Last month, Marie was jogging through Tower Grove Park when an unleashed German Shepherd ran toward her and bit her leg. The owner was nowhere in sight, and Sarah didn’t know what to do next. This is a common story: dog bites happen across St. Louis every day, and understanding your next steps can protect both your health and your legal rights.

If you've been injured, consulting a St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer can help you navigate the process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

After the bite, Marie’s first instinct was right; she moved away from the dog immediately to prevent another attack. Once safe, clean the wound with soap water. Then, she visited a doctor to get the treatment.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

One of her co-joggers identifies the owner of the dog. They got their name, contact. Marie asked about the dog’s vaccination records, particularly rabies shots.

If you can't find the owner, write down everything you remember about the dog, its breed, size, color, any collar or tags, and exactly where the incident occurred.

Report the Bite to Authorities

Marie called St. Louis animal control that same day. This made the official record of the incident, which serves two purposes: it protects other people in the community from the same dog, and it establishes a legal paper trail for your claim.

Never skip this step, even if the owner seems apologetic or promises to pay your medical bills directly.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

Marie photographed her bruised, swollen leg from multiple angles. She also returned to the park to take pictures of where the attack happened. She wrote down the names and numbers of two people who witnessed the incident. These witnesses later confirmed that the dog was running loose without a leash, violating local ordinances.

Understand Missouri’s Dog Bite and Leash Laws

Missouri has strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning owners are typically responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. Additionally, St. Louis has leash laws requiring dogs to be restrained in public spaces. When a dog is unleashed and bites someone, it strengthens the victim's claim because the owner was already violating the law.

To understand more about the leash law..

Contact a St. Louis Dog Bite Attorney

Marie reached out to a local dog bite attorney within the next few days. The lawyer explained how the leash law violation worked in her favor and handled all communication with the owner's insurance company.

At Thompson Law, we understand how overwhelming a dog bite can be. Our experienced St. Louis dog bite attorney have helped countless victims like Marie navigate the complexities of dog bite claims and leash law violations. Contact Thompson Law today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.