Chelsea Dickerson
Dickerson Oxton attorney Chelsea Dickerson is a dedicated advocate for injury victims, focusing her practice on personal injury and mass tort litigation. As co-founder of the firm, she has helped recover millions of dollars for clients in serious injury, trucking accident, motorcycle accident, and wrongful death cases. Chelsea is known for her aggressive, evidence-driven approach and her commitment to holding insurance companies and negligent parties accountable. She also represents consumers nationwide in complex pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.
According to a 2025 report by the World Animal Foundation, dog bite cases are on the rise in the United States. The rate of dog-related fatalities is also increasing, and the canine is now the third-deadliest creature on the planet. Those who were recently involved in dog attacks already know how serious these situations can be, and they may be considering legal action in the aftermath. One of the most important questions for those approaching dog bite cases is simple: “Who is liable?” In order to answer this question, one may need to carry out further research into the complexities of dog bite cases. This educational process may be easier with the guidance of an experienced dog bite attorney in Missouri. Dickerson Oxton brings 81 years of combined experience to the table, winning over $100 million for our clients over the years. Expand on this discussion by contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 542-6599. We serve clients in Kansas City.
Is the Owner Usually Liable in Dog Bite Cases?
Simply put, the dog owner is responsible for controlling their animal. Missouri enforces a doctrine of “strict liability” on dog owners, which means that victims may not necessarily need to prove negligence after dog attacks. Aside from dog owners, victims may also need to consider suing landlords or property owners. This may be necessary if the dog owner is incapable of fully compensating the victim for their damages.
Summary of Liability in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite cases in Missouri generally place legal responsibility on the dog owner under a strict liability framework, although other parties may be liable in certain circumstances. Missouri applies a strict liability standard in dog bite cases, meaning an injured person does not need to prove negligence, only that the dog caused the injury. Kansas City ordinances require dog owners to restrain their animals, with additional restrictions imposed once a dog is designated as dangerous.
When a dog owner lacks sufficient resources or insurance, potential liability may extend to landlords, property owners, or business owners, depending on where and how the attack occurred. Dickerson Oxton represents individuals in Kansas City and surrounding Missouri communities by providing guidance on dog bite liability, insurance considerations, and potential legal avenues under state and local law.
The Owner Must Control Their Dog
According to various Kansas City laws, all dog owners are responsible for restraining their canines. Under the Code of Ordinances of Kansas City, Missouri, it is illegal to allow a dog to “run at large.” In other words, a dog owner should keep their animal restrained on a leash at all times. Alternatively, they may keep their animal confined to a fenced area within their home. Each dog owner has a legal responsibility to ensure their animal does not escape, either from their fenced yard or their leash/harness. The only exception is a designated “off-leash dog area” established in a park. In this area, a dog owner may allow their animal to “run at large” off-leash.
Leash Requirements for Dangerous Breeds
Once the authorities have designated a canine as a “dangerous dog,” the animal is subject to stricter leash and restraint requirements. First, a dangerous dog is not allowed to be outside unless muzzled by its owner. The owner must also use a chain or leash with a maximum length of 48 inches. Only a person over the age of 18 may take the dog outside, and this individual must have the physical strength to control the animal.
What Is Strict Liability in Kansas City Dog Bite Cases?
When pursuing other types of personal injury lawsuits, victims may be responsible for establishing “negligence.” In other words, the victim must prove that someone else directly caused their injuries to receive compensation. This is not the case with dog bite cases, as a doctrine of “strict liability” applies instead. Those who are serious about pursuing compensation for their dog bite injuries may want to learn more about strict liability, potentially alongside an experienced law firm like Dickerson Oxton.
Establishing Strict Liability
The only real requirement when establishing strict liability is to show that the injuries occurred as a direct result of the dog. A dog bite victim does not necessarily need to prove that the dog owner made some kind of mistake that led to the attack. For example, the dog owner might have failed to completely buckle the dog collar, causing the leash to slip off. Instead of worrying about proving this fact in court, the victim would only need to establish that the owner “failed to control” their animal. The key thing to remember about strict liability is that it should make dog bite lawsuits easier for victims.
What if the Dog Owner Cannot Pay My Damages?
The dog owner may be liable for injuries caused by their animal, but what happens if they are unable to cover the cost of those injuries? In many cases, dog owners are also homeowners with home insurance. Standard home insurance provides coverage for dog bites, and this insurance often covers attacks that occur outside of the relevant property.
Even if a dog attack occurred miles away from the home of the dog owner, they may still turn to their home insurance for liability coverage. This is often an ideal situation for dog bite victims, as recovering compensation via insurance can be a relatively straightforward process. A dog bite attorney may represent the victim during settlement negotiations, and the insurance adjuster may offer a financial settlement that covers all damages.
When Dog Owners Do Not Have Home Insurance
What happens if the dog owner does not have home insurance? In this situation, victims may need to explore other pathways toward compensation. More specifically, they may need to consider other individuals who may have contributed to the dog attack in some way. For example, it may be possible to sue a landlord who allowed a dog attack to occur. A victim may also sue the owner of a business if the attack occurred on their premises. Discuss these possibilities with an experienced lawyer for further guidance.
Learn More About Dog Bite Cases With Dickerson Oxton
While the owner is usually liable in a dog bite case, each situation is slightly different. When the owner is unable to compensate a victim for their damages, it may make sense to consider alternative defendants, such as property owners and landlords. The route toward compensation can be complex, often involving insurance. Despite the fact that dog bite cases are subject to strict liability in Missouri, victims may still need to gather evidence and establish certain facts. Based on these varying factors, online research may only provide a broad overview of the necessary information.
Those who are serious about answering questions of who is liable may want to discuss their cases in more detail with Missouri dog bite attorneys. Continue the conversation by contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 542-6599. We serve dog bite victims throughout Kansas City.
Essential Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases
Read below for some of the top FAQs about dog bite cases in Kansas City, Missouri.
Who Is Typically Liable in a Missouri Dog Bite Case?
In most Missouri dog bite cases, the dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their animal. Missouri law uses a strict liability approach, which focuses on the act of the bite rather than the owner’s level of care.
What Does Strict Liability Mean in Dog Bite Claims?
Strict liability means an injured person does not need to prove that the dog owner acted negligently. It is generally sufficient to show that the injury directly resulted from the dog’s actions.
Do Kansas City Leash Laws Affect Dog Bite Liability?
Kansas City ordinances require dogs to be restrained by a leash or confined within a secure area. Violations of these rules may support a claim that the owner failed to control the animal, although strict liability may apply regardless of leash use.
What Is a Dangerous Dog Designation?
A dangerous dog designation subjects an animal and its owner to stricter legal requirements. These rules may include mandatory muzzling, shorter leash lengths, and limits on who may handle the dog in public.
Can a Landlord or Property Owner Be Liable for a Dog Bite?
In some situations, a landlord or property owner may share liability, particularly if they allowed a known risk to remain on the premises. Liability often depends on control over the property and prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bite Injuries?
Many homeowners’ insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bite injuries. Coverage may apply even if the incident occurs away from the insured property, depending on the policy terms.
What Happens if the Dog Owner Has No Insurance or Assets?
If the dog owner cannot cover damages, injured individuals may need to explore other responsible parties. This can include landlords, business owners, or other parties connected to the location or circumstances of the incident.
How Can Dickerson Oxton Assist With Dog Bite Cases?
Consider visiting with an experienced attorney at Dickerson Oxton to learn more about legal options related to dog bite injuries. The team works to ensure clients understand potential sources of liability, insurance considerations, and available legal paths under Missouri law.