Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

How does the Schmittgens Injury Law Firm help clients get the compensation they deserve? 
We love our four-legged friends, but the reality is that sometimes animals lash out and cause personal injuries. A dog bite or animal attack can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical expenses. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in Missouri or Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation. Schmittgens Injury Law Firm represents dog bite victims throughout both states and fights aggressively to hold those who are responsible accountable. 

We know, all too well, how overwhelming a dog bite injury can be. Our goal is to protect your rights, handle the legal process for you, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Experienced Missouri & Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer

The law as it relates to dog bite cases and animal attacks are slightly different depending on if the attack occurred in Missouri or Illinois. Regardless of where the attack occurred, it is important to speak with the experienced dog bite lawyers at Schmittgens Injury Law Firm to plan and strategize how to maximize your recovery. 

Schmittgens Injury Law Firm routinely takes these cases to trial and has experience navigating the differences between Missouri and Illinois dog bite laws to ensure your claim is handled correctly, compassionately, and in a way which maximizes your recovery.  

We handle all types of dog bite and animal attack cases, including:

  • Serious dog bite injuries

  • Child dog bite case

  • Facial injuries and scarring

  • Infections and nerve damage

  • Wrongful death caused by dog attack

  • Attacks by known dangerous dogs

Missouri Dog Bite Law
Under Missouri law, dog owners can be held strictly liable when:

  • The victim was lawfully on public or private property.

  • The dog bite caused injury. 

This means you may be entitled to compensation regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.

Illinois Dog Bite Law

Illinois also follows a strict liability statute. Dog owners may be responsible if:

  • The attack was unprovoked by the injured person. 

  • The victim was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred.

  • The Defendant is the legal owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog.

You do not need to prove negligence or prior aggression in many cases.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Under the laws of both Missouri and Illinois, a victim can pursue a variety of different types of damages. A successful dog bite claim may allow you to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills and future treatment

  • Plastic or reconstructive surgery

  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress and trauma

  • Scarring and permanent disfigurement

At Schmittgens Injury Law Firm, we will work with your medical providers to fully understand your injuries and can ensure we have ample evidence of the long-term impact of your injuries.

Why Choose Our Dog Bite Law Firm?

Our firm has extensive experience in handling dog bite/animal attack cases. We are familiar with all aspects of the process and routinely take these types of cases to Court. At Schmittgens Injury Law Firm, we are the right choice to represent you because: 

  • Licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois

  • Focused experience handling dog bite and injury claims

  • No upfront costs — you pay nothing unless we win

  • Personalized attention and clear communication

  • Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies

Insurance companies will often minimize if not outright ignore dog bite claims. We stand up to them using our experience and skill. In fact, we recently obtained a $225,000.00 judgment from a St. Louis City jury following a dog attack. The insurance company’s last offer? $2,290.00. We know how to win these cases. 

Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog or attacked by an animal, do not wait to consult with an attorney. The statute of limitations will begin to run as soon as you are attacked and it is critical to get your case started today. 

Contact us at 314-222-4223 for a free case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys. 

Let us help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

  • Yes. Both Missouri and Illinois follow strict liability laws, meaning a dog owner can be held responsible even if the dog has no history of aggression. You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous in many cases.

  • You may still have a valid claim if you were lawfully on the property, such as visiting a friend, delivering a package, or performing work duties. Trespassing can affect a claim, but many private property dog bite cases are compensable.

  • Dog bite cases involving children are often more serious and may result in higher compensation due to scarring, emotional trauma, and long-term medical needs. We handle child dog bite cases with care and work to recover compensation for both current and future damages.

  • In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers dog bite injuries. These claims usually do not require the dog owner to pay out of pocket.

  • Provocation can be used as a defense in some cases. However, insurers often misuse this argument. We carefully investigate the incident, gather evidence, and challenge unfair claims of provocation.

  • Time limits apply:

    • Missouri: Generally five years from the date of injury

    • Illinois: Generally two years from the date of injury

    Certain exceptions may apply, especially for minors, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

  • Dog bite claims are typically handled through insurance, not personal funds. Many clients worry about harming relationships, but seeking compensation usually does not require direct confrontation with the dog owner.

  • Every case is different. Factors include the severity of the injuries, medical costs, scarring, emotional distress, and whether surgery is required. We evaluate your case carefully to pursue the maximum compensation available.

  • Most dog bite cases settle without going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to court to ensure we are ready to fight for you if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer.

  • There is no upfront cost. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

How do I get started with the Schmittgens Injury Law Firm? 

Call us at 314-222-4223 to speak with a member of our team for a free case evaluation. After reviewing your case, we will have you sign the necessary paperwork so we can get right to work on your case. By hiring our firm, you will have access to our dedicated legal team to answer your questions, a personalized app that will give you up to date information about the happenings of your case, and the peace of mind of knowing you are not in this alone. Remember at Schmittgens Injury Law Firm, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency basis—so you don’t pay unless we win your case.