The “dog days of summer” bring longer days, more time outdoors and more interactions with man’s best friend. But for some dogs, the increased activity and heat can lead to aggression. Each year, nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs — and for some victims, the injuries are serious enough to require a dog bite lawyer in St. Louis. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how summer impacts dogs, what to do after a bite and what the law tells us about dog bite claims. Read on for insights from a dog bite lawyer near you. 

Need to speak to a lawyer now? Request a consultation at 314.754.1500

How Summer Sets the Stage for Bites 

Law firms often cite May through August as the most common time for dog bite cases— but have you ever wondered why? 

There are a few reasons dog bites increase during this season: 

• Heat Stress: Research shows that dogs may become irritable as temperatures rise. Heat stress lowers the threshold for aggression, especially toward strangers.
• Summer Break: School’s out during the summer, leaving kids at home and often unsupervised. Children are less likely to recognize warning signs before it’s too late.
• Outdoor Activity: Summer means more people flock to engage in outdoor activities. This increases the likelihood of encountering territorial or unsocialized dogs.
• Routine Changes: Vacations and new visitors can cause stress or anxiety in dogs, leading them to lash out at others. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite 

If you stumbled upon this guide right after a dog bite, you’re probably wondering what to do next. As dog bite lawyers in St. Louis, we recommend taking the following steps: 

1. Prioritize your health. 

Seek immediate medical attention for a dog bite if: 

• The bite is bleeding heavily.
• The bite is on the face, head, neck or hands. 
• The dog appeared sickly, was acting strangely or was a stray.
• The dog is unvaccinated, or its vaccination status is unknown. 
• Signs of infection, such as swelling, warmth, pain or fever, are present.

A medical professional can help you prevent infections, assess deep tissue damage and manage potential risks, like rabies or tetanus. Plus, your visit creates a formal record of the incident. 

2. Gather information. 

Gather information about the incident as soon as possible. To strengthen dog bite claims, our attorneys suggest gathering the following details: 

• Information about the owner (e.g., name, address, insurance info) 
• Information about witnesses (e.g., name, address, contact info) 
• Photos/videos of the scene, the dog and your injuries
• Clothes you were wearing during the incident

3. Report the incident. 

Do not rely on verbal promises of compensation. Instead, formally report the incident to your local authorities within 24 hours of the bite. 

Typically, this would include your local animal control and the police department. These records will empower a dog bite lawyer in St. Louis to take legal action in the future. 

4. Contact a dog bite lawyer near you.

Once you are well enough, contact a personal injury law firm like Roman & Boock. A dog bite lawyer near you will help you navigate state laws around dog bite claims and recover damages related to:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering 
• Scarring and disfigurement 
• Property damage

What the Law Tells Us 

Laws vary by state. We advise that you check your state’s laws before filing a lawsuit. To illustrate each concept, we’ll lay out the laws in the states where we practice: Missouri and Illinois. 

Liability Standard 

Select states have a “one-bite rule” where an owner is only liable for the dog’s first bite if they knew or should have known the animal was dangerous. They can only be held liable if they acted unreasonably (e.g., if their dog was off leash). 

However, most states use strict liability laws. This means the owner is responsible for any harm caused, even if the owner did not intend to cause harm, make a mistake or act carelessly.

Both Missouri and Illinois follow strict liability statutes for dog bite claims. 

Statute of Limitations 

All states place different limits on the amount of time you have to file dog bite claims. Generally, the statute of limitations ranges from 1 to 5 years. 

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations. Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations. 

Necessary Conditions 

To qualify for compensation in Missouri or Illinois, your dog bite claim must meet several requirements:

• Unprovoked Bite: You must not have teased, tormented or assaulted the dog to trigger the attack.
• Lawfully present. You must have been in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred. 
• Harm: The bite must have caused actual physical injury or damage. 

When in doubt, contact a dog bite lawyer near you — they can help you understand the viability of your case. 

Start Your Dog Bite Claims

Dog bites happen in an instant — but the effect lasts far longer. From medical treatment to emotional distress, the aftermath may feel overwhelming without proper support in place. 

Roman & Boock steps up to tackle dog bite claims in Missouri and Illinois. Our trial-ready attorneys help you understand the state’s law, the paths ahead of you and the details that come next. We’re ready to take your case to court — and it all starts with a simple call. 

Contact our St. Louis dog bite attorneys at 314.754.1500 for a free consultation.