Dog Bites

We Help Victims Injured by Dog Bites in Minneapolis, Minnesota

As dog owners can attest, many dogs are loyal, loving companions. However, not all dogs behave well, and when an aggressive dog attacks another person, the injuries caused can be devastating. Our dog bite attorneys at RSC Law have represented many clients in dog bite cases, working to determine the liability of the dog owner, present evidence, and seek compensation for these dog bite victims for current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Homeowners insurers paid out $1.1 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2022, with the average cost per claim increasing 131.7% from 2013 to 2022, due to increased medical costs and the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards to plaintiffs. Moreover, each day, nearly 1,000 people seek treatment in hospital emergency rooms for non-fatal dog-bite related harm.

Are you a dog bite victim, unsure of your next steps? Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the details of the incident, including the harm caused by the dog, the reaction of the dog owner, and other relevant details. We will evaluate your dog bite case and strategize an approach to holding the dog’s owner and any other person harboring or keeping a dog accountable, according to Minnesota law.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite victims can experience a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the dog bite and other factors:

• Puncture Wounds: These injuries occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, potentially causing deep tissue damage and increasing the risk of infection.
• Lacerations and Tissue Damage: Dog bites can lead to severe cuts and tearing of the skin and underlying tissues, often requiring medical attention and potential surgical intervention.
• Fractures and Bone Injuries: In more serious cases, dog bites can lead to bone fractures and structural damage, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Nerve Damage: Dog bites may cause damage to nerves — leading to pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected area — which can have long-term implications for the victim.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bite incidents can also lead to psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, impacting the overall well-being of the injured person.

Contact RSC Law today if you have suffered any of these injuries due to a dog bite incident in Minnesota.

Minnesota Dog Bite Statutes Do Not Require Victims to Prove Negligence

Minnesota Dog Bite Statutes, Section 347.22 support dog bite victims, who are not required to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner or a history of aggression on the part of the dog. Although many other states follow a “one-bite rule,” meaning the dog’s owner will not be held liable for injuries unless they knew or should have reasonably known about the dog’s aggression, Minnesota’s dog bite statutes do not extend this one-bite consideration to dog owners. Regardless of any knowledge of a dog’s aggressive behavior, the dog owner is liable.
State law defines dog owners as anyone “harboring or keeping a dog, but the owner shall be primarily liable.” Importantly, comparative negligence does not apply to dog bite cases because Minnesota has a strict liability statute, eliminating negligence from a dog bite lawsuit. Therefore, if someone was negligent in the attack, it will have no effect on the case — the owner of the dog (the defendant) will be held liable, regardless of the circumstances.
However, if the owner can prove that the plaintiff provoked the dog or was trespassing on the owner’s property when the attack occurred, they could successfully employ a provocation defense and avoid liability.
Minnesota dog bite statutes apply to male and female canines and all types of attacks, not just when a victim is bitten. In all cases where a dog bit, attacked, or harmed a victim without provocation, the owner of the dog is liable. In cases of severe injury or death, the courts may impose other penalties on the dog owner and rule to euthanize the dog.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident in Minnesota

• Seek Medical Attention: Immediately seek medical care for your injuries, even if they appear minor. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial.
• Report the Incident: Report the dog bite incident to local animal control authorities or law enforcement. This is important for documenting the incident and ensuring public safety.
• Gather Information: If possible, gather information about the dog and its owner, including their contact details. Additionally, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident.
• Document the Injuries: Take photographs of your injuries, including any cuts, bruises, or puncture wounds. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence for your case.
  Preserve Evidence: Preserve any torn or bloody clothing as evidence, and keep a record of all medical expenses and treatments related to the incident.
• Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: Seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite cases. An attorney can provide guidance on your legal options and help you pursue compensation.

Should I Seek Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries with the Help of an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer?

When dogs attack, it can cause grievous injury to those affected, including a high risk of infection, potential bone fractures and damage, tissue and nerve damage, and psychological trauma.

Have you been bitten by a dog? An important step for an injured person after first seeking medical attention is to consult a dog bite lawyer with a track record of representing individuals injured in dog attacks. A skilled attorney can evaluate the details of your specific dog bite case, protect your rights, and devise a strategy for holding the responsible person or persons accountable.

Robichaud, Schroepfer and Correia, P.A. Helps Dog Bite Victims Hold Dog Owners Accountable in Minnesota

At RSC Law, we understand the life-altering consequences that can be caused by dog bites. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in an animal attack, contact us at (612) 333-3343 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We will review the specifics of your dog bite case and strategize an approach to holding the responsible party or parties accountable.

We’re here to help.