Practice Area Type: Dog Bites

Being attacked and bitten by a dog is traumatizing and can have serious consequences for the victim. Dog bites are often severe and may include deep lacerations, nerve damage, disfigurement and fractures. Medical treatments for dog bite injuries can quickly get expensive, which is why contacting an experienced lawyer can be an important part of the recovery process.

At TSR Injury Law, our legal team has helped recover over $1 billion in compensation on behalf of our clients. This includes a recovery attained by our partner Rich Ruohonen for a women who suffered both wrist and nerve damage after being attacked by an aggressive dog. Rich currently sits on the Board of Governors for the Minnesota Association for Justice (MNAJ).

Contact a Saint Paul dog bite attorney to discuss your situation during a free consultation. There are no upfront fees to hire our firm. You only pay us at the end of the legal process if you obtain compensation.

Call (612) TSR-TIME to get started.

What Is Minnesota Law on Dog Bites?

Minnesota law states that if a dog, without being provoked, attacks or injures someone who is visiting in a public area or legally on someone’s privately-owned property, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for your damages. It does not matter if the dog that bit you has never shown aggression before.

An owner is defined as any individual harboring or keeping a dog, however the animal’s owner is primarily liable. The owner may be responsible even if he or she did not know that the dog was dangerous or could be potentially dangerous to others.

According to the Saint Paul Animal Control Center (SPAC), a dangerous dog is one that without provocation:

• Causes substantial bodily injury to any individual on public or private property
• Engages in any attack on an individual that indicates danger to personal safety
• Exhibits unusually aggressive behavior (attacking another animal and causing serious injury or death)

Bitten By A Friend’s Dog – Do I Have A Case?

If you were invited onto the dog owner’s property as a friend, social guest, or another type of invitee, then you were legally allowed on the property and may have a right to recover compensation for your injuries.

In the event you were bitten by a friend’s dog on public property, such as a dog park or on a sidewalk, you may still have a case for compensation.

Dog Bite Claims For Trespassers

Trespassers are individuals who enter a private or public property without permission from the owner. He or she does not have a legal right to be on the property. A victim who is attacked or bitten by a dog while trespassing will generally not have a case against its’ owner.

It is important to note that every dog bite case is different. There could be exceptions to this rule. Let one of our dedicated St. Paul dog bite lawyers review your claim during a free and confidential consultation.

Proving The Dog Owner Was Negligent

Minnesota law also allows a dog bite injury victim to recover compensation due to negligence. You must, however, prove that the animal’s owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog and that your injuries resulted from that negligence.

Negligence is the lack of ordinary care that most careful or reasonable individuals would exercise in similar circumstances. If the attacking dog owner’s conduct does not measure up to that of a reasonable person in a similar situation, then that individual could be found negligent.

For instance, if the dog owner keeps his or her dog in the backyard without being leashed or lacks proper fencing and the dog escapes and bites someone, the owner may have behaved in a negligent or careless manner. The owner cannot say the dog is normally well behaved or has never exhibited aggression when in the backyard.

While Minnesota laws are more favorable to the dog bite victim rather than the dog owner, proving negligence can still be a complicated process. Let our experienced legal team help you fully understand your rights.

Our phones are available to take your call anytime, night or day. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME

Damages Awarded in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries can result in significant financial, physical and emotional damages. The kinds of damages awarded to victims in dog bite cases will depend on a number of factors. A St. Paul dog bite lawyer from our firm will need to consider the following:

If you have questions about how much your potential case could be worth, our legal team is ready to help. You are under no obligation to take legal action and we do not charge any upfront fees if we represent you.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

After being injured by a dog bite, you may be unsure about what to do next. Protect your legal interests, but especially your well-being by taking the following steps:

Obtain Medical Treatment

Get proper medical care. Even a minor dog bite may cause an infection if it is not properly cleaned and tended to by a medical professional. A doctor will be able to determine the extent of your injuries and provide a proper treatment plan. Having an official medical record can also help provide evidence of when the dog bite occurred, which could be invaluable if you decide to take legal action.

Following Doctors’ Orders

Your best chance at recovery is following your doctor’s prescribed plan of care. Failure to do so could make your injuries worse. Ignoring your physician’s treatment orders may also provide an opportunity for the insurance company to attack your credibility by claiming that your injuries are not as bad as you reported or that your injury was pre-existing.

Reporting the Dog Bite

Report your dog bite injury to the Saint Paul Police as soon as possible. This action is required by law. Once there is a report, the authorities will open an investigation of the incident, and will interview you, the owner of the dog – if possible – and take statements from any witnesses who may have seen the attack. Following an investigation, the responding officer will forward the report to the SPAC and have the dog quarantined to ensure it is not infected with rabies or other signs of sickness.

Documenting Your Injuries

If you can, try to take photos of the scene, the dog and your injuries, including lacerations, redness, swelling, bruising and any torn or bloody clothing. As your wounds heal, take pictures periodically to document the process.

Identifying the Owner of the Dog

If it is possible, try to identify the owner of the dog, along with contact information, details about his or her homeowner’s insurance and the dog’s veterinary details to help verify recent shot records.

Speaking to Eyewitnesses

Speak to any eyewitnesses who may have seen what happened and ask for their names, phone numbers, and statements, if possible. This information can be useful if your attorney needs to contact them at a later date.

Following medical treatment, we recommend that you contact a licensed St. Paul dog bite attorney to review your situation and determine your legal options. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries.

Contact TSR Injury Law today. Ph: (612) TSR-TIME

Prevention and Treatment of Dog Bites

Dog bites often occur when a dog is unprovoked. To prevent being bitten by a dog, consider the following:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog or a dog whose owner is not present, especially if the dog is fenced in, tied up, or in a parked vehicle
• Do not chase, tease or approach a dog while it is eating, sleeping or guarding something
• Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog and allow the dog to acknowledge your presence before petting it

Should a dog bite you or someone you are with, it is important to try to get away from the dog to prevent further injury. While it is best to wait to be treated by medical personnel, if your injuries are severe, you may try to slow bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. After your physician properly tends to your injuries, he or she may recommend a treatment plan, which could include

• Applying antibiotic cream to the wound
• Changing the bandage several times a day (only if your doctor recommends this)
• Contacting a doctor or medical facility immediately if you see any signs of infection (redness, swelling, increased pain and fever)

Reach Out to Our Saint Paul Dog Bite Lawyers

If you were attacked and bitten by a dog, our Saint Paul dog bite lawyers at TSR Injury Law may be able to help. We are prepared to investigate the incident and fully handle the legal process on your behalf to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

We offer free consultations to determine if you have a viable case. There are no upfront fees involved. We only get paid if we recover damages on your behalf.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or fill out our free online form.

Injuries from dog bites can leave victims with life-long injuries and mental trauma that can take years to recover from. If you have suffered a dog bite injury, contact TSR Injury Law for a free consultation with one of our Minneapolis dog bite lawyers. You may be eligible to obtain compensation to help cover hospital bills and lost income from missed time at work as well as physical pain and emotional suffering.

Our firm has helped injury victims recover millions in financial compensation, including a $60,000 award for a woman who suffered wrist nerve damage after being bitten by an aggressive dog. This case was settled by our partner Rich Ruohonen, who has been selected for the Super Lawyers list every year between 2003 and 2018.

Let us review your claim during a free consultation. There is no risk or obligation to take legal action and there are no upfront costs or fees involved for our legal services if you do have a case and decide to move forward. We can discuss the specifics of the attack and the legal options that may be available to you.

Call (612) TSR-TIME today to see how we might be able to help you.

Liability for a Dog Bite in Minnesota

Unlike some other states, Minnesota’s dog bite statute seems to favor dog bite victims. Dog owners may be held liable when a dog, without provocation, attacks or causes injury to a person acting peaceably, if that person was legally allowed to be in the place where he or she was harmed.

For example, if you were on public property or were an invitee on private property, and other conditions explained above were met, the owner may be liable for your injuries. The statute defines an owner as anyone harboring or keeping a dog, but the dog owner is primarily liable.

In some dog bite cases, provocation is the owner’s defense to liability. Provocation defense is often mentioned but difficult to support with facts.

Provocation can be used as a defense if the injured person provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog before the attack. The defendant is not relieved of liability if the injured person’s conduct inadvertently or involuntarily provoked the dog to attack. An example of inadvertent behavior would be accidentally stepping on a dog.

Does the Owner Have to Know the Dog Was Dangerous?

The state of Minnesota has a strict liability rule for dog owners. Regardless of the dog’s past behavior, the owner is responsible for any personal injuries caused by his or her dog, even if he or she did not know or could not have known the dog would be dangerous.

According to Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, a dangerous dog is one that when unprovoked:

• Causes substantial bodily harm (temporary and substantial disfigurement, loss or impairment of bodily function, or fracture) to a person acting peacefully or lawfully
• Repeatedly attacks or tries to attack a person or domestic animal on public or private property
• Kills another domestic animal while off the owner’s property

What If I Was Trespassing?

If you were bitten by a dog while trespassing, the dog owner may not be liable for your injuries. You must have been lawfully invited onto the property as a social guest or potential customer, such as friend, family member, postal worker, contractor, etc. to be eligible to recover damages for a dog bite.

Dog bite cases can be very difficult to handle on your own, especially because the owner and his or her insurance company and legal representatives will try to prove you provoked the dog or were on the property illegally.

We recommend contacting our Minneapolis dog bite lawyers for a free consultation. We have detailed knowledge of the complexities of these cases and how to collect evidence to help establish liability.

How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

After a dog bite injury, you may be wondering how much your claim is worth. This is a reasonable question to ask since damages from a dog bite can be life-changing.

However, every dog bite case is different and the amount of compensation you may be eligible for will depend on the specific details of your situation.

There are several factors we may review to determine the value of a case. We may look at:

• The number of days you had to stay at the hospital for medical treatment
• The cost of transportation to and from the doctor’s office
• The severity of your injuries, such as puncture wounds, broken bones or nerve damage
• Cost of plastic surgery, if the dog bite caused scarring that needs to be repaired
• Rehabilitation costs, if the dog bite caused some type of on-going physical injury
• Therapy sessions to overcome the emotional trauma of the incident
• The cost of medication to treat redness, swelling, and pain around the wound area
• Hospital bills for surgeries, X-rays and much more…

Contact TSR Injury Law to set up a free consultation with our Minneapolis dog bite attorneys so we can determine the potential value of your claim. If you have a case, we are ready to carefully investigate and pursue full compensation. There are upfront no fees for our services.

Contact our legal team today by calling (612) TSR-TIME.

Can Punitive Damages Be Awarded in a Dog Bite Case?

While compensatory damages are for injuries. Punitive damages are to punish someone financially for their actions. Punitive damages are awarded over and above the damages for injuries. There are three reasons to seek punitive damages:

• To punish
• To force the defendant to refrain from committing the offense again
• To discourage others from committing the offense

Some reasons why judges award punitive damages:

• The seriousness of hazard to the public arising from the defendant’s misconduct
• The duration of the misconduct and any concealment of it, the degree of the defendant’s awareness of the hazard and of its excessiveness
• The attitude and conduct of the defendant upon discovery of the misconduct
• The financial condition of the defendant
• The total effect of other punishment likely to be imposed upon the defendant as a result of the misconduct, including compensatory and punitive damage awards to the plaintiff
• The severity of any criminal penalty to which the defendant may be subject

Minnesota Statute § 549.20 states that punitive damages shall be awarded if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence that the Defendant deliberately disregarded the safety of others.

Is There a Time Limit to Pursue a Dog Bite Claim?

If you have a case, there is a limited amount of time to take legal action. The majority of personal injury cases in Minnesota, including dog bite cases, must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this deadline, you may be unable to pursue compensation through a lawsuit.

However, there may be exceptions to this two-year deadline for your specific case. You may be required to file before then, or you may have more than two years to file a lawsuit.

If you have any questions about the deadlines for personal injury lawsuits or are unsure if your time to file has passed, we recommend that you consult with to one of our knowledgeable Minneapolis personal injury lawyers for legal advice.

Ways to Protect Your Dog Bite Claim

A dog bite or attack can leave you feeling scared, vulnerable and unsure about what to do next. There are certain things immediately following a dog bite injury that you can do to protect your health and your rights:

Seek Medical Treatment

Dog bite injuries can be severe. Even small puncture wounds can result in serious infections or permanent scarring/disfigurement. Regardless of the injury, it is important the you seek medical treatment right away to ensure that the wound is properly treated. A doctor will examine the injury to determine whether the bite was deep enough to damage nerves, muscles, tendons or bones and take measures to prevent an infection.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

Infections are common with dog bite injuries so be sure to regularly change the bandaging around your wound and clean it properly on a regular basis, as instructed by your doctor. If you are given antibiotics to prevent infection, it is important that you take them as prescribed. Follow up with the doctor as ordered for routine cleaning, wound care inspection and continuous monitoring of the healing process.

Report the Attack

Make sure to report the dog bite or attack to the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC). The MACC will respond to the location given and investigate the incident. It is in your best interest to provide an accurate description of the dog and its location so that the MACC can contact the dog owner, legally confine the dog for a certain period of days to protect the public from rabies and take other suitable measures.

Document Your Bite Wound

Take pictures of the wound, bruises, lacerations and bloodied, torn or damaged clothing. Documenting your injuries can help prove the severity and extent of the harm you suffered from the beginning through the entire recovery period. Be sure to also photograph the location of the incident and anything else that may be helpful later.

Identify Dog Owner and Witnesses

Be sure to identify and collect vital information from the dog owner, including his or her name, address, phone number, veterinary information, and name of his or her insurance company – the owner’s homeowners’ insurance may provide compensation for your injuries.

Also take down the contact details of any witnesses present at the time of the incident. A Minneapolis dog bite attorney from our firm can use this information to contact a witness at a later date to discuss what he or she may or may not have seen.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, we recommend that you contact TSR Injury Law as soon as possible. There may be time limits to your dog bite claim. Reach out to us anytime. We are available 24/7. There is never a fee involved for our legal services unless we obtain compensation for you.

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form now so we can get started.

What NOT To Do After a Dog Biting Incident

When you talk to the owners or insurance company, make sure that you:

• Do not allow your conversation to be recorded.
• Do not discuss your case with them — how it happened, who was responsible, the extent of injury, or the amount of settlement you desire.
• Do not accept money or payment of any type.
• Do not meet with the owner or the insurance company.
• Do not correspond with the insurance company.
• Do not allow the bite to be photographed for the insurance company.
• Do not sign anything from the insurance company, the owner of the dog, the landlord, or the property owner where the attack took place.

If you feel pressured in any way by the dog owner or insurance company, refer them to your attorney. Also, let your attorney know that you are being pressed for information or cooperation.

Dog Breeds Known to Be Dangerous

There are certain breeds of dogs that are generally considered to be more dangerous than others. It is generally recommended that you be cautious around these breeds because there could be a greater risk of an attack or bite. These breeds include:

Speak to Our Minneapolis Dog Bite Lawyers Today

Contacting an experienced Minneapolis dog bite lawyer can help to determine if you have grounds to file a damages claim and if so, the legal options that may be available. You may be eligible to obtain compensation for medical expenses, past and future loss of income, and any pain and suffering you have endured.

At TSR Injury Law, our dog bite attorneys charge no upfront fees if we take on your case and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.

We are located just two miles from the Fairview Southdale Hospital and offer free consultations, either in person at our office or over the phone. We also provide home and hospital visits if required.

We look forward to helping you. Call (612) TSR-TIME today.

Dog bite injuries can cause victims to suffer from numerous psychological and physical issues. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it is important to contact a Bloomington dog bite lawyer at TSR Injury Law to discuss the legal options that may be available to you.

Our attorneys have a proven track record of obtaining substantial compensation for our clients, including a recovery obtained by partner Rich Ruohonen for a woman that suffered wrist and nerve damage after being bitten by a pit bull. Rich is also a member of the highly-regarded American Board of Trial Advocates.

Contact our firm to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we obtain compensation for you.

Call (612) TSR-TIME. We can be reached 24/7 over the phone or online.

Dog Bite Laws in Minnesota

In Minnesota, a dog bite victim may hold a dog owner liable if the victim was permitted to be on public or private property. However, the victim must not have provoked the dog in any way. Under Minnesota law, the victim does not have to prove the owner’s negligence.

The state also follows a strict liability rule pertaining to dog bites. This means that a dog owner may be held liable even if he or she did not know the dog would be dangerous. It does not matter whether or not the owner anticipated the dog would bite or was aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior.

It is also important to note that dog injuries are not just limited to bites or attacks but can even include other dog-related behaviors that causes injury, such as a dog jumping on someone and knocking him or her to the ground.

What If I Was Bitten by a Friend’s Dog?

If the victim is lawfully allowed on the premise of a friend’s property or on public property, like a park or sidewalk and gets bitten by that friend’s dog, the victim may still have a case and pursue compensation.

Do I Have a Case If I Was Trespassing?

A trespasser is defined as someone who unlawfully enters the land or property belonging to another. In Minnesota, a victim who is trespassing at the time a dog injures him or her will most likely not have a case against the dog’s owner.

However, not every case is the same. There may be some exceptions to this law and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation during a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm.

Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME to speak to a licensed dog bite attorney.

Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite claims are a type of personal injury lawsuit, and these cases are governed by a strict deadline known as the statute of limitations. In most instances, dog bite cases must generally be filed within two years from the date of the dog bite. Failing to file before this deadline may result in the court dismissing your case and being barred from seeking compensation for your damages.

However, there can be exceptions to this two-year deadline that allow you to file a lawsuit after the two years pass or may require you to file earlier than two years. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations or are unsure if your deadline has passed, we recommend reaching out to a Bloomington dog bite attorney from our firm for legal advice.

Am I Eligible for Compensation?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, you may be wondering how to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney to better understand your options. At TSR Injury Law, we can review your claim and determine if you may be eligible for financial compensation. This may include the following:

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also be eligible to recover compensation for any emotional trauma endured. This could include:

Call our legal team today to set up your free consultation. Our lawyers are prepared to discuss your specific incident and determine how much your claim may be worth.

Steps to Take After Getting Bitten by a Dog

There are certain steps you can take following a dog bite to ensure your safety and protect your potential claim for damages.

Step One: Seek Immediate Medical Care

Some dog bites may cause breaks in the skin, fractures and may even lead to an infection. It is important that you seek medical treatment to properly clean the wound or catch potential infections in time.

Having medical documentation can also be used as supportive evidence that links your injury to the incident. Be sure to let medical staff know that you were injured by a dog.

Step two: Take Pictures

Like medical documentation, pictures also help prove the specifics of the incident. Take pictures of your injuries, any damage to clothing, the dog and the surrounding area.

Step Three: Report the Incident

Report the incident to the Bloomington Animal Control. Animal Control will respond to your location and investigate the incident. Descriptions of the dog will help authorities contact the dog owner, quarantine the dog and take other necessary measures. Be sure also to ask for a copy of the report for your records.

Step Four: Gather Information About Dog and Owner

Try to take descriptive notes of the dog’s breed, size and color. Take note of any visible signs that may indicate the dog is neglected, such as being dirty, have tick marks or cuts. If the owner is on the scene, be sure to collect his or her name, number and address and ask whether the dog has been vaccinated.

Step Five: Collect Witness Accounts

If there are witnesses at the scene, ask if you can record their statements and ask for their contact information in case you or your lawyer have further questions about what they saw.

What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Dog bites can cause several injuries ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common include:

Certain injuries may require long-term medical treatment that can be costly. At TSR Injury Law, our legal team has obtained millions in compensation on behalf of our clients. We offer you the opportunity to discuss your claim with us during a free consultation. There is no risk or obligation in contacting us.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a free online form to get started.

Contact an Experienced Bloomington Dog Bite Lawyer

If you are suffering from a dog bite injury, we may be able to assist. If we determine that you have a case, we can handle the legal process by investigating the incident, communicating with involved parties, and negotiating a fair settlement.

We are available 24/7 and offer free and confidential consultations. We do not charge any upfront attorney fees for our services unless we help obtain compensation on your behalf.

Our office is located less than 5 minutes from TRIA, a general hospital in Bloomington.

To learn more, call us today at (612) TSR-TIME.