St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer

Eric Terry leads the St. Louis dog bite team at TorHoerman Law (THL).

With a deep understanding of Missouri’s liability statutes, Eric is known for his focused approach to representing clients who’ve suffered severe injuries from a dog bite attack.

He works closely with each injured person to investigate the facts, determine liability, and build a strong case aimed at helping victims recover fair compensation for their physical and emotional losses.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a collaborative approach to personal injury litigation that sets us apart.

Rather than assigning a single attorney to your case, we believe in bringing together a strategic team of legal minds.

Each member of our dog bite team contributes unique knowledge—from understanding how to prove a dog was off-leash on public property, to establishing owner negligence on private property.

This collective effort ensures you receive legal representation that is both thorough and aggressive in pursuing justice.

Here are some of the other key attorneys at THL who handle dog bite cases:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis brings powerful litigation experience to dog bite claims. He has a long track record of holding negligent parties accountable and is especially skilled at handling cases involving children or long-term trauma.
• Ken Brennan: Ken Brennan is a seasoned trial attorney with deep insight into defense strategy. His analytical skill helps build airtight arguments in dog bite cases, especially when dog bite liability is disputed or when insurance companies attempt to shift blame away from the dog owner.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley has a medical background that uniquely equips him to understand the true toll of dog bite injuries, from nerve damage to psychological trauma. He ensures that all aspects of an injury (including scarring, anxiety, and infection) are fully addressed in the legal strategy.
• Tyler Schneider: As managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider oversees case strategy and leads the firm’s presence in the St. Louis community. His leadership and vision play a key role in securing justice for those injured in serious dog attacks.
• Alexis Robinson: Alexis Robinson brings fresh perspective and relentless energy to the litigation team. A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law, Alexis supports attorneys throughout the discovery and filing process, often serving as the key point of contact for victims and families.

This team-based approach allows TorHoerman Law to deliver highly personalized, results-driven representation to every client impacted by a dog bite.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire the St Louis Dog Bite Attorneys from TorHoerman Law?

At TorHoerman Law, our St. Louis dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront.

We only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for your injuries through a settlement or verdict.

This allows any injured person to pursue justice without the burden of legal fees during an already difficult time.

Contingency arrangements level the playing field, especially in cases where victims are facing large insurance companies or negligent dog owners.

Our goal is to help you recover fair compensation without adding financial stress to your recovery.

Canine attacks can be sudden, violent, and life-altering, often leaving both physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma.

Many dog bite victims experience shock, confusion, or fear in the moments after an attack, making it difficult to respond with a clear head.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, victims may be unable to follow every recommended protocol in the aftermath.

Even so, taking the right steps when possible can make a major difference in holding the dog owner accountable and protecting your legal rights.

Whether the dog bite occurred in a public park or on private property, these incidents require careful documentation and immediate action.

A dog bite lawyer can help guide you through this process, taking on the burden of investigation and building a claim while you focus on healing.

Our team works to pursue justice on your behalf and make sure essential actions (such as preserving evidence, identifying the dog owner, and tracking medical treatment) are handled professionally and promptly.

Here are the steps you should take after a dog bite incident:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Prioritize your safety and health. Even if the wound seems minor, infections, nerve damage, or internal injuries may develop without prompt medical treatment.
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner – Try to get the name, address, and contact details of the dog owner. This information will be critical for liability and insurance purposes.
3. Report the Incident – Contact local animal control or the St. Louis Department of Health to report the bite. Official records help document the attack and may uncover prior reports involving the same dog.
4. Document Your Injuries and the Scene – Take clear photos of your wounds, the location where the dog bite occurred, any torn clothing, and other physical evidence.
5. Collect Witness Information – If anyone saw the incident happen, get their names and contact information. Witnesses can help corroborate your account later.
6. Follow Up with All Medical Care – Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including diagnoses, prescriptions, physical therapy, and mental health support related to the trauma.
7. Contact a St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer – An experienced attorney can help you navigate Missouri’s strict liability laws, prove negligence, and build a case to hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries.

Gathering Evidence for a Dog Bite Injury Case

Building a strong dog bite injury case requires clear and compelling evidence to establish liability and damages.

This means proving the dog owner acted negligently or failed to take proper precautions to prevent the attack.

From medical records to photos and videos, each piece of documentation plays a critical role in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the circumstances of the incident.

Evidence to gather for a dog bite case includes:

• Photos and videos of the bite injuries immediately after the attack and throughout the healing process
• Photos and videos of the location where the attack occurred, including fencing, gates, warning signs (or lack thereof), and leash conditions
• Clear images or footage of the dog, especially if the dog is still at the scene or in the vicinity afterward
• Medical records including ER intake notes, physician assessments, surgical reports, prescriptions, and mental health evaluations related to trauma or anxiety
• Witness statements or contact information from anyone who saw the incident or interacted with the dog or owner before or after the attack
• Animal control reports or communications confirming the dog’s history, any prior bites, and whether it has been classified as dangerous
• Documentation from local authorities, such as police reports, citations issued to the dog owner, or follow-up actions taken
• Communication records between you and the dog owner (texts, emails, social media messages) regarding the incident or liability
• Insurance information provided by the dog owner or their homeowner’s policy, if available
• Veterinary records showing the dog’s vaccination status, particularly regarding rabies
• Clothing or personal items damaged during the attack, preserved as physical evidence
• Journal entries or personal notes documenting pain levels, emotional distress, sleep disruption, or impact on daily life
• Proof of lost wages or disruption to work and activities due to recovery or follow-up medical care
• Evidence of the dog owner’s failure to take proper precautions or exercise reasonable care, such as allowing the dog off-leash, leaving gates open, or ignoring leash laws in a public setting

Damages in St Louis Dog Bite Personal Injury Claims

In dog bite cases, “damages” refer to the losses a victim suffers as a result of the attack—both physical and emotional.

Under Missouri personal injury law, victims have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s property owner when the attack causes harm or requires medical treatment.

These damages account for the full impact of the incident, including financial costs and the long-term toll on the victim’s well-being.

Common damages in St. Louis dog bite injury claims include:

• Medical expenses related to emergency care, surgery, follow-up visits, and infection treatment
• Future medical costs for ongoing rehabilitation, scarring revision, or psychological therapy
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity during recovery
• Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries
• Emotional trauma and distress, including anxiety or sleep disturbances
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the attack, especially in children
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring that affects appearance or function
• Loss of quality of life or inability to engage in daily activities
• Property damage (such as torn clothing, glasses, or phones) during the attack
• Punitive damages in rare cases involving reckless or repeated negligence by the property owner

Missouri law provides that dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by an unprovoked bite when the victim is lawfully present, but liability disputes still arise in practice.

Insurance carriers often evaluate whether provocation occurred, whether the victim had lawful access to the property, and whether any comparative fault applies.

Local ordinances, including leash laws and animal control requirements, can also affect how liability is analyzed and what evidence becomes relevant.

Because of these factors, it is advisable to involve an attorney early in the process to protect your right to compensation and avoid critical errors.

The timing of a claim matters.

The best time to begin a dog bite claim is after a medical evaluation has documented the injuries and clarified treatment needs, but the legal process should still begin as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

Early documentation can shape how insurers evaluate the claim and whether they take the injuries seriously.

Evidence such as photographs, medical records, and witness statements often forms the foundation of a defensible claim.

Insurance companies typically handle dog bite claims through homeowners or renters policies, and their goal is to limit payouts.

Adjusters may argue that the injuries are minor, that treatment was excessive, or that the victim contributed to the incident.

In many cases, negotiations focus on medical costs, future care, scarring, and the overall impact of the injuries.

Legal representation can help structure the claim, respond to these defenses, and pursue a fair settlement supported by documentation.

The legal process for a dog bite case in Missouri generally includes:

1. Seek medical evaluation and treatment: Obtain prompt care and document all injuries, diagnoses, and treatment plans to establish the extent of harm.
2. Report the incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement to create an official record and identify any prior complaints involving the dog.
3. Preserve and gather evidence: Collect photographs of injuries, the scene, and the dog, along with witness information, medical records, and any communication with the owner.
4. Consult an attorney early: Legal counsel can assess liability under Missouri law, evaluate the role of local ordinances, and begin building the claim before evidence is lost.
5. File an insurance claim or lawsuit: Claims are typically submitted to the dog owner’s insurance carrier, or a lawsuit may be filed if liability or damages are disputed.
6. Negotiate with the insurer: Lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
7. Litigation if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed through discovery, motion practice, and trial.

Each case depends on its own facts, including how the incident occurred, the severity of the injuries, and the available evidence.

Even when a dog owner may be held strictly liable under Missouri law, the outcome of a claim often turns on documentation, medical proof, and how effectively the case is presented.

The Missouri Dog Bite Statute Explained

Missouri’s dog bite statute, codified in Missouri Revised Statutes § 273.036, establishes a strict liability framework for dog owners.

Missouri does not have a ‘one free bite’ rule, meaning that dog owners can be held liable for the first bite their dog inflicts.

This means that if a dog bites someone without provocation while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property, the owner is liable for the damages caused by the bite.

Importantly, this liability applies regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any viciousness.

This statute marks a departure from the traditional “one-bite rule,” which required evidence of a dog’s prior aggression to establish owner liability.

If a dog bite occurs on the owner’s property, the owner is still liable for injuries unless the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

Under Missouri’s strict liability approach, victims no longer need to prove that the dog had a history of biting or that the owner was aware of such behavior.

However, the statute does outline specific conditions and exceptions:

• Provocation: If the injured person provoked the dog, the owner may not be held liable.
• Unlawful Presence: If the person bitten was trespassing or unlawfully on private property at the time of the incident, the owner might not be liable.

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that a victim can recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the incident.

Missouri’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites occurring under specific conditions, eliminating the need to prove prior aggression and simplifying the legal process for victims seeking compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Case in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is generally five years from the date the attack occurred.

This timeline applies to personal injury claims, including those stemming from dog bites, under Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120.

If a lawsuit is not filed within this window, the court will likely dismiss the case, regardless of how severe the injuries are.

There are limited exceptions—for example, if the victim is a minor at the time of the attack, the clock may not begin until they turn 21.

It’s important to act quickly, as gathering evidence, identifying the dog owner, and documenting medical treatment all take time.

Speaking with an attorney early allows you to preserve your rights and build a stronger case within the allowed timeframe.

How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

The value of a dog bite case in Missouri depends heavily on the severity of the injuries, the long-term impact on the victim, and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, broken bones, and facial scarring.

Dog bites can leave significant scars, as their teeth can tear flesh and leave jagged edges.

Dog bites are prone to infection and may require rounds of antibiotics and other preventative treatments.

The average dog bite settlement is worth approximately $84,000, but amounts can vary based on individual circumstances.

Most dog bite victims can expect compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

Cases involving permanent scarring, surgery, or psychological harm tend to result in higher settlements.

Dog bite claims are typically covered under homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies.

In rare but tragic situations involving dog bite fatalities, wrongful death claims may result in significantly larger awards.

Here’s a general breakdown of injury tiers and estimated case values:

• Minor Injuries (bruising, minor punctures, short-term treatment): $20,000 – $40,000
• Moderate Injuries (deep lacerations, stitches, infections, missed work): $40,000 – $75,000
• Severe Injuries (nerve damage, surgery, long-term disability, PTSD): $75,000 – $100,000+
• Permanent Disfigurement or Loss of Function: $100,000 – $200,000+
• Dog Bite Fatalities (wrongful death claims): $250,000 and higher, depending on the impact on surviving family members and available damages

Dog bites on the face can cause serious disfigurement and eye injuries, especially in young children.

Many dog bite victims are children, who often fail to realize that a dog can be dangerous and are likely to suffer the most serious injuries.

Over the past several years, the St. Louis area has witnessed a series of tragic dog attacks, underscoring the severe consequences of negligent pet ownership and the importance of community safety measures.

These incidents have resulted in fatalities, serious injuries, and heightened concerns among residents.

Many of these attacks involved dogs that had previously exhibited aggressive behavior or were inadequately restrained, highlighting lapses in enforcement and awareness.

The following are notable examples of recent dog attacks and fatalities:

• January 15, 2025 – Walnut Park West, St. Louis City: Gladys Anthony, 62, was fatally mauled by three dogs that entered her backyard through a hole in the fence. Her husband sustained injuries while attempting to protect their pet. Despite prior reports of the dogs’ aggressive behavior, charges against the owner were declined due to insufficient evidence.
• July 10, 2022 – Penrose Neighborhood, North St. Louis: Dennis Moore, 62, died following an attack by three pit bulls. A 92-year-old man was also injured during the incident. The dogs had been linked to multiple previous bite incidents in the area.
• January 17, 2022 – Tower Grove South, St. Louis: A woman and her dog were attacked by three loose dogs during a morning walk. Neighbors who intervened were also bitten. The incident raised concerns about leash law enforcement in the community.
• August 2025 – Forest Park, St. Louis: Police said three dogs attacked a man walking in Forest Park, leaving him with deep wounds to his left thigh, legs, and left arm. According to KSDK’s report on the incident, the dogs’ owner allegedly loaded the dogs into a vehicle and left the scene, and police asked witnesses to come forward.
• April 2025 – North St. Louis County: KSDK reported that Markeisha Eberhart and her 4-year-old daughter, Maryssa, were attacked by two dogs outside their home. The report says neighbors rushed in to help and one neighbor was also injured while trying to pull the dogs away.
• December 2020 – Florissant, St. Louis County: Multiple outlets reported that four people were attacked after several dogs ran out of a home in Florissant. Reports said two elderly women were walking in the 1400 block of Angelus when the dogs charged, and at least one victim suffered serious injuries to her head and legs.
• September 25, 2022 – Florissant area, St. Louis County: KSDK reported that a 7-year-old girl was bitten after a pack of stray dogs allegedly charged at her while she was playing in her front yard on Kew Gardens Drive. The same report said her mother later described being afraid to let her go outside after the incident.

To qualify for a dog bite lawsuit in Missouri, you must have suffered injuries as a result of a dog attack that occurred without provocation.

Under the Missouri dog bite statute, victims do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression—only that they were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.

This applies whether the attack occurred on public property or while you were legally present on private property such as a friend’s home, sidewalk, or apartment complex.

If you sought medical treatment for injuries such as lacerations, broken bones, or emotional trauma, you likely meet the threshold for a valid claim.

Victims who were children, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable at the time of the incident may also have stronger grounds for compensation.

Additional factors such as negligence by the dog owner, leash law violations, or prior complaints against the dog can further support your case.

A qualified personal injury attorney can review the details and determine whether your experience meets the legal criteria for filing a lawsuit.

Our team of St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyers help victims seek maximum compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a dog attack.

We understand the pain, fear, and uncertainty that follow a traumatic incident—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

From securing crucial evidence to holding negligent dog owners accountable, we build strong cases that reflect the full extent of your suffering.

Whether the attack resulted in minor wounds or lifelong consequences, you deserve a legal team that will fight relentlessly on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident in St. Louis, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page for a free case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a dog bite case instantly.