children (ages 0-4 years) are attacked by dogs, the bite wounds are on the head or face 64.9% of the time. March is Save Your Vision Month, and dogs attacks on children account for a startling percentage of children’s eye injuries every year.

Eye injuries caused by dog bites are particularly dangerous. Any doctor will tell you that one of the primary concerns for a dog bite wound is infection. When the injury is to the eye, the risk of infection can cause blindness, disfigurement, or even death. Because of the delicate and spongy skin, dog bite injuries to the eyelid are very easily infected. Such wounds can require surgery, intravenous antibiotic treatment or even hyperbaric therapy in order for the tissue to fully heal.

Most of the time, the victim of the attack is familiar with the biting dog, sometimes it’s even the family pet. That is why it is crucially important to establish a positive child- pet relationship in your home if you have dogs and small children.

Here are some ways to keep your children safe from dog attacks:

1. Establish a “no fly zone” for your children around the dog’s sleeping and eating space. Most often, dogs bite because they feel threatened. Eating and sleeping are times when dogs consider themselves to be vulnerable.
2. Explain to your child the tell-tale signs of an aggressive dog’s body language (i.e. bared teeth, flattened ears, growling)
3. Teach your dog and your child command words like “stop” or “down,” and make sure your child knows when and how to use them.
4. Show your children how to protect themselves should a dog ever attack. (Roll into a ball and protect the face and head)
5. Never leave any child unsupervised with any dog, no matter how gentle, friendly, or old. Remember: any dog can bite at any time, and your child may provoke any dog without understanding the consequences of her actions.

If you or your child has been the victim of a dog bite, you have rights. Under Missouri law, dog owners are strictly liable for the injuries caused by their pet. Time limits for filing a claim exist, so contact the dog bite attorneys at Page Law today. Experienced dog bite attorneys can help you navigate the often confusing and complicated process of dog bite lawsuits. Call (314) 241-2273 today for a free consultation of your case.

St. Louis currently has issues with stray animals, according to STLToday.com. St. Louis closed its dog pound this summer and turned over animal sheltering and adoption services to nonprofits. However, reports are surfacing of roaming packs of dogs.

One official said that during a recession, shelters tend to take in more strays, as many owners abandon pets when they feel they can’t care for them. One shelter operated by a nonprofit has taken in nearly 2,000 animals since June, which represents a large increase. Another nonprofit reports a 75 percent increase in animals. Also, a task force on animal cruelty reports a 30 percent rise in the number of calls they are fielding.

Residents have been complaining that roaming packs of dogs are increasing, which has resulted in several serious Missouri dog bite attacks. Residents also complain that when they report stray animals to the city, they are asked to take care of them. The city is no longer picking up animals, which leads to more animals on the street. Residents are also having a hard time finding or reclaiming their pets, because there is no centralized system to track pets that are picked up by animal control.

To avoid a dog bite attack, if you are approached by a stray dog, be careful. Remain motionless until it leaves. Avoid eye contact. If you are bitten, contact your doctor. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year, and about 20 percent of those require medical attention.

If you have been injured by a dog bite due to the negligence of its owner, contact St. Louis dog bite attorney John Page of Page Law today at 314-322-8515. You have legal rights against the dog’s owner. Call today for a free consultation.

When dogs bite, they most often bite children under the age of four. The bite occurs due to the manner in which the child and the dog react to their environment. Very small children often have little to no understanding that their actions can cause others physical pain, and dogs do not make allowances for children’s behavior like humans do. A child who does not understand how to play nice with animals has invaded the dog’s safety zone. The animal feels threatened and will react instinctually.

Even beloved family pets can become a biting dog when they feel threatened. It is so important for dog owners to understand (and for parents to explain to their children) that dogs are not little four-legged people in fur coats. Dogs are animals with thoughts and motivations completely alien to human understanding.

In Missouri, dog bite lawyers need to show that the victim of the dog attack did not intentionally provoke the dog and that they were lawfully present on the property at the time of the attack. This is called a strict liability view. It means that as long as these two conditions are met, dog owners are fully liable for the actions of their pets. Missouri’s dog bite law is this way for two main reasons.

First, any dog can bite at anytime, and any breed of dog can bite anyone. In fact, Dachshunds are actually the breed responsible for biting people most often. Dog bite attorneys should not have to prove that the dog that attacked someone showed prior aggressive behavior. It used to be that the first person a dog bit was “free.” Now, one dog bite victim, especially if it’s a child, is enough to hold the owner responsible.

Second, biting behavior is mostly caused by poor training by the dog’s owner. For example, Pit Bulls were not bred to be guard dogs, but to interact (albeit fight) with other animals. If a Pit Bull owner leaves the dog alone and isolated, it never receives the socialization it needs to live safely with humans. Any aggressive behavior is then the owner’s fault, and it would still be the owners fault if the attacking dog in question was a Chihuahua.

When dogs bite, it can be confusing and traumatic. If you or your child has been the victim of a dog attack, you should have a talented dog bite attorney by your side in this difficult time. Contact the experienced St. Louis dog bite lawyers at Page Law today. A live person will be available 24 hours a day for a free consultation with no obligation. Call (314) 241-2273 today.

When most people think of being injured from dog bites, they consider the actual injury to the body. However, any time a human is bitten by an animal, there’s also a chance that the rabies virus could infect them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 10 minutes someone dies from rabies.

Rabies is a virus that is found in the saliva of animals and can kill both humans and animals. Most people who get rabies contract it because they were bitten by an animal with the virus. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of rabies, especially since when they appear, most people die within a few days of being infected.

Some early symptoms of rabies include fever, headache and weakness, which unfortunately can easily be confused with many other less dangerous illnesses. As the virus progresses, symptoms can include trouble sleeping, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and a tingling at the site of the dog bite injury.

In order to avoid rabies, you need to avoid animals that carry the virus. Any animal that is acting sick, has problems swallowing, is drooling, bites at everything, or has trouble moving may be infected with the virus. Most of the time, rabies is found in wild animals, but domesticated animals can be infected with the virus as well. If you are bitten by a dog and you suspect the animal is infected with the rabies virus, seek help immediately. Wash the wound with soap and water, and then see a doctor.

If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, and have suffered serious injuries or were infected with rabies, you may be able to recover compensation from the dog’s owner. Contact the St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law, LLC today at 314-322-8515 to learn more.

Of all the breeds of dogs that bite, pit bulls seem to have the worst reputation. A sizable proportion of all reported dog bites that require medical treatment are caused by unneutered pit bulls. However, this fact does not necessarily indicate that pit bulls are the most vicious of breeds.

First, consider the size of a pit bull compared to most other breeds. The sheer size and power of these dogs means that when moved to attack, they are capable of causing serious damage to the human body. A Yorkshire terrier in the same blind rage simply cannot cause a comparable level of injury.

Further, for some owners, the appeal of the pit bull seems to be their rumored tendency for aggression. They are often used as guard dogs or fighting dogs. Dog fighting is animal abuse, and using a pit bull as a guard dog simply shows a lack of understanding for the breed. Pit bulls were bred to be companions for humans. Because they are large, well-muscled, and imposing, some people assume they are mean or aggressive, but like any other dog, pit bulls are social pack animals. They crave love and attention.

Leaving them out alone or chained wears away at their resolve and natural tendencies to show affection. Before too long, a companionable pet becomes a dangerous animal, and the fault can only be placed with the humans who performed such treatment or neglect, treatment that, arguably, caused the dog to be prone to attack.

This is why the responsibility for the attack rests with the dog owner. In Missouri, dog lawyers no longer have to establish previous aggressive behavior of the animal in question. The fact is, dogs bite when they feel scared or threatened. If the dog’s owner had the poor judgment to abuse the animal so badly that it is cowed and antisocial, and thus prone to biting, the fault is all theirs.

It’s important to remember that while most dogs seem harmless, they can still bite. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Missouri, contact a hard-working St. Louis dog bite lawyer at Page Law, LLC. We can help you determine whether the dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries. Call us today at 314-322-8515 for a free consultation.

When analyzing a dog bite case in Missouri, it can be very important to first determine if the owner of the dog was the owner of the premises or just renting. This can be important in determining liability and what insurance would be available to assist in paying that pile of medical bills.

Fortunately for victims of dog bites, Missouri law has recently made a switch in making dog owners strictly liable to the victims. This means that they can be found personally liable for the violent actions of their dogs whether or not the dog has had a propensity for violence in the past or not. This is particularly true in instances where the attack occurred on property in which the dog owner personally owned.

Likewise, if the dog’s owner is renting the property where the dog bite occurred, it would seem to make sense that one would be able to hold the owner of the property liable for this attack as well. However, Missouri law has made it difficult to attribute liability to the true owner of the property if that person is simply renting it out to the dog owner. In order for the home owner to be held liable, the burden is on the victim to prove the home owner actually “harbored” the animal. This term seems ambiguous and is subject to debate, but for now courts have held it to mean actual control over the animal.

While it can be helpful to show that the dog owner had knowledge the dog was there, in most cases it just isn’t enough. Therefore, the focus of any victim of a dog bite should be on the actual owner of the dog, and if that person was a renter, it is crucial to immediately determine whether that person has renters insurance.

In most situations, if you are not personally familiar with the dog’s owner, it can be difficult to judge whether the person actually owned the home or was a renter. With the help of our investigators, the St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law can help you make that determination and give valuable advice on how to pursue your case.

Americans own over 77 million dogs, and every year, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, though the majority of these dog bites aren’t serious. On average, about 866 people a day visit an emergency room for dog bites injuries, and about 26 of these people a day are admitted to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. However, a recent study has shown that the number of serious dog bites has increased dramatically in recent years – from 5,200 in 1993 to 9,500 in 2008, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Certain segments of the population are more at risk for being seriously injured by dog bites. The study found that senior citizens and young children are the most likely to be seriously injured by a dog bite. Interestingly, most of the hospital visits due to dog bites are made by people who live in rural areas as opposed to urban areas. People in rural areas visit a hospital’s emergency room for dog bites four times as often as urban residents.

Those people who were admitted to the hospital for their dog bite injuries usually had one of three medical issues. Over 40 percent of those admitted had skin infections from the bite. A little over 20 percent were treated for open wounds on the arms and legs, and over 10 percent had open wounds on the head, neck, or torso. Other common injuries stemming from a dog bite were internal injuries or broken arms or legs. Over half of those hospitalized for a dog bite injury required surgery.

It’s important to remember that while most dogs seem harmless, they can still bite. If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, contact the Missouri dog bite attorneys at Page Law, LLC. We can help you determine whether the dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries. Call us today at 1-314-488-2433 for a free consultation.

A recent study found that young children may be the most vulnerable to dog bites when they are left alone, even with the family dog, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Researchers at the University of Colorado studied 537 children (up to age 18) who were treated for dog bites at a Denver children’s hospital. The dog bites occurred between 2003 and 2008. In about 68 percent of the cases, children under age 5 were the ones bitten by dogs. Surprisingly, almost all of the children knew the dogs that bit them – half were the family pets, and almost all of the rest belonged to neighbors, friends, or relatives.

When we think of dogs attacking children, we usually think of dangerous breeds of dogs. However, the most common breeds in the study that bit were mixed breeds, followed by labs, Rottweilers and German shepherds. Pitt bulls aren’t allowed in Denver and weren’t a part of the study. The dog bite attacks were provoked in about half of the cases, usually by playing too rough or surprising the animal. The dog bites also frequently occurred when the child was left alone with the dog. Researchers concluded that although most dog owners think of their dogs as harmless, that’s not always true. Almost any type of dog can bite under the right set of circumstances.

Have you or a loved one been the victim of a dog bite in Missouri? If so, you may have a cause of action against the dog’s owner. Contact the experienced St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law, LLC today at 314-488-2433 for a free consultation on your case.

An 84-year-old minister who owned 17 pit bulls may have been killed by the dogs, according to RGJ.com.

The man’s son found his father in the dogs’ pen with serious injuries from animal bites. The minister died from the injuries. Sixteen of the dogs were loose, with the exception of one dog that was wounded. The man’s son said his father insisted the dogs had a calm nature and was not at all concerned about safety with the dogs. The son does not believe the dogs killed his father; instead, he believes that stray dogs or even a mountain lion attacked his father and the pit bulls. He also admits it could be possible that his father could have been playing with the dogs and things got out of control.

There will not be any charges involving the attack since the property owner has died. In addition, the dogs will not be seized because the county cannot handle 17 dogs.

Each year in the U.S., dogs bite over 500,000 people and kill around 12, mostly young children. The dog’s owner may face liability for those injuries, depending on several factors such as knowledge of the dog’s behavior, whether or not the dog was provoked, and the city or county where the bite occurred.

If you have been injured by a dog, contact a skilled Missouri dog bite attorney who can help you protect your rights. Time limits on filing a claim exist, so contact an attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have a solid case against the dog’s owner. If you have been bitten, contact the St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law at 314-488-2433 today for a free consultation.

When viewed as a whole, man’s best friend is a fairly dangerous creature. With a population of 310 million people in the United States in 2010, dogs bit approximately 4 million of us. Humans have been domesticating the dog (Canis lupus familiaris), for countless centuries, however, the typical canine remains very close to its wild and feral nature. The modern animal we refer to as a ‘dog’, is in reality, a domesticated grey wolf. The pets we keep today as dogs, come from a family of animals which include the jackal, foxes, coyotes, and wolves. The wild nature of man’s best friend is demonstrated continuously through their bites in the United States.

Missouri has recently enacted a new dog bite law that attempts to address the large number of ongoing dog bites throughout the state. For the past fifty years, Missouri operated under a statute which gave most dog owners a free pass to liability if their canine had never before exhibited any aggressive or dangerous behavior. The exceptions were for owners of a few limited breeds of inherently dangerous dogs, such as the pit bull, Rottweiler, or German Sheppard. People bitten by dogs with no previously known aggressive behavior were forced to suffer under the philosophy: I’m sorry, but you were the first, so the dog owner is not responsible because he did not know.

The new Missouri dog bite statute attempts to remedy this situation. Missouri Revised Statute section 273.036 has completely removed the requirement that a Missouri dog bite victim prove that a dog had been aggressive or dangerous before they were bitten. The new Missouri dog bite law provides that a dog owner is liable for all damage their dog inflicts on any person, or their property, if the victim was on public property, or lawfully on private property, and the victim did not provoke the dog into attacking. Missouri residents, who join in the 4 million people bitten by dogs each year in the United States, are now a little more secure in their right to hold dogs’ owners liable for their unprovoked attacks.

Continue reading "History of Dog's Aggression No Longer Required in Missouri Bite Claims" »

Missouri’s new dog bite statute, RSMo 273.036, has altered long-standing Missouri law. Prior to the recent enactment of the new Missouri dog bite statute, a Missouri dog bite victim was only allowed to recover compensation for their injuries if they could prove the following elements: 1) the dog must have exhibited dangerous propensities on a prior occasion, 2) the dog owner knew, or should have known of their dog’s prior dangerous propensities, 3) the victim of the dog bite was lawfully on the property of the dog owner, and 4) the victim of the dog bite did not provoke the dog into the attack. Under this old version of Missouri law, a victim of a dog bite in Missouri often had a difficult task in proving the attacking dog had previously demonstrated dangerous or aggressive behavior.

Showing that a dog in Missouri has previously exhibited dangerous propensities presented many hurdles to successfully seeking compensation when bitten. Sometimes this task was accomplished with ease, in the few cases of dogs that had bitten another individual in the past and police or animal control documented the bite. However, in the vast majority of cases, dog bite victims were forced to expend large sums of money investigating the past behavior of a particular dog and dog owner.

Missouri dog bite lawyers were forced to search for any past aggressive behavior of the pet, such as lunging, biting, nipping, snapping, etc. Once a Missouri dog bite victim was able to find evidence of one or more of these prior dangerous propensities, then the act was subject to strict scrutiny through interpretation.

Continue reading "Out with the Old, In with the New: Missouri Dog Bite Statute Revised" »

On August 29, 2009, the state of Missouri drastically changed its laws relating to the liability of a dog owner whose dog bites another individual. Revised Statute of Missouri section 273.036 is the Missouri statute governing a dog owner’s liability when their dog bites another person. This new Missouri law states “the owner or possessor of any dog that bites, without provocation, any person while such person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner or possessor of the dog, is strictly liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's or possessor's knowledge of such viciousness." RSMo section 273.036(1).

This new Missouri dog bite law has created a two-prong test where a dog owner is strictly liable for personal injuries, and property damages, caused as the result of their dog biting another person without provocation, and while the dog bite victim was lawfully on the property of the dog owner.

Missouri’s new dog bite laws have elevated the responsibility of dog owners for the actions of their pets. The new law states that a dog owner is ‘strictly liable’ to an individual who is bitten by their canine, if the bite occurred without provocation, and while the victim was lawfully on the property. Strict liability is a legal doctrine that makes individuals responsible for damages of their actions, such as dog ownership, regardless of any "fault" on their part.

By including the concept of strict liability in Missouri’s new dog bite statute, a dog owner is liable to an injured dog bite victim meeting the above two-prong test, regardless of their intent to cause the injury. This new Missouri Dog Bite statue provides additional protections to those injured as a result of unprovoked dog bites in the State of Missouri.

Missouri’s new dog bite laws do recognize situations where an individual bitten by a dog may share some responsibility for the attack. The new Missouri dog bite law specifically states that a dog owner is liable for their dog biting another person, only if the bite occurs ‘without provocation’. Provocation may come in a clear and intentional manner, such as hitting, tormenting, abusing, or teasing a dog. Under Missouri law, provocation may also come through unintentional acts, such as stepping on a dog’s tail. The defense of provocation is taken on case-by-case basis in which juries must weigh the arguments of Missouri dog bite lawyers at trial in determining whether an act amounts to provocation.

Continue reading "New Missouri Dog Bite Law" »

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which is meant to raise awareness of the problem of dog bites and possible solutions. A Bangor Daily News article reports that the United States Postal Service is helping to promote the event, hoping to prevent the thousands of dog bites that affect its employees each year.

Over 2,800 postal employees in the United States reported being bitten in 2009. In addition, according to a veterinary organization, over 333,000 people are admitted to the E.R. each year for dog-related injuries. Almost one-half of the victims are under twelve years old. People with dog-related injuries that end up in the E.R. cost over one hundred and two million dollars per year.

Letter carriers are allowed to limit delivery to a home and force people to pick up mail at the post office if they fear for their security because of a dog. Additionally, a postmaster can choose to cut back mail delivery to neighborhoods where dogs are allowed to go free if letter carriers that deliver there feel threatened by the neighborhood’s dogs.

The post office recommends some steps for dog owners to take to stop their dogs from biting. Dogs should be kept inside and away from the front door when a letter carrier arrives. Children should not be allowed to accept mail from carriers in the presence of a dog. Dog owners should teach obedience training and give their dogs plenty of attention. Spaying or neutering dogs also helps prevent biting.

Dog bites in Missouri can be very serious. Pet owners can be held liable for medical expenses, as well as other costs if a dog attacks someone and causes serious injury. If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, contact the St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law today by calling 314-322-8515. We will work hard to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Each year in the United States, about 4.7 million people, or about 2% of the U.S. population, suffer a dog bite injury. Each person in the U.S. has a 1 in 50 chance each year of being bitten by a dog, usually by a dog belonging to a friend or family member in a place the person has visited before, such as the dog's home. In nearly two-thirds of cases, the dog bite is the dog's first outward display of aggressive behavior. Dogs that are nervous, scared, or feel threatened are more likely to bite than naturally aggressive dogs that possess these similar qualities of unease. This is why it is important for dog owners to be familiar with dog bite statistics in Missouri and on a national level.

One out of every six dog bites each year, or 800,000 bites, are serious enough to require medical attention. Nearly 368,000 people seek emergency room care each year for a dog bite – that's more than one thousand people a day, on average. Dog bites are the second most common reason children need to visit the emergency room.

While dog bites are not usually fatal, they did claim the lives of 304 people from 1979 to 1996. For every fatal dog bite treated by a physician, 230,000 bites occur that are never presented to a doctor for treatment.

Dog bites are also expensive. Dog bite claims cost U.S. insurance companies over $1 billion each year. The average insurance payment on a dog bite claim is $16,600, which may or may not cover all the necessary medical treatment, including treatment for mental or emotional trauma, and other expenses incurred by the dog bite.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Missouri, you need to make sure your legal rights are protected. The experienced St. Louis dog bite injury attorneys at Page Law will review the details of your case and can advise you of all your legal options. They'll also stand by you and help you hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 today for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.

The U.S. Postal Service has announced its dog bite prevention campaign, according to a recent article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The event, which takes place every year, coincides with National Dog Bite Prevention Week. It is designed to raise awareness about the large number of dog bites suffered by postal workers each year. In 2009, the U.S. Postal Service notes that 2,863 letter carriers were bitten by dogs.

Most owners say their dogs are friendly and will not bite; however, the types of dogs that bite do not just include the more commonly recognized aggressive breeds. According to the Postal Service, this may be true for family members, but the situation is different for a postal worker, who is a stranger. Even friendly dogs act instinctually to protect their territory and may bite a stranger if they believe that person is threatening the dog's home or family.

To prevent dogs from biting letter carriers, the Postal Service recommends that owners move their dog to another room when the mail arrives. Keep the dog in a room that does not have access to the front door, the letter slot or mailbox, or any route the letter carrier must take to make a delivery. Also, if children are allowed to take the mail from the letter carrier, do not let the dog see them do it. The dog may interpret the transaction as a threat to the child and act accordingly.

About 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year. If you or a family member have suffered a dog bite, it's important to know your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses and other losses. The experienced dog bite attorneys in Missouri at Page Law can help. Call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

A Joplin woman who was attacked by pit bulls was rescued by a nearby electric crew, reports a Joplin Globe article. On April 13, the woman was walking her female Yorkshire terrier in her neighborhood. Two pit bulls escaped from their enclosure in her neighborhood and ran straight towards the terrier, attempting to bite her. The woman crouched to protect her dog and was attacked by one of the dogs. During the Missouri dog attack, she remembered seeing an Empire District Electric Company crew working nearby. She started screaming.

A lineman elevated in a bucket heard the screams and yelled the victim’s location to workers on the ground. The workers raced towards the victim. One of the workers stuck his hand, which was covered in work gloves, into the pit bull’s mouth to try to get it to let go of the woman. They finally removed the attacking dog from the woman and then secured both pit bulls. The terrier was unharmed. However, the pit bull broke the woman’s finger. Her finger required stitches. A bite on her arm also required stitches.

The crew involved in the rescue all received awards for their bravery. The pit bulls are under quarantine, and a judge will determine what happens to the dogs.

If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, it’s important to contact an experienced St. Louis dog bite injury attorney as quickly as possible. Many different factors are involved in determining whether the dog owner is legally liable for your injuries. If the owner is liable for your injuries, you may be able to recover for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact an experienced Missouri dog bite lawsuit attorney today at Page Law by calling 314-322-8515.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week in the U.S. is May 16 to 22, according to this PRWeb press release. Organizations across the country will be calling attention to a serious problem – dog bites. Some experts estimate that half of all children will be bitten by a dog by age 12. The majority of these bites will be from the family dog or another dog familiar to the child.

One of the organizations promoting the week, Doggone Safe, a non-profit organization that seeks to prevent dog bites through education, is offering some tips to help keep children safe.

First, it’s important to teach your children some simple rules when they are around dogs. Children should not kiss or hug dogs around the face area. That is a common cause of St. Louis child dog bites. Instead, children who want to be affectionate with their pets should scratch the dog on the chest or side of the neck. In addition, if a strange dog approaches, children should “be a tree” and stand still. Doing this should bore the dog and encourage it to eventually wander away. Finally, children should not tease a dog, or disturb one that is eating, sleeping, or protecting puppies.

Some important steps parents can take with their own dogs are to supervise the dog carefully and to train the dog with positive reinforcement. Other dog owners should have their dogs spayed or neutered, which makes dogs less likely to be aggressive. Owners should also supervise their dogs, and condition them to be active in the world, which means providing lots of varied experiences and positive reinforcement.

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Missouri, you need to protect your rights and understand potential legal options. Contact an experienced Missouri dog attack attorney at Page Law. Call us today at 314-322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation. We can help.

The Missouri House recently passed a bill that imposes misdemeanor crime charges against pet owners whose animals bite or attack people, reported the Kansas City Star. Owners could be penalized with up to 15 days in jail and a $300 fine for a pet’s first offense and six months and a $500 fine for the second. The bill does not apply to cases where teasing, attempting abuse or other provocation took place.

Every year, dogs bite over 500,000 people, killing an average of twelve. The majority of MO dog bite victims are children under the age of ten. Even though many dogs do not show signs of aggression, every dog is capable of biting.

Legislation surrounding dog bites can often be difficult to understand. Some states impose a three-bite-rule while others do not. Other factors such as provocation, what county in which the bite occurred and use of “Bad Dog Behavior” warning signs may affect how a judge will rule. This new bill would add a new element to Missouri dog bite law.

If a dog has bitten you, or someone you love, clean the wound and consult a medical doctor to help in case of a rabies infection. You also may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, post traumatic stress disorder or any monetary loss. The dog bite St. Louis attorneys at Page Law have a wealth of experience in handling dog bite claims and will ensure that yours, or your child’s, constitutional rights are protected. Call today at 314-322-8515 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

An Empire Electric employee was awarded for his act of bravery in rescuing a woman and her dog from rampaging pit bulls on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 in Joplin, MO. According to the Power of 7, the man and a coworker had heard the woman screaming for help, and he immediately ran to her, discovering that a pit bull had been attacking both the woman and her dog. He then managed to wrestle the dogs away from the two victims.

For his bravery, Joplin Chief of Police awarded the man the Chief’s Achievement Coin, given only to those who show extraordinary acts of courage. Only the Chief of Police gives out these coins, and the Empire Electric employee is the first civilian to receive one. There is no further news as to the condition of the woman or her dog.

Unfortunately, dogs can bite at any time. Pit bulls have one of the highest bite rates when compared to other dogs. This may be due to a number of factors, including behavioral training, increased popularity in owning pit bulls and provocation. Every state and county is different in how it handles dog bites in terms of the legal rights of dog bite victims.

If a dog has bitten you, you may be entitled to recover compensation for any medical expenses or trauma. Filing a personal injury claim can be complicated. The experienced Mo dog injury lawyers at Page Law can help you file a claim and ensure that your rights are protected. Call 314-322-8515 today for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

In Missouri, you can recover damages related to dog bite injuries on theories of strict liability, premises liability, and/or negligence per se. These cases are proven in different ways. Notably, in the state of Missouri, proving a case under the strict liability theory has usually required that the dog owner have knowledge or constructive knowledge of their dog’s dangerous propensities. However, in August of 2009, the Missouri State Legislature passed a law stating as follows:

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

More and more states, including Missouri, are doing away with “one bite” or “first bite” laws, and are adopting a more rigorous strict liability standard. Under current Missouri dog bite law, when it is proven that an owner was somehow negligent, such as by not properly restraining the animal, the victim may often recover damages without proving the dog’s viciousness.

Continue reading "Legislative Changes to Strict Liability Theory May Aid Dog Bite Victims" »

Man’s best friend has always been the dog. Still, dog bites in Missouri are nonetheless common. What many dog owners do not realize is that any dog can bite, regardless of breed or size. There is no scientific evidence that delineates dog bites to any specific breed. Some dog owners promote aggressive behavior by either encouraging the behavior or letting aggression go unchecked and without punishment.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. require medical attention as a result of dog bites and attacks. Children are the most common victims of dog bites. Here are a few tips on how to deal with dogs or what to do if faced with a potential attack:

• Do not disturb a dog while it is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.


• Do not pet a dog unless it smells you first.


• If a dog threatens you, remain calm, still and avoid eye contact. Back away slowly until the dog is out of site. Do not turn and run as this will provoke the dog further and may cause it to chase you.


• If a dog knocks you down, curl into a fetal position, making sure to cover your face.


• Teach children to be careful around pets and how to properly interact with them.


• Do not leave a child or infant alone with a dog, ever.

If a dog has bitten you or your child, clean the wound first and consult a medical doctor. You may want to consult an experienced St. Louis dog bite attack lawyer to help you assess the details of your case and file a claim. Call 314-322-8515 to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney at Page Law for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Due to their small size, precarious manner, and relative lack of safety training, children are often more likely than adults to be the victim of a dog attack in Missouri. It is important for parents to educate their children on dog safety, regardless of whether your family owns a dog. Children possess a natural curiosity about dogs, and it is therefore crucial that young children be educated about child-dog interaction. The most important thing for a child to learn with respect to dog bite prevention is that dogs are excited by things that move. Accordingly, the most effective response for a child that is receiving unwanted attention from a dog is to remain still.

The following tips, provided by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention are a perfect starting point for any parent who is eager to educate their children regarding dog bite prevention:

• Do not engage or approach a dog that you are unfamiliar with.


• Do not run away from a dog or scream in fear.


• Remain as motionless as possible ("be still like a tree") when an unfamiliar dog comes near.


• If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball and be still.


• Do not play with a dog if you have no adult supervision.


• Report all stray dogs or dogs displaying strange behavior to an adult.


• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.


• Do not disturb a sleeping dog, a dog who is feeding, or a dog that is caring for puppies.


• Do not pet a dog before giving it the opportunity to see and sniff you.


• If injured by a dog, immediately report the injury to an adult.

Even the safest of children sometimes get bitten through no fault of their own. If your child has been attacked by a dog, it is crucial that you seek immediate help from an experienced attorney who can both advise you regarding dog bite protocol and counsel you regarding available legal measures. Our Missouri child dog bite lawsuit attorneys can help you protect your child’s legal rights and obtain just compensation for your child’s injuries. Call (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation. Our St. Louis dog bite lawyers will help you evaluate your options and select the appropriate course of action for you and your child.

If your child is bitten by a dog in St. Louis, it is easy to fall into a state of panic. However, it is extremely important to maintain your composure and take immediate, decisive action. Learn the following steps from Doggone Safe, so that if your child is attacked by a dog, you will be prepared.

1. Immediately attend to the St. Louis child dog bite victim. However, you should ensure that other people do not remain in danger from the same dog while you attend to the injured person.
2. Tell other children and passing bystanders to remain very still and quiet if the offending dog is still in the area.
3. Because animal bites can easily become infected, you should take the victim to a doctor if the skin was broken.
4. Report the bite to your local health department. It is important to determine if the dog has had its vaccinations. Regardless of your relationship with the dog owner, it is essential to take this step, as your child’s safety is paramount.
5. Report the bite to your local animal services department - even if there was no serious injury. It is crucial that a searchable record be established so that one can determine if a given dog has a history of attacks.
6. Report the bite to police - inform the police of the details of the attack, and they will be in a position to decide whether the event warrants further investigation.
7. If other unsupervised children remain in danger because of the dog, report the situation to your local children's services agency so that they can investigate and take action if required.
8. If you or your child is fearful or otherwise seem disturbed in the days or weeks following the incident, consider contacting a trauma counselor.
9. If your dog was the biter, confine the dog and report the incident to your local animal control department.
10. If you feel that you need information about legal issues related to the bite incident, please contact the Missouri dog bite tort law attorneys at Page Law for a free consultation. If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, call (314) 322-8515 to speak with one of our experienced lawyers.

A recent dog fight investigation in Columbia has raised concern regarding animal treatment as well as the potential consequences of encouraging violent behavior in dogs. A Columbia Missourian story reported that police have arrested a man after investigating a report of a dog fight on Wren Wood Drive.

After officers made a force entry into the backyard of the suspected home, a male pit bull was discovered with injuries to its muzzle, left front leg and ears. Another dog was found inside the home with injuries to its muzzle as well. Apparently, a third dog had been significantly injured but was taken away from the premises before police got there.

An individual may face felony charges in Missouri for dog fighting or possession of dogs for fighting. Also, it is a misdemeanor to be a spectator at a dogfight in Missouri. Despite these laws and Congress enacting the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act in 2007, dog fighting continues to take place throughout the U.S. Some believe that these events contribute to raising aggressive behavior in dogs and therefore put others at risk of attack, injury, and in the worst of cases, death.

The most serious of dog bites and attacks in Missouri are typically attributed to Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs. However, any kind of dog is capable of causing injury to others if a dog owner encourages aggressive behavior, fails to properly contain the dog or disregards an animal’s bite/attack history.

Continue reading "Columbia, Missouri Dog Fighting Discovered Out of Man's Home" »

A recent report released by the Better Business Bureau claims that Missouri has more federally licensed dog breeders than any other state in the country. The state of Missouri is home to over 30% of licensed dog breeders in the U.S. That is over four times the amount of dog breeders in the next highest state.

Although these breeders do have federal licenses and must undergo an annual inspection, there are only 13 inspectors who are forced to juggle their duties along with other responsibilities. As a result, many atrocities go unchecked. For instance, a breeder in southwest Missouri is said to buy and sell nearly 90,000 puppies a year. The breeder delivers the puppies in a semi. There are also numerous reports of sick puppies being delivered.

The Better Business Bureau has a few tips to help fix the out of control puppy mill situation in Missouri. The department of Agriculture must step in and be more aggressive in prosecuting repeat offenders. Missouri should also consider raising the annual license fee. In addition to new legislation and ordinances, consumers can also make a difference by adopting a shelter animal instead of buying a puppy.

Puppy mills are generally more concerned with quantity over quality; and as a result, inbreeding can occur, which may increase the animal’s proclivity to aggression. Aggressive and mistreated animals are more likely to attack a human, thereby increasing the number of dog bites in Missouri.

Continue reading "Missouri Dog Bite Claims: Better Business Bureau Investigates Missouri Puppy Mills" »

An Iowa Police Officer was recently forced to pull out his firearm and dispatch a dog that was running amok through a residential neighborhood. The officer, responding to numerous calls of a dog running wild, arrived on the scene and found himself face to face with a very hostile German Shepard. According to statements issued by the police chief, the dog was approximately one to two feet away from the officer and snarling. The officer felt extremely threatened and was forced to shoot the dog in self-defense before the animal had a chance to lunge.

Police discovered later that the dog was unlicensed and had no records of rabies vaccinations. The officer claims that the resident’s safety and the safety of a local mailman were his primary concerns when confronted with the animal. In this case, no one was injured; but when an unfamiliar dog is running wild, the potential for confrontation can be very high.

Continue reading "Officer Shoots Rampaging Dog in Self-Defense" »

All pit bull owners in Poplar Buff will be required to microchip and register their dogs by April 1. The city’s animal control officers will be enforcing the new ordinance. If a pit bull is found running wild, the animal will be checked for microchip to determine who the owner is. If the dog does not have a microchip, it will be impounded. The ordinance also states that if a pit bull or pit mix happens to die, the animal’s owner will not be allowed to replace the dog with another pit bull. This decree is an effort to phase out all pit bulls from Poplar Bluff.

Most Missouri dog attacks in Poplar Bluffs involve pit bulls; although, according to animal control, over 50% of all dogs in the city are pit bulls. This type of breed-specific legislation is not uncommon in Missouri. Other cities such as Dexter and Piedmont have also banned pit bulls completely.
Microchipping dogs of all breeds is common, but the frequency of pit bull attacks in Poplar Bluff has left officials with little choice but to impose this measure. The restrictions leveled at pit bulls can seem unfair to pit bull owners despite the fact that this type of legislation is becoming common across America and the rest of the world.

If a pit bull attacks you or someone in your family, you may be overwhelmed by the complexities of the laws pertaining to this breed and dog bites. An experienced St. Louis dog bite lawyer can help protect your legal rights. Call 866-620-5757 for a free consultation with a skilled and knowledgeable dog bite attorney at Page Law.

Source: http://www.semissourian.com/story/1618351.html

Last October, a stray pit bull viciously attacked a five-year-old boy, almost completely tearing off his scalp. According to the Birmingham News, another dog had saved the boy by fighting the pit bull and carrying the boy to safety. Although pit bulls have been known to have a proclivity toward aggression, the mother did not blame the breed for attacking her son. Instead, she blamed the way the dog had been raised, and the facts may support her opinion.

Some of the facts may be surprising to those who are biased toward the so-called dangerous breeds. If a dog of any breed attacks you, you may be entitled to compensation if the owner is found to be negligent. However, the Missouri dog bite laws can be confusing and also vary from county to county.

Pit bulls account for most reported dog bite cases, which could be because there are more of them than any other breed. Experts claim that the most popular breed of dog at any point in time is always going to be responsible for a greater number of attacks. The popularity of pit bulls could also push some owners to inbreed the dogs, which can produce dogs that are more prone to aggressive behavior. One of the experts owns five pit bulls and is never worried about leaving them with his children, claiming that the way the dog is raised accounts for its aggression.

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a dog attack or sustained a serious dog bite injury, you need an experienced St. Louis dog attack personal injury attorney to help investigate your case and protect your rights. Please call 314-322-8515 for a free consultation with a skilled and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer at Page Law.

Source: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/03/dog_bite_reports_defy_most_ste.html

A Kennett, Missouri local was served a summons to appear in court for violating the city’s dangerous dog ordinance. According to a story, at approximately 4:10 p.m. on March 16, 2010, Kennet’s humane officer received a call about a pit bull trying to bite students at a local middle school. Upon arriving at the school, she discovered that the animal had been subdued by a reserve police officer. As she and the officer were discussing the situation, a man aggressively approached them and demanded they relinquish his dog. When pressed to show identification, the man became agitated and started cursing. He then proceeded to angrily push the dog toward the officers and told them to take the animal.

Anticipating trouble at the pound, the humane officer decided to house the dog at an off-site location. The following afternoon someone was caught breaking into the dog pound. The suspect was apprehended in his vehicle and charged with trespassing on city property, breaking into the pound and violating the dangerous dog and leash law ordinances.

Continue reading "Man Charged for Pit Bull Attacks on Local School" »

A 5-year-old boy sustained injuries in a Missouri child dog bite attack, ABC 17 News reports. The toddler had to be airlifted to an area hospital for treatment after he was attacked on Old State Road near Highway T. The dog was taken away by animal control. No further information was available about the condition of the child.

The details of how or why this animal attack occurred have not been reported yet. There are many factors that determine fault, negligence and liability in dog attacks. There are several details that need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Was the dog on a leash? Was the dog provoked? Did the dog have a history of vicious behavior? Some states have a strict liability statute, which means that the dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by his or her pet, irrespective of the circumstances or regardless of whether the owner had knowledge of the animal's prior viciousness.

Continue reading "Dog Bites Toddler in Missouri" »

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children are the most at risk of being attacked by dogs in the United States. Even when kids are taught not to approach unfamiliar dogs or not to bother a dog that is sleeping, as a recent attack demonstrates, children cannot prevent a dog owner from improperly detaining their animals. According to a ksdk.com article, a 3-year-old girl was attacked by three dogs when she was at play in a front yard.

Based on the article, the toddler has been hospitalized for over a week to receive medical attention for over 50 bites, ten of which may have reached the bone in some locations. The girl’s father stated that she is unable to move and has received over 150 stitches, experienced a lot of swelling, and is still in much pain. Apparently, the dogs that dragged the young child almost 90 feet – lab retriever mixes and an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) – commonly roam “free around the neighborhood” and were not properly held within their owner’s yard.

Continue reading "3-Year-Old Hospitalized after Dog Attack" »

A recent Three Rivers Publishing article discusses the perseverance of a 7-year-old girl in her continuing recovery from a serious pit bull attack that occurred in February 2010. According to the story, the young Cuba Elementary first grader was bit in the face by a neighbor’s pit bull after entering the vicinity where the dog was chained. Even though the girl was hospitalized for nine days and underwent two operations to treat the dog bite injuries on her face, the article mentions that she is still in pain, has swelling on her face, visible scarring, jaw damage, cannot open her left eye, and may have permanent vision damage. The first grader may also need reconstructive surgery in the future in addition to other medical care, including possible dental surgery to treat her jaw.

While the injuries sustained in this Missouri dog attack are considerable, even the most minor of injuries from a dog bite can impose tremendous emotional trauma and financial strain upon an individual and their family. In this particular situation, the young girl must be transported from Cuba, Missouri to St. Louis in order to receive the medical treatment she needs. In similar instances where a dog bite victim faces long-lasting medical bills and travel costs due to a dog attack, the dog owner may be held liable for such expenses in addition to compensation for pain and suffering and other related damages.

Continue reading "Cuba, Missouri 7-Year-Old Suffers Multiple Injuries in Pit Bull Mauling" »

According to the Center for Disease Control, dogs bite nearly 4.5 million Americans each year. In 2006 alone, 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery because of dog bites. Also, 16 people are killed each year as a result of dog bites. Those who are most at risk for dog bites are children between the ages of five and nine, adult males and people who keep dogs as pets. Adults with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bitten.

If you are considering owning a dog, there are tips you can follow in order to prevent dog bites to you, your family and your neighbors:

• Educate yourself about which breeds best fit your household. You may wish to consult a veterinary or other animal specialist to help.


• If you have children, avoid dogs that have a history of aggression.


• Spend time with the dog that you are considering adopting or purchasing.


• If you have a dog, spaying and neutering it often reduces aggressive tendencies.


• Properly socialize and train your dog to be around other dogs as well as children.


• Teach your dog submissive behaviors.


• Do not leave your child alone with a dog.

Missouri dog bite laws are very specific. If a dog has bitten you, or your child, you should discuss your case with an experienced MO dog bite lawyer after consulting a physician. The skilled Missouri dog bite attorneys at Page Law have a wealth of knowledge in handling dog bite and personal injury claims. Call us today at 314-322-8515 for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Dog-Bites/biteprevention.html

According to an article posted on OzarksFirst.com, a deputy in the Pulaski County Sheriff’s department was hospitalized after being attacked by two dogs. The deputy had been on duty checking on the well being of a woman at her residence just outside of St. Robert’s city limits. As he approached the house, two Great Danes attacked him. He was released from hospital and will be on medical leave for several days for recovery.

Dog bites kill an average of 16 people each year. Although most victims of dog bites are children, situations like this one are becoming more frequent. By law, dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets. While other states impose harsher liability if it is the dog’s first bite, some states allow it to be of no consequence; however, this depends on the severity of the wound.

Regardless, dog bite wounds can leave visible scars as well as affect a person’s future interaction and feelings toward dogs. If a dog has bitten you in Missouri, remember that you have the option to file a dog bite claim in St. Louis and recover medical expenses as well as other financial losses that resulted from the incident. Doing this may also help prevent a particular dog from attacking again and causing injury or trauma to others.

Continue reading "Missouri Dog Bite Injury Lawyer: Pulaski, MO Deputy Gets Mauled By Great Danes" »

A Siberian husky fatally bit an infant in Minnesota on February 18, 2010. According to a news report, the 11-day-old boy was left alone in a car seat on a bed when the incident occurred. The family contacted authorities soon after the attack; however, the infant had stopped breathing. Emergency medical workers were unable to revive him. The dog was immediately tested for rabies and quarantined. It was euthanized on Tuesday, March 2.

The Center for Disease Control reports that 800,000 out of 4.7 million American dog bite victims seek medical help for their dog bites; half of those victims are children. This means 400,000 children are in emergency rooms for dog bites each year. This incident has brought nationwide attention to the serious consequences of dog bites. Missouri dog bite law is very specific with respect to dog attacks and owner liability.

Although dogs do not commonly attack infants, these incidents do happen and are not limited to involving pit bull and Rottweiler breeds. In light of this information, knowing how to properly behave around dogs and other animals can help save your child’s life and prevent injury. Here are a few preventative measures to use and teach your children:

• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog


• Do not disturb a dog while it is sleeping, eating or nursing puppies


• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to smell you first


• Do not approach unfamiliar dogs

Continue reading "Missouri Dog Bite Tort Law Attorney: Husky Euthanized for Fatal Bite to 11-Day-Old Infant" »

According to an article from The News Press, on December 22, 2009, a two-year-old child was killed from a dog bite in Cape Coral, Florida. The dog in question was a Weimaraner, a generally non-violent breed, and was euthanized a few days after the incident. In memory of their child, the parents have raised donations to build to build a playground 200 feet from a dog park.

The project is said to cost $250,000 and a much-needed amenity to the town. The park, designed by the victim’s mother, has symbolic meaning that will honor the young boy’s memory. In addition to the playground, the parents have also created a foundation to educate parents, dog owners and children about animal safety and prevention of dog bites.

Children under the age of ten-years-old are common victims of dog bites. One resounding aspect of this story that parents and dog owners alike should consider is that dogs of any breed, regardless of training, have the potential to attack. Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, including dominance, predatorily instinct, defense and fear. How a person interacts with a dog also affects the dog’s reaction.

Continue reading "Missouri Dog Bite Compensation Attorney: Family Builds Playground in Memory of Child Killed By Dog" »

In efforts to quell the number of dog bite victims, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are testing software that will teach children how to behave around animals. According to an article and video posted on ABC News, a non-verbal computer program called “Blue Dog” will ideally become a teaching tool across the nation. Appropriate behavior that the program aims to teach is to not pet animals while they are sleeping or eating.

The Center for Disease Control indicates that dogs bite 4.5 million Americans each year. Keep in mind that these are just the cases that are reported. Countless dog bite instances are left unreported. The most common victims of dog bite attacks and mauling incidents are children. This is due to the fact that children often miss a dog’s warning signs more easily than adults do. Education is a much-needed action for preventing severe instances of dog bites.

Research shows that Missouri dog bites occur more frequently in the spring and summer months than in winter months. This is because during the springtime and summer, children are more likely to be outside and around animals. If a dog has bitten your child in Missouri, clean the wound thoroughly and talk to your pediatrician about possible rabies infections.

Continue reading "Missouri Dog Bite Lawyer: Software Is Said to Prevent Dog Bite Attacks on Children" »

After this summer’s dog fighting raids, nearly 500 dogs were left without homes. Dogs found in the raids that showed any signs of aggression toward humans were killed, while many others were put up for adoption or sent to rescue groups. However, if homes cannot be found for these abused dogs, they, too, will be put to sleep.

One of the most common dog fighting breeds is the Pit Bull terrier. Training for fights can begin as young as a few weeks old. Regardless of previous training, a dog fight can happen at any time, which is an intimidating fact for owners of certain dog breeds and for their neighbors.
There is no way to tell if a dog will end up normal or a vicious fighter, although a large part of it depends on the owner and training of the animal. Still, several towns are beginning to ban ownership of specific breeds because of the dogs’ proclivity to violence, which makes it more difficult to find homes for ex-fighters. Rescuers believe that these bans are unnecessary because with proper training and care, ex-fighters can live normal, loving lives without the urge to fight or attack.

Continue reading "Ex-fighting Dogs Left Without Homes After Summer Raids" »

The recent bust of a horrific dog fighting operation at a suburban Chicago day care has left many parents and members of the community shocked and outraged. According to a huffingtonpost.com article, a total of ten children were being watched when police arrived at the Maywood day care home. Three people were arrested and nine dogs were rescued. The article referred to the following statement of a Sheriff involved in the dog fighting bust: "Kids were playing on a swing set just 10 feet away from a vicious fighting dog and blood-stained floors…to be engaged in this sort of activity is disturbing enough, but to take a chance with anybody's children is reprehensible."

Although the day care owner has denied having any involvement with the dog fighting, one of the three people arrested is a relative of the day care owner. Being referred to as one of the “most gruesome” dog fighting operations that has ever been discovered, it is a miracle that no children have been injured due to a dog bite from the vicious fighting that took place on the premises of the day care center.

As disturbing as this incident is, and even though it is a bit out-of-the-ordinary, it is important for parents to be aware of such occurrences because the safety of their children could be similarly jeopardized. A parent or legal guardian should always research a prospective day care center and should strongly consider observing how the center operates before allowing their child to attend.

Continue reading "Suburban Day Care Discovered as Spot for Vicious Dog Fights" »

According to recent reports, authorities in the state of Missouri are dealing with the breakup of a substantial dogfighting ring where law enforcement activity netted up to 350 dogs and 30 people across several states including Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee.

This Chicago Tribune story is just one of several reports originating online about the activity leading up to this series of raids, which has been called the largest in recent history.

As police and other law enforcement officers force the workers to deal with the aftermath of the situation and try to find homes for these dogs, a large question looms: what are the liabilities involved with handling all these animals, which have been bred or trained for ferocity? Concerns about the future handling of these animals include their passage through the law enforcement system, as well as any new homes they may find.

In any case dealing with dangerous dog breeds, there's always the concern of responsibility for any incidents where these conditioned animals injure their human handlers. Dogs confiscated from dogfights can tend to fall into a kind of “gray area”, making assessment all the more difficult. What's clear, though, is that certain dog breeds pose more of a general risk, and insurers, such as those providing homeowners insurance, reflect this in their policies.

Continue reading "Dogfighting Ring Busted: Animals Need Homes" »

Charges were filed recently by the Cole County Prosecutor’s Office against an Elston woman whose dog is believed to have bitten a 5-year-old boy. This article about a Missouri dog bite incident in the News Tribune claims that the 19-year-old Elston woman has been charged with one count of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of misdemeanor animal abuse in connection with an incident which occurred on May 19, 2009.

The Cole County Sheriff’s Department said that the 5-year-old boy was released from the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital after receiving treatment for a dog bite to the right side of his face. The child’s injury was described as a large cut from the bottom of his chin to near his right ear that required over 100 stitches to close.

The dog bite incident occurred around 8 p.m. while the boy was playing in the back yard of his home on Old Stage Road. The dog bite victim’s father claims that the boy was playing when a large brown Mastiff dog appeared and bit the child on his head. The dog’s owner told Cole County deputies that she was aware that her dog was running loose and knew of another incident this spring where her dog had bitten someone but wondered whether or not it had actually happened. After conducting an investigation, the Cole County Sheriff’s Department said that the same dog had bitten a 5-year-old girl riding her bicycle in March. The girl suffered two puncture wounds and the Missouri dog bite incident was witnessed by a member of her family.

Due to a miscommunication between the girl’s mother and the doctor who treated her wounds, the dog bite incident was never reported to law enforcement officials and investigated. A few days later, the girl’s grandmother spoke with a Cole County Animal Control officer about the dog bite incident and the officer informed the dog’s owner about her responsibilities to maintain control over the dog. The dog is also believed to have bitten a motorcycle rider although neither the rider nor a witness reported the dog bite incident to law enforcement authorities.

Continue reading "Missouri Dog Bite Incident Injures 5 Year Old Boy" »

A recent dog bite injury lawsuit in Ohio was appealed after a finding that the victim’s damages were insufficiently determined. The initial dog bite lawsuit was filed in July 2006 for personal injuries stemming from a dog attack. Here, a young boy sustained severe injuries after a Rottweiler/ Shar-pei mix dog bit the boy on the head. He was rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

The dog bite complaint filed by the minor boy and his mother set forth two negligence causes of action and one cause of action for strict liability. Ohio has a statute regulating dog bite incidents. The Ohio statute says the owner or keeper of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog, unless the injury is provoked.

The boy and his mother were directed by the court to either choose to file under the statutory, strict liability, or under common law negligence. However, by filing a statutory claim the plaintiffs would lose out on the possibility of recovering punitive damages under the negligence actions for evidence of prior attacks and bites by the dog.

Continue reading "Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit Breaks New Ground in Appeals Court" »

Police officers are awarded certain immunities under the law for injurious incidents that arise out of the course of employment. Due to the dangerous nature of police work, this is no surprise. However, police officers are also required to exercise a reasonable amount of force in the course of law enforcement practices. Usually, any excessive force exercised by a police officer in the course of his/her duties may establish police or city liability for resulting damages.

The issue of reasonable force versus excessive force of police officers often comes about in reference to police dog use/abuse. Several courts have ruled on the issue of police liability after individuals attacked by police dogs have sustained severe, life-altering injuries. Courts vary on their decisions of police liability.

Generally speaking, officers are allowed to use dogs in order to catch or hold a person suspected of committing illegal acts, but only in reasonable circumstances. Claims in relation to the amount of force a police officer uses during the course of law enforcement are sometimes filed under the Civil Rights Act, which forbids unnecessary force during police apprehension and arrest.

Continue reading "Police Dog Attacks Given Special Protection" »

Dogs bite an estimated five million Americans annually. When a dog attack occurs, insurance issues are commonly a topic of dispute. This is because several different insurance providers may be examined in determining liability, and compensation is generally provided through insurance companies. Insurance companies involved in dog bite claims range from insurance providers of landlords and employers, as well as homeowners and homeowner associations to human society providers and automobile insurers.

In a recent Missouri dog bite lawsuit, insurance issues became the main subject of dispute. In this case, the dog bite victim won a judgment against a dog owner and the trailer park court where the accident occurred. Both of the claims were for negligence and the dog bite victim was to be compensated for $75,000. However, the dog owner did not have funds to compensate the victim and did not have insurance either.

Generally, homeowners insurance and renters insurance provide at least some coverage for dog attacks; however certain vicious dog breeds may not be covered and all incidents and costs will not necessarily be covered either. If you are a dog owner, it is important to make sure that your homeowner or renter insurance policy has such coverage.

Without such coverage the dog owner will likely have to pay out-of-pocket costs, or the victim will be left without remedy for the injuries sustained, as in the case above. After realizing the dog owner would be unable to pay, the victim sought other means to secure the monies owed through the trailer parks commercial general liability insurance policy. The victim filed under this policy because the dog owner was also a real estate manager of the trailer park.

Continue reading "Proving Liability in Dog Bite Case an Obstacle" »

It has been figured there are an estimated 4.7 million dog bites and dog attacks per year. The number continues to grow year after year as designer breeds become more popular. It has been further estimated that more than 800,000 of the dog bite injuries require medical attention.

For dog bite victims, medical bills are often well into the thousands of dollars. In addition to the significant bills, dog bite injuries often leave significant wounds and traumatizing memories. It is common for dog bite victims to be scared of dogs following an attack. What used to be known as a loveable animal is now viewed as a vicious creature.

Dog bite lawsuits in Missouri usually mean following the common law. Some Missouri personal injury attorneys say Missouri follows the one bite rule. Pursuant to the one bite rule, if your dog has never bitten anyone before, you are not typically found liable the first time your dog attacks.

Previous vicious propensities or dangerous behavior may be enough to satisfy the Missouri dog bite law. Dog bite cases are extremely fact specific. In this situation, the Plaintiff must show the dog owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous or vicious propensities.

Missouri dog bite cases are sometimes filed as premises liability cases. In this situation, the Plaintiff would argue the biting dog created a dangerous condition on the premises.

Continue reading "Annual Dog Bites and Attacks Approaching 5 Million" »

A man from Texas is asking that his pit bull be returned to him after the dog was quarantined for biting three people. The man claims that his dog is not dangerous, and claims the dog only bit one man, his friend. Authorities will not allow the man to get his dog back unless he can provide proof of insurance coverage for dog bite injuries. The man has sought coverage from several insurance companies, but none were willing to insure his pit bull.

Insurance issues frequently arise in dog bite cases because insurance companies are typically the means by which hurt victims are compensated for their injuries. Although many homeowner insurance policies cover dog attacks, many do not and many do not offer coverage for specific breeds of dogs, like the pit bull above.

An experienced dog bite attorney will tell you pit bulls are widely recognized as an aggressive breed of dog and are frequently the cause of many dog attacks. Pit bulls are known to be dangerous by nature, which is why many insurance companies refrain from providing coverage for such animals.

Continue reading "Texas Pit Bull Bites 3, Owner Demands its Return" »

A man was charged with a felony in Richmond, Texas after his dogs attacked a woman and killed her puppy. The man was indicted for failing to secure the dogs. The two dogs, pit bulls, were euthanized.

Pit bulls are generally classified as a dangerous dog breed with known vicious propensities. Dog bites resulting from breeds with dangerous propensities will likely result in the dog owner's liability, as courts often find the dog owner has seemingly taken on the possibility of a dangerous incident.

The pit bull classification means any pit bull terrier that is either Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier dog or any mixed breed of those. There are other breeds of dogs that are also categorized as having vicious propensities such as German shepherds, wolf-dog hybrids and Dobermans.

Because some breed are known to be dangerous, some jurisdictions also have breed-specific regulations. These dog bite laws don't deal with the conduct of a dog, they simply regulate certain activities before any conduct may take place. An example of such could be a dog bite law that requires all Rottweilers to wear a muzzle in public.

Continue reading "2 Pit Bulls Attack Woman, Kill Puppy" »

A 5-year-old girl had to get plastic surgery and 26 stitches after a black-and-white pit bull bit her left cheek in Wichita, Kansas. The dog owner, also the young girl's uncle, claims the dog was not dangerous and that girl provoked the dog. Animal control officials decided the dog should be euthanized; the owner appealed this decision but later dropped his appeal and relinquished the dog to officials. The appeal would have tested the city's new dangerous dog attack law, which determines if a dog has a vicious propensity based on the following factors:

1. The dog's history;
2. Its potential for biting;
3. Its living conditions, including the presence of children; and
4. The nature of a wound inflicted.

Further, a bite under this law could be justified if the dog were provoked or tormented.

The Corpus Juris Secundum (3B C.J.S. Animals § 323), a secondary source on the body of dog bite law compiling rulings from relevant court cases, a vicious propensity is generally defined as a propensity or tendency of an animal to do any act that might endanger the safety of the persons and property of others in a given situation.

Any propensity on the part of a domestic animal, which is likely to cause injury to human beings in situations where the party controlling the animal places him, is a dangerous or vicious propensity. It is not enough that there be potential danger, but there must be propensity, or a natural inclination to be dangerous.

Continue reading "Dog Attacks And 'Vicious Propensity' Laws" »

Four people were bitten by dogs after two separate dog attacks on the same day in South Bend, Indiana. Three people were sent to the hospital, including a young boy. Both of the dogs were killed after the attack: police were forced to shoot one dog at the scene, and the other was euthanized after the city Animal Control Center took it in.

The incident with the young boy occurred while the boy was playing in his front yard with a friend. The family's German shepherd mix escaped through the back fence and bit the boy. The dog bit the boy in the face and bit the owner on the arm.

Not long after, the same police who were called to the previous dog bite attack were called to another home after a dog attacked two adults. The dog was inside a fence but busted through as well. The pit-bull mix attacked two men. Police first tried to taze the dog, but when that didn't work, police were forced to shoot it to death.

In both situations, no one knows why the dogs turned violent, and nobody provoked either dog. The injured parties have not filed any legal claims thus far; however, police arrested the owner of the dog for disorderly conduct after the police killed his dog.

In terms of the arrested owner and his dog, state law generally governs whether or not a lawsuit can be filed for shooting a pet, which usually depends on the state's view of an animal as personal property. However, when dealing with liability for shooting a harmful or dangerous dog, gravity and imminence of the harm resulting from the pet are considered, as well as the circumstances for shooting, such as self-defense.

Continue reading "Three Injured in Pair of Dog Attacks" »

A 6-year-old girl was hospitalized after a dog in St. Augustine, Florida attacked her. The girl was immediately rushed to the hospital and underwent four hours of surgery to treat more than 100 dog bite wounds. The young girl was on vacation and playing outside, when the dog, weighing 20 pounds more than her, attacked.

The girl's neighbor heard cries for help and came to the young girl's rescue. The neighbor was eventually able to fight off the dog, but also hurt herself in the process; the dog bit her, and she broke her toe after kicking the animal several times to stop the attack.

In such situations, it is lawful for a person to repel an attack by a dog for the purpose of defending himself/herself or third persons against harm threatened by an animal. It is important to note, however, that the law of self-defense only permits aggression for the purpose of meeting aggression. This means revenge or any action taken after an attack is over is generally unlawful. Even if an animal has previously attacked or displayed aggressive behavior, by law, self-defense is usually not deemed necessary anymore because the threat of danger is not imminent, or great enough.

If a person does intervene in a Missouri dog attack to protect another person or a pet from injury by a dog, and that person is injured, the owner of the dog will be held responsible for the injury, under the legal principle called the "rescue doctrine." The "rescue doctrine" is set forth in case law and in the statutory law of some states.

The general principle is that, where a person has negligently managed his own person, land or chattels, he is liable for the foreseeable consequences. (The word chattels is a legal term that refers to property, like a pet in this case.) A foreseeable consequence is injury to a rescuer. The court typically finds that when a person, such as the dog owner here, puts himself or others in danger, it is foreseeable that someone else will attempt to rescue those in danger, making the dog owner liable to any possible injury arising from such scenario.

Continue reading "Third Party Injuries in Missouri Dog Bite Cases" »

A 24-years-old woman in Longville, Louisiana was killed in her home by two family-owned pit bulls while she was sleeping. One of the pit bulls was female and one male. It was suspected by the woman's family members that she may have had a seizure while sleeping and the dogs reacted to it. The dogs bit her several times, resulting in her death; no charges are expected to be filed in this Missouri Dog Bite Case.

Pit bulls are often deemed dangerous dogs. Animal People News found that 2 breeds accounted for 71% of all dog bite-related fatalities in 2007. They were pit bulls and rottweilers. Breed is one of the most important factors in determining the dangerous tendencies of a dog; however, the study also found that biters are over six times as likely to be male than female, 2.6 times as likely to be intact than neutered, and three times as likely to be chained as unchained.

It is suggested that dangerous dog owners take certain precautions to ensure that the likelihood of a dog attack will be reduced. The following are some recommendations:

1. Spay or neuter your dog- this can decrease aggression when done at an early age. The optimal age is between 6-9 months, particularly with male dogs.

2. Socialize your dog- by introduce your dog at an early age to community parks, family and friends, busy sidewalks and other animals, the less chance it will feel threatened in new experiences and the less likely it may choose to bite.

3. Exercise your dog- all dogs require exercise, but generally the dangerous, more robust breeds require much more.

4. Train your dog- obedience training trains the owner as much as it trains the dog; lack of obedience training can prove dangerous for the community.

Continue reading "7 Precautions That Can Help Prevent Missouri Dog Attacks" »

The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled against the "first bite" rule, saying pet owners should not be freed from liability once a dog attack begins. The longstanding rule was overturned because a woman who was attacked by three dogs and suffered wounds that reportedly took two years to heal was prevented from suing the dog owners. The court felt the "first bite" rule to be an injustice in this case and wanted to prevent the same injustice from happening again.

However, Missouri continues to follow the "one bite" rule, which means that if a dog does not have known dangerous behavior, the owner is granted a degree of freedom from responsibility, but such freedom from liability is not absolute.

Dog bite victims in Missouri can also base claims on premises liability, general negligence, and negligence per se.

1. Premises liability basically means a victim must prove the owner had knowledge of the dangerous propensities of his or her dog. Laws differ based on if the victim was a trespasser, licensee (entering the owner's land with permission), or invitee (entering the land with reasonable benefit to the owner). The dog owner is subject to liability for harm to licensees if the dog presents a foreseeable danger the possessor is aware, and for harm to an invitee if the dog presents a foreseeable danger, which the owner knows or should have known.

Continue reading "Dog Bite Attacks" »