Please install and activate Contact Form 7 plugin.
We’re proud to support the following schools and other organizations that make a difference in our community.
Every year, the insurance industry pays out more than a billion dollars in dog bite claims. The Centers for Disease Control records that approximately 4.7 million people are attacked by dogs every year in the United States alone. About 800,000 of those victims will need medical attention, and 400,000 will need emergency treatment.
If a dog owner displayed negligent behavior, he or she may be liable for the actions of his or her pet. Here is an example: A dog owner knew that his dog could be vicious, but allowed him to roam free in a park. When a jogger approached, the dog lunged, biting her in the leg. In this case, the courts will most likely rule the owner responsible because he should have had his dog on a leash.
Minnesota does not have a statewide leash law, so the courts take other factors into consideration. They will evaluate where the attack occurred, whether or not the victim provoked the attack, and whether or not the owner tried to prevent the attack.
If you were injured by an animal, take photos of the bite and seek medical attention immediately. Doctors’ records may become essential when fighting your case. Make sure to collect contact information and insurance information from the pet’s owner.
If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the person may lawfully be, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the person so attacked or injured to the full amount of the injury sustained.
Renters or Homeowners insurance may cover your bills – call us now to talk through your options
Minnesota has a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that even if the owner didn’t know that the dog would act aggressively, attack, or bite, the dog owner can be held liable for injuries as long as the requirements in the statute are met.
six-year
Minnesota Dog Bite Statute of Limitations.Dog bite lawsuits in Minnesota are subject to a six-year statute of limitations under Minn. Stat. § 541.05, meaning that you generally must file a lawsuit in civil court before the sixth anniversary of the attack to preserve your right to take legal action.
Skin scarring is a huge component in collecting money for the dog attack. Call us to talk through the best way to recover money for your injury.
Provocation simply refers to a situation where a dog is incited, encouraged, or provoked into biting a person. In states where there is strict liability, an owner may use provocation as a defense to the dog bite. Don’t worry – we can help.
A person can sue for special damages as well as general damages as a result of the attack. Special damages include past and future medical expenses, damage to property and past and future loss of income. General damages include pain and suffering, loss of amenities of life, disability and disfigurement.
Even a so-called non-aggressive dog can have a bad moment and become reactive and bite someone. The law says that If a dog bites a person then the owner of the dog is liable and there is also no need for the claimant to prove fault, negligence or intention.
If you were bitten too – There are a few steps you can focus on after an attack to protect your safety and your legal rights.
Identify the dog’s owner.
Contact animal control.
Get treatment for your injuries.
Gather evidence of the attack.
Contact an experienced dog bite attorney.
Call us for help – we handle all animal attack cases.
It is important to note that because Minnesota is a strict liability state regarding dog bites it is an uphill battle for the defendant or their insurance company to assert these defenses.