Missouri law is favorable to dog bite victims — dog owners are strictly liable under §273.036 RSMo, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. But insurance companies rarely settle quickly or fairly without legal pressure. Bur Oak Injury Law handles dog bite claims across Columbia and central Missouri, and attorney Chris Miller handles every case personally — no associates, no handoffs.
Dog bite injuries can be serious: deep puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma including PTSD. The medical costs can exceed $18,000 on average, and insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Bur Oak Injury Law fights for full compensation — no fee unless we win.
When a dog attack occurs in Columbia, Boone County, or the surrounding communities of central Missouri, victims often face a combination of physical injury, emotional trauma, and insurance company pressure. Chris Miller has represented personal injury clients across this region since 2012, and handles every dog bite case directly — from the first call through settlement or trial.
Insurance companies often contact dog bite victims quickly with settlement offers made before the full extent of injuries is known. Accepting early settlement — and signing the accompanying release — permanently waives your right to additional compensation, even if complications arise later. Bur Oak Injury Law handles all communications with insurers and rejects inadequate offers.
Boone County and Columbia see dog bite incidents year-round — in parks, on sidewalks, at apartment complexes, and in private homes. Under Missouri's strict liability statute at §273.036 RSMo, dog owners bear responsibility for injuries their animals cause, whether the dog had a prior bite history or not.
Many victims underestimate the long-term costs of a serious dog attack. Beyond the initial emergency room visit, injuries can require follow-up wound care, antibiotics, physical therapy, plastic surgery for scarring, and psychological treatment for PTSD. Bur Oak Injury Law builds claims that reflect the full scope of your losses — not just the first medical bill.
Dog bite cases vary by location, by who owned or controlled the animal, and by the severity of injuries. Bur Oak Injury Law handles the full range of dog attack claims across Columbia and central Missouri.
Attacks on public sidewalks, in driveways, or while visiting a neighbor's home. Whether the incident occurred on the owner's property or yours, strict liability under §273.036 applies if you were lawfully present.
If a landlord knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act, the property owner may share liability alongside the dog's owner. We investigate all responsible parties.
Workers making lawful deliveries are on public or private property with permission. Missouri's strict liability law protects delivery workers, mail carriers, and service professionals bitten while on the job.
Children are disproportionately represented in serious dog bite cases. We handle claims for minor victims, coordinating with parents and guardians to pursue full compensation for medical treatment and lasting psychological effects.
Dog attacks at businesses, rental properties, or facilities where the operator allowed a dog on premises. Premises liability and direct owner liability may both apply.
Cases involving broken bones, nerve damage, permanent scarring, loss of function, or PTSD that require multiple surgeries and long-term care.
Missouri's pure comparative fault system under §537.765 RSMo allows you to recover damages even if you share some responsibility — your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated. Under the strict liability rule at §273.036 RSMo, you do not need to prove the dog had bitten before.
Emergency room costs, stitches, antibiotics, physical therapy, plastic surgery, follow-up medical treatment, lost wages during recovery, and future medical expenses for ongoing care.
Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Under §537.080 RSMo, surviving family members can recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium when a dog attack causes death.
In cases where the owner had prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous behavior and chose to ignore it, Missouri courts may award punitive damages to punish the conduct and deter future harm.
Chris Miller personally handles every step — from the initial call through settlement or trial. No associates. No handoffs.
Missouri's dog bite statute at §273.036 RSMo creates strict liability for dog owners — meaning the owner is responsible for injuries even if the dog had never shown aggression before and even if the owner had no prior warning. Strict liability applies when the victim was lawfully present on public or private property and did not provoke the animal.
Dog bite lawsuits in Missouri must generally be filed within five years of the attack under the general personal injury statute of limitations at §516.120 RSMo. While five years may seem like a long time, evidence erodes quickly — witnesses forget details, animal control records are purged, and dog ownership can change. Acting promptly also prevents insurance adjusters from claiming you delayed treatment unnecessarily.
After a dog attack, insurance companies for the dog owner often move quickly. A recorded statement from you — taken before you understand the full extent of your injuries — can be used to minimize your claim. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before speaking with a personal injury attorney. Call Bur Oak Injury Law at (573) 499-0200 for a free consultation.
No fee unless we win. One attorney handles your case from the first call through resolution.