Dog Bite Lawyers In Eagan, Minnesota
If you or a family member suffered dog bite injuries in the Eagan, you may qualify to take legal action. Animal bites can cause serious injuries, leading to costly medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our experienced dog bite lawyers in Minnesota can help you claim compensation for your damages and get your life back on track. Contact Sieben Polk Law Firm to schedule a free consultation today.
Dog bite victims often face expensive medical bills, painful injuries, long recovery times, and emotional trauma due to the incident. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Minnesota, you deserve justice. A dog bite lawyer in Minnesota can help you claim compensation and hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries and suffering.
At Sieben Polk Law Firm, our skilled team of Minnesota dog bite lawyers is ready to fight for your rights and pursue the maximum amount for your losses. Our trusted attorneys have helped dog bite victims throughout Minnesota recover damages and seek compensation to help them get back on their feet. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you.
Minnesota Dog Bite Lawyers
If you need a trusted Minnesota attorney to handle your dog bite case, Sieben Polk Law Firm offers comprehensive legal representation and compassionate support for victims and their families. See why our award-winning team is nationally recognized for our passion and dedication to justice.
Why Choose Sieben Polk for Your Dog Bite Claim?
With over 50 years in business and over 200 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law, Sieben Polk Law Firm has the knowledge, skills, and resources to take on big insurance companies and complex dog bite cases in Minnesota. When you work with our team, we provide:
- Free case evaluations to help victims understand their legal options after a dog bite
- Representation from award-winning attorneys Michael Strom, John Sieben, and Chad Alexander
- Legal guidance and open communication throughout the claims process
- A thorough investigation of the dog attack and evidence collection
- Knowledge of insurance company tactics used to minimize dog bite claims
- Negotiation skills to fight back against unfair insurance adjusters
- Trial experience if we need to take your case to court
Our team will build a strong case based on evidence to put you in a good position to maximize your recovery. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team to learn more about our practice.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite case in Minnesota will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of your injuries, your ability to prove damages, and insurance limits.
1. Extent of Your Injuries
The severity of your Minnesota dog bite injury is crucial to how much you may recover. Serious injuries will require more extensive treatments, longer time away from work, and possibly life-changing adjustments to your way of living. Medical bills and other damages will revolve around the extent of your dog bite injury.
2. Type of Injury
The type of injury you suffer after a dog attack will also play a major role in how much your case is worth. Victims who suffer amputations or other permanent injuries that affect their mobility or ability to function can typically claim much more than those who sustain minor cuts. Also, victims with injuries that cause scarring may qualify to recover more in non-economic damages, such as mental anguish and disfigurement.
3. Your Ability to Prove Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses you suffer. While economic damages are easier to prove because they have a financial value attached, non-economic damages are more complex. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Because of the dog bite, you may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or chronic anxiety. Your relationships with loved ones may be affected by the incident. These losses are difficult to quantify without help from an experienced dog bite attorney.
Our lawyers use several strategies and resources to prove your non-economic damages, including:
- Witness testimony to show the victim’s emotional state
- Expert testimony from medical professionals
- Medical records as evidence for mental health treatments
- The dog bite victim’s journals, if appropriate
4. Insurance Limits
Insurance limits can come into play when claiming compensation for damages after a dog bite. However, the insurance companies may pressure you to accept a low settlement when your claim is actually worth much more. Our dog bite attorneys will communicate with the insurance adjusters on your behalf to fight for the maximum amount available.
5. Punitive Damages
In some cases, dog bite victims will receive punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are meant to punish the defendant for deliberate disregard for the rights and safety of others and deter future misconduct.
What Damages Am I Entitled To From a Dog Bite In Minnesota?
Dog bite victims can claim compensation for economic and non-economic losses in Minnesota. Here are examples of damages you can recover after a Minnesota dog bite.
Pain and Suffering
Victims can pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering they experience after a dog bite. Our personal injury lawyers will calculate the value of your pain and suffering and claim the maximum amount entitled to you under Minnesota law.
Lost Wages
If you cannot return to work and earn an income due to your dog bite injuries, you may claim lost wages and any loss of future earnings.
Medical Bills
Medical bills are often the most significant financial expense after a dog bite. Minnesota dog bite victims can receive compensation for medical bills, including current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, necessary medical equipment, medication, and more.
Punitive Damages
Another type of damage you may recover is punitive damages, which are punishments ordered by the court for egregious behavior. Some Minnesota dog owners must pay punitive damages for disregarding the victim’s safety.
Understanding Minnesota’s Dog Bite Statute
Minnesota has a strict liability dog bite law, which favors dog bite victims. It covers both bites and other injuries. The law applies not only to the attacking dog’s owner but also to the person who harbors or keeps the dog.
Under the law, an injured person only needs to prove the dog bit them to recover damages, regardless of fault or mental state. They do not need to prove negligence by the dog’s owner or keeper. Even if an owner or keeper tried to keep their dog away from the victim or apologized, they can still be held responsible financially and legally for the injuries their dog caused.
Hire an experienced Minnesota dog bite lawyer to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses. The experienced Minnesota dog bite attorneys and lawyers at Sieben Polk Law Firm bring over 40 years of experience representing victims of dog bites and other animal attacks. Our lawyers have successfully represented and fought for clients in numerous dog bite cases, resulting in large settlements and verdicts.
The most significant issue to most people involved in a personal injury claim is the issue of damages. Obtaining fair and just compensation for injuries you have sustained from a dog bite is our primary concern at Sieben Polk Law Firm.
You Have a Limited Time To Pursue Your Dog Bite Claim
Minnesota law limits how long injury victims have to file a lawsuit and claim compensation for damages. Dog bite victims fall under the same time limits.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for dog bites is generally six years in Minnesota. However, acting swiftly after an injury is essential to preserve evidence, gather essential witness statements, and address other important factors. Schedule a free consultation with our team immediately to ensure you don’t miss crucial deadlines for your dog bite claim.
What To Do After a Dog Bites You
If a dog attacks and you suffer injuries, here are steps you can follow:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
- If possible, identify the dog owner and get contact information.
- File a dog bite report to have official documentation of the incident.
- Take photos and document your injuries throughout treatment.
- Contact a dog bite attorney.
The time following a dog attack can feel overwhelming and confusing for victims. A Eagan dog bite lawyer with Sieben Polk Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and access the necessary care.
Minnesota Dog Bite Lawyer FAQ
How long do I have to seek damages for a dog bite in Minnesota?
You have six years from the date of the dog bite to take legal action and pursue damages in Minnesota.
What are my rights in Minnesota if a dog bites me?
According to Minnesota law, the owner of the dog who bites you is liable for damages and the full amount of your injuries. You can bring a personal injury claim to recover these damages for yourself, your child, or on behalf of a family member who died due to the attack.
How Common Are Dog Bite Injuries in Minnesota?
Around 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog every year in the United States. In Minnesota, children between the ages of five and nine are most at risk for suffering a dog bite.
Established Dog Bite Lawyers: East Metro, St. Paul, Eagan, and All of Minnesota
If you’ve been injured by an animal bite near Eagan, Minnesota, Sieben Polk Law Firm is here to help. Call our Eagan dog bite lawyers today at 651-437-3148 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
