Dog bite attacks happen every day in the United States. If the victim wasn’t trespassing and didn’t provoke the dog, they could be entitled to compensation in a claim or lawsuit. However, receiving fair compensation for a dog bite attack isn’t easy.
It’s best to work with a seasoned and diligent Minnesota dog bite attorney for the best chances of compensation. Call 1-800-INJURED today to find a Minnesota dog attack lawyer.
Minnesota Dog Bite Laws
Minnesota has a strict liability law for dog attacks. Strict liability means the owner is responsible for their dog’s behavior, and the victim doesn’t need to prove negligence to obtain compensation. The state doesn’t have a “one-bite law,” which generally means the victim must prove that the dog owner knew or should have known their dog had a propensity for violence.
While the strict liability law reduces legal roadblocks to receiving compensation for a dog bite victim, a skilled attorney could present several potent defenses.
First is the provocation defense. If the defendant can prove that the plaintiff provoked the dog, the case may fall apart. If the neighbor’s dog bit your child, but he taunted the dog, leading to the attack, this could be a valid defense.
Second, if the plaintiff wasn’t legally on the property, it could be challenging to win the case. Being a trespasser when a dog attack occurs can prevent you from recovering compensation.
Third, sometimes, the plaintiff doesn’t act quickly enough to file a claim. Minnesota has only a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim. If you wait more than two years, the case could be dismissed.
Always have a Minnesota dog bite attorney review your case promptly after an attack. They can quickly determine if there is a valid case and will outline your legal options.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Consider filing a dog bite claim if you have been injured by a dog in Minnesota. If the attack occurred through no fault of your own, there’s no reason you should pay out of pocket for your injuries. Dog attack injuries can be devastating and cause permanent damage. Common injuries include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Nerve damage to the affected area
- Bone crush injuries
- Loss of limbs or eyes
- Muscle, ligament, and tendon damage
- Infections
- Disfigurement
- Soft tissue damage
- Amputation
- Several emotional trauma
- Head and neck trauma
A severe dog attack injury could cause months or years of medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Minnesota could help you receive fair compensation.
How a Minnesota Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
The physical and emotional pain often suffered from Minnesota animal attacks are severe. The mental and physical trauma from a vicious dog attack can mar you for years—even for life. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Minnesota can fully value your claim and work for maximum compensation for your losses.
No case is guaranteed, but plaintiffs who work with a personal injury attorney typically receive a higher settlement or jury award than those without legal representation. An attorney knows Minnesota’s dog bite laws and how to prove that the dog attack led to the victim’s injuries.
Furthermore, CDC data shows that many dog bite victims don’t pursue compensation. This is for many reasons, but a common one is that the victim knows the dog and dog owner. They could be reluctant to take legal action against someone they know.
Remember that the dog owner’s insurance policy usually pays many dog bite claims, so they typically don’t pay out of pocket for the plaintiff’s losses. However, a dog bite lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and threaten a lawsuit. Hiring an attorney is usually well worth the legal fees at the end of the case.
Find to a Minnesota Dog Bite Attorney Today
There are hundreds of dog attacks in Minnesota annually. Dog attacks happen on the street, in parks, and on owners’ properties. If you didn’t provoke the dog or weren’t trespassing, you could receive compensation via a Minnesota dog bite claim. The state’s strict liability law means the plaintiff doesn’t need to prove owner negligence to receive compensation.
Find an experienced and aggressive dog bite injury attorney in Minnesota today with the help of 1-800-INJURED. A skilled lawyer can help you receive compensation for medical bills and other losses. 1-800-INJURED is an attorney and medical referral service.