Dog Bite Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN

Did you know that more than 800,000 people are injured in dog bite attacks every year in the US? A dog attack is terrifying and painful, and serious injuries are possible. When a dog suddenly attacks and bites you in Minnesota, the state’s strict liability law typically requires the dog owner to cover your damages.

However, obtaining total compensation for a severe dog bite injury is challenging. Working with a seasoned Minneapolis dog bite attorney can boost your chances of getting the money you need for a full recovery. Call 1-800-INJURED today for help finding an experienced and diligent dog attack attorney in Minneapolis.

Dog Bite Laws In Minneapolis 

There is a strict liability law for dog bite attacks in Minneapolis. This means the dog owner is responsible for their animal’s behavior. You don’t have to prove the owner was negligent to receive compensation. The strict liability law can make receiving compensation in a claim or lawsuit easier. However, there are several possible defenses for the dog owner. 

First, if the owner can prove that you provoked the attack, you could be ineligible for compensation. For example, if you struck the dog and it bit you, this would be considered provoking it. 

Second, if you weren’t legally on the property where the dog attack happened, you may be unable to claim damages. You cannot usually be a trespasser in a dog bite case and claim compensation. 

Third, if the statute of limitations has expired to file a dog bite lawsuit, the case could be dismissed. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Minnesota is two years. That’s why hiring a Minneapolis dog bite attorney is essential quickly after a dog bite injury. 

Common Causes and Consequences of Dog Bite Injuries

The most common cause of Minneapolis dog bites is a dog escaping the owner’s backyard and biting the victim. These attacks can cause severe injuries and occasionally lead to death. 

Common dog attack injuries include puncture wounds and deep lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, severe blood loss, and mental trauma, such as PTSD. With such serious injuries, it’s important to retain a dog attack attorney in Minneapolis. 

Why Hire an Attorney After a Dog Bite Incident

Minnesota’s strict liability law protects you in a dog bite attack. But that doesn’t mean obtaining fair compensation from the dog owner will be easy. Dog owners often hire aggressive attorneys to build a defense that can complicate your ability to receive compensation for your losses. 

By working with dog bite lawyers, you’ll receive much-needed legal expertise, support, and valuable legal advice. Attorneys know how to: 

• Gather evidence: Lawyers can gather critical dog bite attack evidence, such as video footage, eyewitness testimony, and records of other dog attacks by the animal if they exist. 
• File legal paperwork: Your attorney can fill out and prepare all the required paperwork so you can focus on getting better. 
• Negotiate with the owner’s insurance company: Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s insurance provider. Insurance negotiations can be complex, but your attorney can deal with insurance adjusters and their attorneys. 
• Go to court, if needed: Most dog bite claims end in a settlement. However, if the insurance company doesn’t offer enough money, an aggressive dog bite attorney in Minneapolis can take the case to a jury. 
• Offer support: Recovering from a vicious dog bite attack can be difficult. Your attorney can provide invaluable advice and legal support throughout the process. 

Potential Compensation In a Dog Bite Claim 

If the owner’s dog bit and injured you, you could receive compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. How much you can receive depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, how long you are out of work, and whether you shared fault for the attack. 

Also, many dog bite claims are settled with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. These policies often cover dog bite injuries in Minneapolis, but only up to the policy’s limits. Many policies have a limit of $100,000 or $300,000. If you have severe injuries that exceed insurance limits, you would probably need to file a lawsuit against the owner for the rest. 

A Minneapolis dog bite attorney can determine if the owner has significant assets. They can tell you if filing a personal injury lawsuit would be worth it.

How to Prevent Dog Bite Incidents

Negligence is often the deciding factor in a Minneapolis dog bite case. If the plaintiff can prove that the dog owner was negligent, the chances of success rise. A dog owner should always ensure that their dog is safely enclosed on their property. 

If you have your dog on your property enclosed behind a rotting wooden fence, you will likely be liable if the dog breaks out and injures someone. To avoid liability in a dog bite claim, ensure your animal is properly confined to your property. 

People can often avoid dog bites by keeping a few points in mind. Most dog bite attacks occur because the dog is stressed. The stress could be because the dog is startled, afraid, feels threatened, or tries to protect the owner. Avoid being in a situation where a dog you don’t know feels threatened. 

You also should remember that dogs with a propensity for aggression generally include Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Boxers, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. However, if a dog bites you and you weren’t trespassing or provoking it, the state’s strict liability law may allow you to receive compensation. 

Contact a Minneapolis Dog Bite Attorney Now 

There are about 370 dog attacks in Minnesota every year. These attacks may occur on the streets, in parks, or on the properties of dog owners. If another person’s dog bites you, consider taking legal action. 

To receive fair compensation in a personal injury claim, speak to professional Minneapolis injury attorneys today. If your case qualifies, you could receive compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. 1-800-INJURED is a lawyer and medical referral service.