Springfield Dog Bite Lawyer

With dog parks like Phelps Grove Park and Cruse Dog Park, Springfield, Missouri, is a welcoming city for dogs and their owners. However, when owners fail to control their pets, serious injuries can result. If you’ve been harmed in an animal attack, a Springfield dog bite lawyer can investigate what happened and take action to hold the dog’s owner responsible for the harm you suffered.

Legal Representation You Can Count On

Dog bites can cause serious injuries that lead to financial hardships. Bundy Law represents injured animal attack victims. We can document your medical records and gather evidence to support your injury claim. Whether we secure compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier or through litigation in the courts, we won’t rest until you are financially restored for the harm you suffered.

Understanding Dog Bites in Springfield

Dog bites remain a serious public safety concern in Springfield. In early October 2024, a man was hospitalized after intervening in a dog attack at a Greene County school bus stop near Springfield. A young girl waiting for the bus was attacked by a stray dog.

The man stepped in to shield her and suffered severe bites to his face, arms, and legs, requiring stitches and plastic surgery. The child sustained minor injuries. Greene County Animal Control took possession of the dog.

Dog ownership is common across Missouri, with about 45.1 % of Missouri households owning a dog. A Missouri study of municipal ERs revealed that for every 1% increase in boys aged 5–9, dog bite-related emergency visits rose by nearly 14%. The state mandates that all dog bites be reported to the Department of Health and Senior Services within 24 hours due to the risk that an infectious disease may be spread from the animal attack.

Proving Liability Following a Dog Bite in Missouri

In Missouri, dog bite liability is addressed through two main laws: RSMo § 273.036 and § 578.024. Under § 273.036, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone without provocation, even if the animal had no previous history of aggressive behavior. This applies when the victim is lawfully on public or private property at the time of the incident.

In more serious cases, § 578.024 makes it a criminal offense to keep a dangerous dog. If a dog that has previously bitten someone attacks again, the owner could face criminal charges, including potential felony charges, for the offense.

Compensation You May Be Owed

If you are physically and emotionally harmed by a dog mauling, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injury. Following an animal attack, victims often require urgent and ongoing medical treatment. In some cases, they may need plastic surgery to reconstruct facial features or rehabilitation to regain important motor skills. With legal representation, you can recover these expenses through a settlement with an insurer or a civil claim.

If your injury caused you to miss time from work, a settlement could also compensate you for your lost wages. If the claim goes to court, you can also be compensated for emotional injuries like pain and suffering. These are known as non-economic damages, and they are commonly used to compensate dog bite victims for the trauma they endured and any mental health affliction they suffered due to the injury, such as PTSD.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Dog bite claims can involve both civil liability and criminal statutes in Missouri. An attorney can help gather evidence, counter claims of provocation, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. Legal representation ensures you aren’t taken advantage of by insurers or blamed unfairly by the dog’s owner. During a difficult time, having legal representation can provide you with the guidance and encouragement you need to see your case through.

FAQs

How Much Money Can I Get From a Dog Bite?

The amount depends on your injuries, treatment, and long-term impact. Scarring, lost income, or trauma can all factor into recovery. In Springfield, local leash laws and owner negligence may affect responsibility. Medical records, photos, and official reports help build a strong case. A detailed evaluation of the incident and your damages is essential to pursue full compensation for the harm caused.

Can I Hold a Homeowner Responsible if Their Dog Bites Me?

Yes. A homeowner may be responsible if their dog bites someone on or off their property. In Springfield, liability often depends on whether the dog was provoked, properly restrained, or known to be aggressive. Local ordinances and leash laws are key. Collecting medical records, witness statements, and incident reports strengthens your position and helps determine who may be held accountable.

What Does a Level 2 Dog Bite Look Like?

A level 2 dog bite usually causes minor skin damage, such as shallow punctures, scratches, or bruising, without tearing or deep wounds. It may still result in pain or infection. Even if injuries seem minor, reporting the incident in Springfield is important. Animal control records can establish a history of aggression, which may be useful if further incidents or legal action arise later.

What Is the Minimum Compensation for a Dog Bite?

There is no legally defined minimum compensation for dog bites in Springfield. Recovery depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional harm. Even small bites may lead to infection, scarring, or psychological distress. The more evidence you collect, such as medical reports and photos, the clearer your case becomes. Every situation is fact-specific and evaluated based on individual damages and proof.

Partner With an Injury Law Firm That Gets Results

Dog bites and animal attacks in Springfield can lead to serious injuries, lasting trauma, and significant medical costs. Whether the attack involved a roaming dog or a violation of local leash laws, holding the owner accountable requires strong evidence and focused legal support. These cases often involve disputed facts and insurance companies that try to limit your compensation.

Our accomplished trial lawyers are skilled and experienced in all aspects of personal injury law. We understand the complexities of dog bite laws & dog mauling cases and what it takes to hold negligent dog owners responsible. Let Bundy Law handle your claim with the strategic attention it deserves. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.