- If a dog attacks a person in Minnesota, the dog’s owner is responsible for all injury-related damages.
- The owner is primarily liable for dog attacks, but a handler or other dog caregiver may also be responsible if they demonstrate negligence.
- To recover damages for a dog attack, you must show evidence of your losses and file a claim within the two-year statute of limitations.
- An attorney can help you calculate injury-related losses, including medical expenses, time off work, and pain and suffering.
What You Need To Know About Minnesota Dog Bite Laws
If you suffered a dog bite in Minnesota, it’s important to understand your legal options and how state laws apply to your case.
Minnesota dog bite laws place full responsibility on the owner for dog bites and attacks. If an unprovoked dog attacks or injures a person on land where the person is allowed, the owner is liable in civil court for all damages related to the injury. This law applies to injuries occurring on public or private land, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
If the dog causes “great or substantial bodily harm” to another person because the owner did not adequately confine it or allowed it to run off-property, the owner may be guilty of a criminal misdemeanor.
Special rules exist for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. A dangerous dog has inflicted significant harm on a person, while a potentially dangerous dog has bitten or chased a person away from the owner’s property.
An experienced Minnesota dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation. This dog bite lawsuit guide, put together by our skilled team of Minnesota personal injury attorneys, walks you through your legal options. Read on to learn how to protect your rights and take the next steps.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
Minnesota law assigns liability to those persons “harboring or keeping a dog” that attacks a human. The dog’s official owner is primarily responsible, but a dog walker or other handler may be liable if they were responsible for the dog at the time.
Negligence plays a big role in who can be held legally responsible. For example, if a dog walker fails to control the dog or does not respond appropriately to signs of aggression, they may be at fault.
In some cases, a property owner may share responsibility in a dog bite case. While dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries, dangerous or poorly maintained property conditions can also contribute to a dog’s aggressive behavior. Consult a personal injury lawyer with dog bite experience for specific advice regarding your case.
How To File a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in Minnesota
Taking the correct steps is essential when filing a dog bite claim in Minnesota. Filing too soon or failing to prepare your case can cost you compensation. Follow the following steps to protect your rights:
- Seek medical attention and document injuries: Your safety comes first. Untreated dog bites may become infected, and you may have injuries that are not immediately apparent. Keep all records of your care in a safe place, as you will likely need them to value your claim.
- Report the dog bite to the local authorities: If you need law enforcement to stop the attack or intervene with the owner, call 911, assuming you have not already done so. If everyone involved is safe, contact your local animal control office to report the incident.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite cases: An experienced dog bite attorney can discuss your case and options for compensation. Avoid speaking to insurance companies or the other party until you have counsel.
- Collect evidence: Take photos of the injury and anything noteworthy at the scene, including the dog. Collect witness statements and any contact information that bystanders are willing to provide.
- File a lawsuit within the statute of limitations: Minnesota allows two years for victims of assault or other personal injury to bring suit against the responsible party.
Missing your filing deadline often means losing your right to sue. Because administrative and logistical delays can slow the process, taking action promptly is important to protect your legal options.
Dog Bite Lawsuit Timeline
Most Minnesota personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite claims, follow a similar legal process. It begins with a consultation, where you and an attorney review and discuss your case, including how to move forward.
Your attorney will investigate the case, identify the parties responsible, and assess your damages. They use this information to put together a demand letter, which they send to the party responsible for your injuries, usually an insurance company or the defendant personally.
If an insurer is involved, settlement negotiations often begin before a lawsuit is filed. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney may move forward with filing your lawsuit. This part of the process can differ slightly if you’re pursuing a claim against an individual rather than an insurer.
If your case goes to trial, both sides will exchange information and evidence. This step can often take several months before the trial begins.
Depending on the circumstances, the process may take several weeks to several years. If the case is straightforward and the defendant is willing to settle, the case may resolve quickly, particularly if the injuries are mild to moderate. Trials typically take much longer, particularly if liability is complicated or evidence is challenging to collect.
Every case is different, however, and an attorney is best qualified to estimate your timeline. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Types of Damages in a Minnesota Dog Bite Lawsuit
Damages in a Minnesota dog bite case depend primarily on your losses as a victim. These typically fall into two categories. The first includes economic damages, which represent expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
In some cases, insurance policies may help to cover damages. Homeowners and renters’ insurance traditionally covers liability expenses for dog bites up to the policy limit, which usually ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. Some companies exclude or charge more for certain breeds or dogs with bite histories.
Speaking with a trusted attorney is the best way to understand potential compensation. Our firm has successfully handled large and small cases and received numerous favorable personal injury settlements and case results for clients across Minnesota. We are committed to helping clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
Medical Costs and Long-Term Care
Dog bite injuries can require extensive treatment and medical support, often years after the injury. Some catastrophic injuries, such as limb loss or traumatic brain injury, can leave a person in need of lifelong care.
A key part of your attorney’s role is determining the value of these injuries. Our dedicated team will examine your medical records to assess your past, present, and future expenses. We have a trusted network of expert witnesses who assist us in this process.
As the plaintiff, you can do your part by documenting ongoing medical costs and needs. This documentation is immensely helpful in keeping track of recovery and assessing damages related to serious illness or long-term injury.
Why Choose Sieben Polk Law for Your Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit?
You deserve an experienced attorney who understands Minnesota dog bite laws when someone else’s dog has attacked you. Sieben Polk has served the people of Minnesota for 50 years, and we have a deep understanding of the legal terrain.
Our team draws on 200 years of combined legal experience. We have successfully handled numerous Minnesota personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, and we are committed to protecting your rights.
Protect your legal rights—contact our lawyers today. Call 651-437-3148 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
