Dog Bite Lawyer for Child or Adult Injuries in Missouri and Illinois

Strict Liability for Dog Owners in Missouri & Illinois

Missouri law enforces a strict liability statute for dog bites: dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of prior aggression or the owner’s knowledge of dangerous behavior, as long as the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. This is especially important for child victims, who are more likely to sustain serious injuries-often to the face or head-resulting in lasting physical and emotional scars.

Common Child Dog Bite Injuries

Children are at a much higher risk of severe injury or fatality from dog attacks. Common injuries include:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds

• Facial injuries and permanent scarring

• Nerve damage and broken bones

• Emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Missouri

• Seek immediate medical attention-even minor bites can lead to serious infections.

• Document the injuries with photos and keep all medical records.

• Report the incident to local authorities or animal control.

• Contact an experienced Missouri dog bite lawyer to protect your child’s rights and begin the claims process.

Illinois Strict Liability Dog Bite Law | Dog Bite Lawyer for Severe Injuries

Illinois is also a strict liability state for dog bites. Victims do not need to prove the dog’s owner was negligent-only that the attack occurred without provocation and the victim was lawfully present. This legal framework is especially important for severe injuries, such as:

• Deep lacerations, nerve damage, and permanent disfigurement

• Infections and risk of rabies

• Psychological trauma and loss of income due to long-term recovery.

Animal Control Negligence in Illinois

If animal control or a municipality failed to act on prior complaints or did not follow proper procedures, they may share liability for your injuries. An experienced attorney can investigate and determine if municipal negligence contributed to the attack.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Missouri or Illinois?

• Expertise in Complex Claims: Dog bite cases often involve negotiating with insurance companies, evaluating medical records, and sometimes holding municipalities accountable for negligence.

• Maximizing Compensation: Victims may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, scarring, lost wages, and future care needs.

• Special Considerations for Children: Child victims may require psychological counseling and long-term medical care, which should be factored into any settlement or verdict.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims

What Should I Do If My Child Is Bitten by a Dog in Missouri?

Seek medical attention, document the injuries, report the incident, and contact a Missouri dog bite lawyer experienced in child injury cases.

What Are My Rights After a Severe Dog Bite in Illinois?

You can pursue compensation from the dog’s owner without proving negligence, provided you did not provoke the animal and were lawfully present.

How Does Animal Control Negligence Affect My Case?

If animal control failed to act on prior complaints or did not follow protocols, they could share liability. An attorney can investigate and hold all responsible parties accountable.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Victims can recover for medical expenses, future treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income, and, for children, costs of psychological care and reconstructive surgery.

 

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?

• Illinois: Generally two years from the date of the attack.

• Missouri: Typically five years from the date of the attack.
  Act quickly to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

What If the Dog Owner Claims My Child Provoked the Dog?

In both states, the burden is on the owner to prove provocation. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence to counter such defenses.

Why Choose Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers for Dog Bite Cases?

Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing dog bite victims in Missouri and Illinois, including complex cases involving child injuries, severe trauma, and animal control negligence. The team is dedicated to securing full and fair compensation and guiding families through every step of the legal process.

When the stakes are high, experience and reputation matter. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand the life-altering impact a truck accident can have—and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Whether your case involves catastrophic injury, wrongful death, or complex liability issues, our team has the knowledge, resources, and relentless drive to stand up to powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

Our founder, Tyson Mutrux, holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating and has been recognized by Expertise as one of the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in St. Louis. He’s also a member of The National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40”, a testament to his dedication to delivering top results for injured clients. Our firm’s reputation is built on clear communication, attention to detail, and real results—reflected in dozens of glowing client reviews.

We proudly serve clients across Missouri’s cities, counties, and municipalities, as well as throughout Illinois, ensuring personalized legal support wherever your case arises. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone.

Call us today to start your free case investigation. We’re ready to fight for your recovery—and your future.