Dog bites can do serious damage to a child or adult in a matter of seconds, especially if the victim is smaller and more vulnerable. Being attacked by a dog is terrifying for most people and often leaves the victim with long-term psychological effects. Beyond the trauma of the attack, victims worry about the medical costs, especially if reconstructive surgery is required.

At TSR Injury Law, we are prepared to help you from day one. When we represent you, our experienced Minneapolis dog bite lawyers work hard to make sure your legal rights and best interests are protected. We keep you well-informed about your case, and we proactively take all steps necessary to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Not sure if you have a case? If you were legally on the property and were bitten by a dog, you probably have a case. The good news is you don’t have to figure the legal process out on your own. We offer a free, no-risk case review to hear more about what happened to you, and we encourage you to ask us questions. We will also take the time to discuss what legal options you may have for recovering compensation.

Call 612 TSR TIME for your FREE case review with one of our highly qualified lawyers today.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth in Minnesota?

No two dog bite cases are the same, which is another way of saying, it depends on the details of your case. We look at a lot of different factors, such as the extent of your injuries, how much treatment you need, and how long it takes you to recover. There are many other factors that must be considered as well. The main point being that it is not possible to specify a specific value.

What is important is that Minnesota courts will evaluate your case based on the specific details of what happened to you and how those injuries have affected your life.

Key factors that determine how much compensation you might receive for your dog bite case:

• Severity of the Bite Wounds: Deep puncture wounds, torn flesh, and crushing injuries typically result in higher compensation than surface scratches or minor cuts.
• Location of the Bite on Your Body: Bites to the face, hands, or other visible areas often involve higher settlements due to scarring and functional impairment concerns.
• Extent of Medical Treatment Required: Cases involving emergency surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing specialist care have a much higher value than those requiring only basic wound care.
• Need for Reconstruction Surgery: Victims requiring plastic surgery or multiple procedures to repair damage typically recover significantly more compensation.
• Your Age and Occupation: Younger victims and those whose work depends on their appearance or physical abilities may receive higher awards for future impact.
• Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: Visible, permanent marks that cannot be fully corrected through surgery increase case values considerably.
• Time Missed From Work: Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are two additional considerations that must be factored into your total compensation calculation.
• Location/Type of Property Where the Attack Occurred: Dog bite attacks on public property can impact liability and available insurance coverage versus those that occur on private property.

Does Minnesota Hold Dog Owners Financially Responsible Even if Their Dog Had Never Bit Anyone Before?

Yes, Minnesota holds dog owners fully responsible for compensating bite victims regardless of whether their dog has ever bitten anyone before.

The state follows strict liability rules, which means you can:

• Recover full compensation from a dog owner even if their animal had no history of aggression.
• Pursue financial recovery without having to first prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous.

As long as you were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the animal, the dog owner’s liability for your medical costs and other damages is automatic if their pet bites you.

Minnesota’s strict liability approach to dog bites maximizes your ability to recover compensation compared to states that require proof of owner negligence or prior dangerous behavior.

What Type of Insurance Pays for Injuries From a Minneapolis Dog Bite Attack?

Most dog bite compensation comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, which typically includes liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. These policies generally provide coverage ranging from basic amounts to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the owner’s coverage limits and insurance company.

If the dog owner does not have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or if their policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages, you may need to pursue compensation directly from the owner’s personal assets. In some cases involving severe injuries, victims may also explore additional coverage sources such as umbrella policies that provide extra liability protection beyond standard homeowner’s insurance limits.

What Medical Bills Are Covered in a Dog Bite Injury Case in Minnesota?

Dog bite injuries often require extensive medical treatment. These unexpected bills create significant financial burdens for many victims and their families.

Under Minnesota law, you can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your dog bite injuries. This includes the initial emergency room visit and treatment all the way through your follow-up appointments. The scope of medical expenses covered after a Minnesota dog bite attack goes far beyond the immediate treatment costs. You can pursue compensation for the current medical bills you have already incurred, as well as any future medical expenses your doctors expect you will need as part of your ongoing recovery and care.

Some specific types of medical costs covered following a dog bite in Minnesota include:

• Emergency Room Treatment: An immediate visit to the ER visit is critical for optimal treatment of your injuries after a dog bite. This includes your initial wound cleaning, tetanus shots, antibiotics, and other urgent care services provided immediately after the attack are included in the damages for your claim.
• Hospital Stays: Inpatient treatment costs for injuries that require overnight observation or extended medical monitoring.
• Surgical Procedures: Operating room fees, surgeon costs, anesthesia, and facility charges for wound repair or reconstructive surgery.
• Specialist Consultations: Visits to plastic surgeons, infectious disease doctors, neurologists, or other medical specialists treating your specific injuries.
• Ongoing Wound Care: Follow-up appointments, wound cleaning, bandage changes, and monitoring for infection or healing complications.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services to restore function and mobility affected by your dog bite injuries.
• Psychological Counseling: Mental health treatment for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the dog
• Prescription Medications: Pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, and other prescribed treatments related to your recovery.
• Medical Equipment: Crutches, braces, scar treatment products, or other devices needed during your healing process.

Serious Dog Bite Injuries That Impact the Value of a Minnesota Injury Claim

Courts recognize how more severe dog bite injuries create greater financial burdens and personal suffering than others. These dog bite injuries require more extensive treatment and therefore have a greater impact on the victims, physically, emotionally, and financially:

• Facial Injuries and Scarring: Bites to the face, head, or neck often result in the highest compensation because scars remain visible and can affect your confidence, social interactions, and professional opportunities throughout your life.
• Injuries Requiring Surgery: Any dog bite that needs surgical repair, reconstructive procedures, or plastic surgery significantly increases your claim value due to the high medical costs and extended recovery time involved.
• Hand and Finger Damage: Bites to hands or fingers that impair your ability to work, write, or perform daily tasks can substantially increase compensation, especially if your career depends on manual dexterity.
• Nerve Damage: Dog bites that damage nerves and cause numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area typically result in much higher settlements due to the permanent nature of these injuries.
• Deep Puncture Wounds: Bites that penetrate deeply into muscle, tendons, or bone often require extensive medical treatment and carry higher infection risks, both of which increase your compensation.
• Multiple Bite Wounds: Attacks involving several bite locations across your body demonstrate the severity of the incident and typically result in higher settlement amounts.
• Infections and Complications: Dog bites that become infected or develop complications like MRSA require additional medical treatment and can significantly increase your total compensation.

Can I Get Paid if I Missed Work in Minnesota After Being Bitten by a Dog?

You can recover compensation for lost income after a dog bite in Minnesota. Typically, you can recover compensation for the time you missed after the attack happened, as well as for time missed for additional follow-up appointments, surgery, or physical therapy. You can also claim compensation for the period your doctor advised you to stay home from work. Other compensation you may seek is for any sick days or vacation time you used during your recovery.

To recover lost wages, you will need documentation from your employer. Pay stubs, records showing your normal work schedule, and your current pay rate will all help to prove how much income you lost.

Why You May Be Eligible for More Than Just Time Taken Off Work to Recover

Lost wage compensation extends beyond just the immediate time off work. If your dog bite injuries affect your ability to perform your job duties or require you to work reduced hours, you can seek compensation for that decreased earning capacity. This is particularly important for people whose jobs require physical activity or when injuries to hands, arms, or other body parts impact job performance.

Proving Pain and Suffering: Key Evidence Needed to Support Your Case

Pain and suffering compensation covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experience as a result of your dog bite injuries. Unlike medical bills and lost wages that have clear dollar amounts, pain and suffering damages require strong evidence to demonstrate how the attack and your injuries have affected your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Medical Records and Treatment Documentation

The insurance company will need the relevant records from all the healthcare providers who treated you for your dog bite injuries. Your medical history provides hard-to-dispute evidence of how badly you were hurt, the treatments you received, and ongoing medical care you still need.

Photographs of Your Injuries

Clear photos taken immediately after the attack and throughout your healing process show the clear progression of your wounds from day one, as well as the remaining visible impact, such as scarring or disfigurement, left behind.

Personal Pain Journal

Keeping a pain journal is not like keeping a personal diary – but it is something that you need to consistently do every day – or almost every day. Your daily entries should include the following:

• Your pain levels (from 1-10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the worst)
• Limitations to the activities you can do
• How much your injuries disrupt your sleep
• How your injuries affect your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy hobbies

Witness Statements

Testimony from family members, friends, or coworkers who can describe how your personality, mood, or daily activities changed after the dog bite incident.

Mental Health Treatment Records

Documentation or testimony from counselors, therapists, or psychiatrists help support your claim if you sought treatment for anxiety, depression, or PTSD following the dog attack.

Work Performance Documentation

Records showing how your injuries affected your job performance, productivity, or ability to perform certain work tasks.

Activity Restrictions

Medical documentation of activities you can no longer perform or enjoy due to your injuries, such as sports, hobbies, or physical activities you previously participated in regularly.

Common Mistakes Dog Bite Victims Make That Can Seriously Hurt Your Claim

Dog bite victims often make critical errors in the days and weeks following their attack that can significantly reduce their compensation or even eliminate their ability to recover damages. These mistakes usually happen because people are focused on healing and may not understand how their actions affect their legal rights. Avoiding these common pitfalls can protect your claim and maximize your recovery.

• Failing To Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Seeking medical care right away helps prevent serious infections and aids an optimal recovery. It also helps link your wounds to the dog bite incident that caused them. Delaying medical care, however, gives room for insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the dog bite.
• Not Reporting the Incident to Authorities: Failing to contact animal control or police creates gaps in documentation that make it harder to prove what happened during the attack.
• Agreeing To Quick Settlement Offers: Accepting the first offer from an insurance company before understanding the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs often results in inadequate compensation. Insurance adjusters often try to quickly settle cases before legal representation is sought because they get off cheap compared to the true value of the claim.
• Not Documenting Your Injuries Properly: Failing to take photographs of wounds, scars, and the healing process eliminates powerful visual evidence of the harm you suffered.
• Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies: Speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company without legal representation can lead to statements that damage your case.
• Waiting Too Long to Pursue Your Claim: Minnesota has time limits for filing dog bite claims, and waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation entirely.
• Not Keeping Detailed Records: Failing to maintain organized records of medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and how injuries affect daily life weakens your ability to prove damages.
• Returning To Normal Activities Too Quickly: Resuming physical activities before your doctor clears you can be used to argue that your injuries were not as serious as claimed.

How We Help Maximize Your Compensation for a Dog Bite Claim

We take over the legal work so you can focus on getting better. Our Minneapolis attorneys investigate what happened, collect your medical records, and handle all communication with insurance companies. We also know how to dispute arguments from dog owners who often try to minimize what happened or make excuses for their animal’s behavior.

We determine exactly what your dog bite case is worth under Minnesota law and then we fight to get you every dollar you deserve. Our legal team makes sure nothing gets overlooked when building your compensation claim.

Need Legal Help After a Dog Bite in Minneapolis? Call TSR Injury Law Today

Dog bite injuries can disrupt your life in ways you never expected, but you do not have to handle the legal battle alone while you recover.

When TSR Injury Law manages your case, you know you are in good hands. We help injured victims every day, and have extensive knowledge of Minnesota laws, including those that impact dog bite claims. Just remember, unlike insurance companies, we want you to win. There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs when we represent you, so if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.

Call our trusted Minneapolis law firm today: 612 TSR TIME We would be honored to help you.

Dog bites often happen without warning, turning a peaceful walk through Minnehaha Park or a visit to a neighbor’s home into a traumatic experience that requires immediate medical attention. The physical wounds may heal, but the emotional trauma and financial burden can linger long after the attack.

At TSR Injury Law, our knowledgeable dog bite lawyers provide compassionate legal representation for victims throughout the Twin Cities area. We understand the complex challenges you face after a dog bite incident and work hard to hold owners financially accountable for their pet’s actions.

Need legal help after a dog bite attack? Contact our trusted law firm today to share your story and learn what we can do for you. Your initial consultation is completely free and there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees when we represent you.

Call 612 TSR TIME for a FREE case review today. TSR Injury Law wants to help you.

How Common Are Dog Bites in Minneapolis?

Dog bites are pretty common in Minneapolis and other surrounding areas. According to Minnesota Daily, there was a 30 percent increase in dog bite attacks in Minneapolis in 2024 compared to the previous year. These attacks are often the result of aggressive or poorly controlled dogs in neighborhoods, parks, and other public areas. Dangerous dog attacks can happen locally, in your neighborhood, and even when visiting other people’s houses. The likelihood of getting bitten depends on many factors, including how often you are in parks or other areas where you are most likely to encounter a dog.

You can expect a lot more dog bite incidents in warmer weather as both people and pets spend more time outdoors. People naturally want to get outside to enjoy the nicer weather, to go for a walk, or jog. Pet owners want to get out too, taking their dogs out and visiting parks. These circumstances create more opportunities for people to come into contact with unfamiliar dogs who might unexpectedly display territorial or aggressive behavior.

Are Minnesota Dog Owners Automatically Liable When Their Dog Bites Someone

The short answer is yes. Minnesota follows a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means dog owners bear responsibility for the injuries their pets cause regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or aggressive tendencies.

Minnesota law does not follow the “one-bite rule” that some other states use. The one bite rule protects owners more as they only become liable if their dog has bitten someone before.

Under Minnesota Statutes Section 347.22, dog owners automatically become liable for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their pet’s bite. This law protects victims whether or not the dog had a prior history of biting. This law makes it easier for victims attacked by dogs to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Can I Sue in Minnesota if I Get Bitten by a Dog on Private Property?

Yes, you can sue for a dog bite that occurs on private property in Minnesota as long as you were lawfully on the property when the incident happened. Minnesota’s strict liability law protects visitors who have permission to be on someone else’s property. This includes guests, delivery workers, and service personnel performing their duties.

You cannot pursue a lawsuit if you were trespassing on private property when the dog bite occurred. However, if you were invited to the property, making a delivery, or had a legitimate reason to be there, the dog owner remains liable for your injuries under Minnesota law.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Minnesota Dog Bite Case?

Minnesota law allows dog bite victims to recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the attack. The damages you may recover following your attack depends on the unique circumstances of your situation, including how badly you were hurt and how those injuries impact your daily life. The specific circumstances leading up to the attack may also impact your potential to recover compensation.

Specific types of compensation you may be able to seek after a dog bite attack includes:

• Medical Expenses: It is important to seek immediate medical care, as dog bites have a high risk of becoming infected. All related medical costs may be covered, including ER visits, hospital stays, and surgery you may need to repair the wound. You may also be compensated for any ongoing and follow-up care needed to aid your recovery.
• Future Medical Costs: This compensation provides for longer-term medical care you may need, such as ongoing reconstructive surgery or physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: Income you missed if you were unable to work while recovering from your dog bite injuries.
• Lost Earning Capacity: Additional compensation if your dog bite injuries were severe enough to impact your career or ability to work in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Trauma after a dog bite is not just physical. Dog bites can be especially traumatic for victims. These non-economic damages compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and other types of mental anguish resulting from that experience.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional compensation provided to victims for permanent marks and scars.
• Property Damages: Compensates you for damage to your personal property during the attack, such as torn clothing.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Covers transportation costs for travel to and from your medical appointments, home care assistance and other related costs.

What If a Dog Bites Someone on Public Property in Minnesota?

Under the law, dog owners face automatic liability when their pets bite someone on public property throughout Minnesota. This includes city sidewalks, parks, trails, and any government-owned land where people have the legal right to be present.

Unlike private property cases where the victim’s legal presence matters, public property incidents always fall under Minnesota’s strict liability law. Dog owners cannot claim ignorance of their pet’s behavior as a defense when bites occur in public spaces.

Do Minneapolis Dog Bite Cases Go to Court or Typically Settle?

Most dog bite cases in Minneapolis are resolved through settlement negotiations between the victim’s attorney and the dog owner’s insurance company. Insurance providers often prefer to settle these claims to avoid the unpredictable costs and time commitments associated with taking cases to trial.

Settlement negotiations allow both parties to reach agreements more quickly, helping victims get compensated more quickly for their medical bills and other damages without waiting months or longer for a court decision.

If the liable insurance company refuses to make a fair compensation offer, TSR Injury Law is prepared to take your dog bite case to court to secure the compensation you need and deserve.

What Are Some of the Most Common Types of Dog Injuries?

Dog bites can cause some nasty injuries, but just how bad depends on a few factors, such as how close you were to the dog and how big the dog was. Some dogs are more aggressive than others, making it harder to get them to back down or get away from them.

Even if your injury doesn’t seem serious, you need medical care if it breaks the skin, due to the risk of infection. Aside from that, these are the most common types of dog bite injuries:

• Abrasions: Abrasions look minor compared to other types of dog bites, but they can still become badly infected and leave scars without proper treatment.
• Puncture Wounds: When a dog bites you, their teeth create deep, narrow holes in your skin. Basically, puncture wounds are an open doorway to bacteria. Without treatment, you may trap bacteria inside the wound, increasing the risk of a serious infection.
• Lacerations: A laceration is just a fancy word for a deep cut or tear in the skin. But these cuts can go so deeply that they reach underlying muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Not only do these injuries bleed more heavily, but if the wound is deep enough, it can cause nerve damage.
• Infected Bites: When an abrasion or other type of bite wound gets infected, it can lead to potentially life-threatening infections, like sepsis. Any open wound creates a pathway for infections to enter your bloodstream. This is why proper medical treatment is a must, even after a “minor” dog bite.
• Crushing Injuries: Large dogs with strong jaws, like a pit bull, can grab on with a bite force strong enough to cause serious damage, including bone fractures. Adults with smaller bone structures and children are especially at risk of devastating injuries.
• Facial Injuries: Children, teens, and smaller adults are more likely to suffer bites to their faces. Depending on the viciousness of the attack, this can mean permanent facial disfigurement. At a minimum, this type of injurie would likely require considerable reconstructive surgery.
• Avulsion Injuries: Of all dog bite injuries, these are the most extreme and severe. Avulsion injuries are where a person’s skin or soft tissue is literally torn away from the body. These injuries are extensive, require reconstructive surgery, and often leave victims permanently scarred or disfigured. For smaller children, this type of injury can be life-threatening.

Why Minnesota’s Dog Bite Law Covers More Than Just Traditional “Bites”

Minnesota’s dog bite statute extends beyond actual bite wounds to include other injuries that dogs can cause to people. This broader coverage ensures that victims of various dog-related incidents can pursue compensation for their medical expenses and other damages.

• Knockdown Injuries: When large dogs jump on or knock down victims, causing broken bones, sprains, or head injuries from falls
• Scratch Wounds: Deep scratches from dog claws that require medical treatment, stitches, or leave permanent scarring
• Defensive Injuries: Harm that occurs while victims attempt to protect themselves from attacking dogs, including injuries from falling or striking objects. Even if the dog does not touch you and you are injured trying to get away, there may be coverage.
• Pursuit Injuries: Injuries sustained while trying to escape from aggressive dogs, such as cuts from fences or falls while running away

Steps You Should Take Immediately After Being Bitten by a Dog

Taking prompt action after a dog bite protects your health and preserves important evidence for any potential legal claim. The decisions you make in the first hours following an incident can significantly impact both your medical recovery and your ability to secure compensation for your injuries.

• Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care at an emergency room or urgent care facility, even for wounds that appear minor, as dog bites carry high infection risks.
• Clean the Wound: If medical help is not immediately available, gently clean the bite area with soap and water to reduce bacteria.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog if safely possible.
• Gather Owner Information: Obtain the dog owner’s name, contact information, homeowner’s insurance details, and the dog’s vaccination records.
• Report the Incident: Locally, victims should contact Minneapolis Animal Care and Control or Bloomington Animal Control to file an official report of the dog bite.
• Identify Witnesses: Collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the dog bite incident.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, receipts, and documentation related to your injuries and treatment.
• Avoid Statements: Do not discuss fault or make statements to insurance companies without consulting a qualified dog bite attorney first.

How to Avoid Being Bitten or Attacked by a Dog

It is not always possible to prevent an unfamiliar dog from attacking you, especially if you get caught off guard. However, there are certain warning signs to be aware of. It is important – especially with young children to keep a close watch on any animals wandering near them while they are out playing.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when in public parks where dogs are allowed, in your neighborhood, or at a friend’s house:

• Teach children never to approach an unfamiliar dog
• Do not try to approach an unfamiliar dog who seems to be injured or scared
• Never try to take away food, toys or puppies from a dog
• Watch for signals that a dog is feeling aggressive – such as baring their teeth, growling, raising their hackles, or backing away from you.

Always supervise young children around pets – even if they are a family pet. You cannot know for sure how an animal will react to a child.

Need Legal Help After a Dog Bite Attack in Minneapolis or Bloomington? Call TSR Injury Law Today

Dog bite injuries do more than cause physical pain. Victims often experience long-term trauma after these attacks. Significant bite wounds cause victims and their families to suffer significant and unexpected financial hardship. Thankfully, Minnesota has strict liability laws which give you strong legal protections, but it can still be challenging trying to navigate the legal process and negotiate with the insurance company for the compensation you deserve.

At TSR Injury Law, we understand how dog attacks can impact you emotionally and physically. You don’t have to try to manage your injury case alone. Our legal team is knowledgeable and ready to fight for every dollar you deserve under Minnesota law.

There are no upfront costs when we represent you. Call today to get started and learn more about what we do for dog bite victims in Minnesota.

At TSR Injury Law, we are ready to help you. Call 612 TSR TIME today!