Being bitten by a dog is an extremely traumatic experience. A dog bite causes immediate physical pain and injury and can have long lasting psychological effects.
In the state of Minnesota, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets. Victims of dog bites may find themselves struggling to pay medical bills or trying to recoup lost wages for time spent healing from their injuries.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Minnetonka, a Minnetonka dog bite lawyer at Fields Injury Law can help you understand your options and determine if legal action is right for you.
While each case is unique, our team of experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process as you seek compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Fields Injury Law as Your Dog Attack Attorney?
When you’re recovering from a serious injury, the last thing you want to do is try to handle the legal aspect on your own. Fields Law has provided legal representation for Minnetonka clients in personal injury cases for over 25 years, and is ready to represent you as you seek damages for a dog attack.
In many cases when a dog bites someone, the owner’s home insurance may cover the incident. But insurance companies can be stubborn. They can also present below-value settlement options, hoping you’ll “take what you can get”.
Our attorneys have handled dog bite cases before. They know how severe these incidents can be, and they know what fair compensation looks like. We can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies so you can receive fair compensation.
If the insurance company offers an unsuitable settlement, we are prepared to represent you in court.
We’ll listen carefully to your case and investigate the details of the incident. If legal action is the best option, we’ll gather the medical records and evidence needed to present a compelling case to the judge or jury.
Our goal is to handle the legal process for you. Let us take the pressure off, while you focus on your recovery.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Each year, millions of people around the country are the victims of dog bites. Some bites are relatively minor, but others may require surgery or long-term care.
When children are involved, the severity is often much higher.
Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Deep punctures
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Permanent scarring
- PTSD and emotional trauma
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries as the result of a dog bite, our Minnetonka dog bite injury lawyers can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action forward.
Dog Bite Laws in Minnesota
Under Minnesota statute §347.22 there are strict rules for dog bites.
If the victim was lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the dog, the owner of the dog is responsible for the injuries caused.
This gives most dog bite victims the legal ground to seek compensation from the dog owner.
However, dog owners and their insurance companies often attempt to dispute their liability by arguing that the victim antagonized the animal, or that they were trespassing on the property when the bite occurred.
An experienced lawyer for dog bites can listen to the details of the incident and help you build your case.
Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite?
While most times the dog’s owner is responsible for a dog bite, that isn’t always the case. In some circumstances, other parties may be liable.
For example, a professional dog walker who handles multiple dogs at a time could be considered liable if one of the animals they were responsible for bites someone.
Other examples include businesses who are supervising animals, such as dog kennels. If a property owner allowed a dog known to be dangerous onto their property, they could bear partial responsibility for an attack.
Dog parks can also present a potential gray area where it isn’t always straightforward who is responsible for a dog attack.
A dog attack attorney can investigate the incident and identify the responsible parties.
Available Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
Victims of unprovoked dog attacks may be eligible for compensation for their pain and suffering.
Victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Recovery costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
Remember, each dog bite case is different. Consulting with a dog bite lawyer in Minnetonka will give you the best idea of the value and potential compensation of your claim.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog?
In the immediate aftermath of a dog bite, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you feel the bite isn’t that serious, you need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
This is a key step in establishing your case. Waiting to see a doctor underplays the severity of your injury and can compromise valuable evidence.
After you’ve sought immediate medical attention, be sure to report the incident to Minnetonka Animal Control by calling 911 within 24 hours of the incident.
The next step is to take photos of your injuries. If possible, take photos of the scene of the incident as well. Try to identify the owner of the dog and get their contact information before leaving the scene. This is vital evidence for your case that can be lost forever if you don’t take action soon after the incident.
We also strongly recommend that you contact a dog bite law firm before speaking with insurance companies and discussing fault. Insurance companies will latch onto anything you say that can prove you were at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injury
Who is responsible for a dog bite in Minnesota?
In most dog bite cases the owner is responsible for the actions of their dog. This is true even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Minnesota?
Minnesota has a six year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. But that doesn’t mean you should wait to file a claim. Collecting evidence as soon after the incident occurs makes a huge difference in a case. Contact a dog bite attorney in Minnetonka as soon as possible after the incident.
What if the dog’s owner says I provoked the attack?
If the dog was legitimately provoked, it can affect liability. A dog bite attorney will listen to the facts, but it's important to be honest about what really happened.
Do I really need a dog bite lawyer?
A lawyer is not strictly required for a dog bite. However, a dog bite lawyer can help you collect evidence and medical records that can back up your case. They can also negotiate with insurance companies.
If the case moves to trial, a lawyer may be needed to represent you in court. Having the help of a lawyer early on in the process streamlines things if legal action becomes necessary.
Need a Minnetonka Dog Bite Injury Lawyer? Contact Fields Injury Law Today
Dog bites have serious consequences. The injuries are real, as are the emotional after effects.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog attack, the best step is speaking with a dog bite lawyer in Minnetonka.
Fields Injury Law has represented Minnesota clients in dog bite and other personal injury cases for over 25 years.
Our team brings experience and compassionate representation to every client. We’ll help you understand the facts of your case and explain your options so you can make the best decisions in seeking compensation for your injuries.
