Kansas Dog Bite Laws

Kansas does not have a dog bite statute, however, the state’s courts have held that the “one-bite” rule is the default rule in dog bite cases. This means that owners will not be held liable for the victim’s injuries unless the victim can demonstrate that the owner knew or had reason to know that their dog could be dangerous towards others. Essentially, the victim must prove that the owner was negligent – that is, that the owner failed to take reasonable, proper precautions in controlling the dog and protecting others from any danger it posed to others. Kansas has recognized that owners are not held liable when the victim was trespassing at the time of the bite. Further, principles of comparative fault are applied in dog bite cases, which may operate to reduce the victim’s damages based upon the degree to which their own negligence may have contributed to their injuries.