Dog Bite Liability in Missouri
Whether a dog owner in Missouri is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. The owner or possessor of a dog that bites a person without provocation, while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, is strictly liable for the damages, regardless of the dog's past viciousness or the owner's knowledge. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036
| Dog bites | Strict liability. The owner or possessor of a dog that bites a person without provocation, while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, is strictly liable for the damages, regardless of the dog's past viciousness or the owner's knowledge. Owners are also strictly liable for damage to property or livestock caused by their dogs. Damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault, and the owner may also be fined up to $1,000. Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036 |
|---|---|
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Five years. Actions for "any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract" and not otherwise listed must be filed within five years. Some injury claims have shorter periods under other sections (for example, medical malpractice, two years; wrongful death, three years). Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4) |
More Missouri personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Missouri
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Missouri
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Missouri
- Car Accident Claims in Missouri
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Missouri
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Missouri
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Missouri
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Missouri
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Missouri
- Truck Accident Claims in Missouri
- Construction Site Injuries in Missouri
- All Missouri personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Missouri?
Strict liability. The owner or possessor of a dog that bites a person without provocation, while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, is strictly liable for the damages, regardless of the dog's past viciousness or the owner's knowledge. Owners are also strictly liable for damage to property or livestock caused by their dogs. Damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault, and the owner may also be fined up to $1,000.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Missouri?
Five years. Actions for "any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract" and not otherwise listed must be filed within five years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.