In January 2025, the St. Louis community was shaken by a fatal attack in the north city area. A 62-year-old woman, Gladys Anthony, was tragically killed, and her 73-year-old husband was severely injured while desperately trying to protect their own dogs from three loose animals attacking them. This devastating event is a stark, heartbreaking reminder that dog attacks are not minor incidents. They can end in catastrophe, demanding immediate and resolute action to ensure justice and safety.
If you are bitten, or if your loved one is injured in a dog attack, you must take action right away. Follow these six essential steps to secure safety, preserve evidence, and build the strongest possible claim with a St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyer.
1. Prioritize Safety and Get Immediate Medical Attention
This must come first, as your health is the main concern. Above all, staying safe is the most important element!
Move Away ASAP
If the dog is still present, calmly but quickly move yourself or any vulnerable family members from the area to prevent further harm. This is the first key moment in prioritizing self-preservation.
Clean the Wound and Seek Professional Care
Even a minor-looking bite can lead to a serious infection, nerve damage, or rabies exposure. Get urgent care immediately. Medical professionals will clean the wound, administer necessary shots, and, most importantly, accurately document your injuries.
Documentation is a foundational base of your legal claim and proves the extent of your damages. Never skip this step!
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
When you’re safe, gathering information on the incident comes next.
Obtain the Owner and Dog’s Information
Get the dog owner’s name and contacts. In severe cases, like the January tragedy, multiple dogs may be involved. It is imperative to find all attacking animals and their owners. Note the dog’s breed, size, color, and any distinguishing marks.
Secure Vaccination Records
Do NOT forget to ask for proof of the dog’s latest rabies vaccination. If the owner cannot or will not provide this, instantly alert the medical staff and authorities. This is a critical public health concern impacting your required medical treatment.
3. Report the Dog Bite to St. Louis Authorities
You must report the bite officially. This creates the formal record of the incident.
Contact St. Louis Animal Control and Police
Call the City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control or the local police department as soon as you can after seeking medical care. In the fatal January attack, responding officers and ShotSpotter technology were instrumental in ending the assault and securing the dogs.
File an Official Report
An official report initiates a mandatory rabies observation period and, critically, creates a formal, legal paper trail for your claim. This report is essential evidence, proving the incident occurred and was documented by a government agency.
4. Document Every Detail of the Incident
As mentioned above, documentation is the surest way to get your compensation. Every small detail can make the biggest difference in your claim. So, document everything!
Photograph All Injuries and the Scene
Take clear, close-up photos of your injuries from multiple angles right after the attack and continue to photograph them as they heal (or worsen). It is also vital to capture the exact location where the bite happened, including any factor demonstrating owner negligence, such as an open gate or a poorly maintained fence the dogs used to escape.
Capture Witness Information and Preserve Evidence
Get the names and contact information for any witnesses. More or stronger witnesses will exponentially increase your chances of winning your case.
5. Know Your Legal Rights Under Missouri’s Dog Bite Law
Missouri law is strongly on your side, but you must understand how it works to secure your claim, especially in cases of severe injury or fatality.
Understand Strict Liability and Exceptions
Missouri law follows a strict liability standard. This means the dog owner is generally responsible for your damages if their dog bit you without provocation while you were lawfully on public or private property. This is still true even if the dog never bit anyone before.
You do not need to prove the owner was negligent to hold them responsible! The law is clear: The owner is responsible.
The Impact of Comparative Negligence and Damages
Missouri operates under a system of pure comparative negligence. While the owner is strictly liable, the defense may try to argue you were partly at fault. If your actions contributed to the attack, your final compensation could be reduced. In fatal cases, a lawyer can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral costs, loss of income, and the immense grief and loss suffered by the family.
Contact a St. Louis Dog Bite Attorney
Stop Communicating with Insurance Companies
The dog owner’s insurance company may contact you shortly after the incident. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies are trained to get you to say things that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Say nothing! Direct all communication requests to your attorney.
Conclusion
You do not have to navigate the complex legal system alone while coping with recovery and grief. Take control of your future by securing legal counsel immediately.
Contact Thompson Law today to schedule a free consultation. Let our experienced legal team protect your rights under Missouri’s strict liability law and help you get the justice you deserve.
