What dog bite actually means
A dog bite case arises when someone is injured because a dog owner or handler failed to keep the animal under control. These cases can involve bites, knockdowns, chasing incidents, and serious scarring.
Dog attacks can happen fast. The injuries can be physical, emotional, or both — especially when a child is involved.
What it takes to have a case
1. Duty
Dog owners have a duty to act responsibly and control their animals.
2. Breach
That duty may be broken by failing to leash the dog, secure the property, restrain a dangerous dog, or otherwise prevent the attack.
3. Causation
That failure caused the injury.
4. Damages
You suffered actual harm — medical treatment, infection, scarring, trauma, lost wages, or other losses.
What we handle within dog bite
Every situation is different. Here are the most common types we see.
Child Dog Bite Cases
Children are often badly hurt in dog attacks.
Facial Scarring
Injuries to the face can require long-term care and leave permanent scars.
Unleashed or Uncontrolled Dogs
The owner failed to keep the dog under control.
Apartment or Neighborhood Attacks
The bite happened in a shared living area or nearby property.
Knockdown Injuries
The dog caused injury even without a direct bite.
Missouri vs. Kansas: the rules that matter
Kansas City straddles the state line. Which state's law applies depends on where the incident occurred.
Missouri
- •Statute of limitations: 5 years — RSMo § 516.120
- •Strict liability for dog bites in some circumstances — RSMo § 273.036
- •Pure comparative fault — RSMo § 537.765
- •Homeowner or renter insurance often covers dog bite liability
Kansas
- •Statute of limitations: 2 years — KSA § 60-513
- •Modified comparative fault — 50% bar — KSA § 60-258a
- •Owner liability based on knowledge of dangerous propensity or negligent control
Not sure which state's rules apply? Tell us where it happened →
What an investigation looks like
Initial conversation — We hear what happened and what treatment was needed.
Evidence collection — Photos, animal control reports, witness statements, and medical records.
Insurance review — We identify homeowners, renters, or other coverage.
Damages review — We document treatment, scarring, emotional trauma, and time missed from work.
Demand or filing — We move forward if the facts support a claim.
Resolution — Settlement or trial.
What it costs
Yonke Law works on a contingency basis. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. The percentage is agreed in writing before any work begins. Your initial consultation is always free. No hourly rates. No retainers. No surprise bills.
What a dog bite case is actually worth
There's no honest one-line answer. Value depends on the facts of your situation.
Economic Damages
- •Medical treatment and surgery
- •Scar revision procedures
- •Lost wages
- •Counseling costs
Non-Economic Damages
- •Pain and suffering
- •Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- •Emotional trauma
- •Fear and anxiety around animals
A consultation gives you a real assessment based on your situation — not a stock answer.
Who You'll Work With
Michael T. Yonke
AV Preeminent rated. Experienced in animal attack liability, homeowner insurance claims, and scarring injury cases.
Mike founded Yonke Law in 2001 after years of seeing how large firms treated the people they were supposed to protect. Every case at Yonke Law is handled directly by Mike and his team — not passed to associates or outsourced to contract attorneys.
When it comes to dog bite, Mike brings decades of focused trial experience, a network of trusted medical and technical experts, and a straightforward approach: understand the facts, build the case, and prepare for trial even if the goal is settlement.
More about Mike and the team →Common questions
Do I still have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?
Possibly. Liability depends on the facts and the law that applies. Missouri has a strict liability statute for certain dog bite situations (RSMo § 273.036).
Should I get medical care even if the bite seems minor?
Yes. Dog bites can become infected and may leave lasting scars.
Who pays for my treatment?
The dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance often covers dog bite claims. We identify all available coverage.
Printable
Personal Injury Checklist
Essential steps to protect your health, your rights, and your claim. Covers what to gather, who to contact, and the deadlines that matter for your dog bite case.
Download the checklist (PDF) ↓Or — Walk Through It Digitally
Start Your Case Review
Answer a few questions about your situation. Your responses are saved and become the start of your case file if you proceed.
Start the digital intake →Ready to talk about your dog bite case?
Free consultation. No fee unless we recover.
