Minnesota Dog Bite Lawyers

The dog bite personal injury attorneys at Lord & Faris have the experience, dedication and determination to take on the wrong-doers. The lifetime legal experience of 130 years found in our Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota Dog Bite Injury Lawyers represents the courage and commitment you want in your attorneys. Call us immediately at 612-333-LORD.

At Lord & Faris, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota dog bite injury lawyers, we know that dog or other animal bites can be terrifying for children and adults, and can create long-term injuries. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility, because owners are liable for the actions of their animals. There are over 4.5 million dog bites each year in this country, and in 2006, more than 31,000 victims had to have surgery as the result of a dog bite. In 2007, 32 people died as the result of a dog attack. These attacks cost Americans about $1 billion annually.

3 Offices – Free Consultations:

Lord & Faris has 3 conveniently located offices in down towns St. Paul, Minneapolis and Excelsior. Free parking is provided. Lord & Faris have a very experienced staff of dog bite injury lawyers and attorneys, paralegals and medical professionals who work as a team on every case in order to obtain the best settlement or jury verdict you deserve. Our experienced dog bite injury team knows that under Minnesota law, a dog or animal bite can be debilitating and life changing. The owner of the dog can be held financially responsible for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and any permanent or disfiguring injury or death depending on the individual circumstances. The minneapolis personal injury attorney at Lord & Faris will fight to win the fair compensation that you deserve.

What should I know about dog attacks?

Children and joggers have a high risk of encountering a hostile dog. Most victims are attacked by a dog belonging to a family member or friend. Children are often unable to interpret an animal’s behavior and respond appropriately. Small children love to hug dogs, but dogs often view this as a sign of aggression. Also, a dog’s natural instincts are often to show dominance over a child.

Dog Bite Statistics From The U.S. Center For Disease Control:

CDC estimates that there are 3 million to 4.5 million dog bites in the United States each year, and 17 deaths from dog attacks. In 1999, more than 2,500 Minnesotans sought emergency care for dog bites. It is estimated that 50-65 percent of those who are bitten are children and 70% of dog bite fatalities involve children under the age of 10. The highest incidence of dog bites is seen in boys between 6 and 9 years of age. Seventy-seven percent of the bites occur to the child’s face.

Watch Out For Dog Bites Especially When The Weather Is Nice

Children and joggers are especially at risk to encounter a hostile dog. Teach your children to stay away from unfamiliar animals and to be very careful with animals owned by others. We have had cases where children have been bitten by a dog owned by their grandma or another close relative. The problem is that the child thinks the dog loves them like the relative, but if the child is not a regular visitor in the life of the dog, the dog may assume the child is a threat and perhaps may make an unwarranted attack.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Studies show that most bites are from a family dog or those belonging to other family members and friends. In an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Tuesday, April 16, 2002, Dr. Petra Mertens, an animal behaviorist, states that the key to preventing dogs from biting kids is to understand why these animals may feel threatened by children. Dr. Mertens explained that dogs are pack animals and without other dogs around they consider humans their pack. To dogs, the pack has a definite hierarchy. Dogs might think that children, because they are small, occupy lower rungs on the pack hierarchy. Thus, the dogs may think it’s their responsibility to keep kids in line or to remind kids that the dog outranks them – something a dog might do through growling or nipping. Or, dogs may view kids as competition for such resources as food or toys. A dog may bite if a child disturbs it while it is eating. Also, kids are more active and erratic than adults which may make dogs nervous and react viciously.

How Does A Dog Interpret A Hug From A Child?

Dr. Mertens explained that dogs interpret a hug from a child differently than does a human. Rather than seeing it as an affectionate gesture, it can be very threatening to them to have a child reach across and over the animal and then squeeze. This can be interpreted as a child trying to show dominance over the dog.

What Is The Best Behavior For A Child Around A Dog?

Experts suggest that if kids really want to pet a dog, they should get permission from the owner. Then the child should approach the dog slowly on the dog’s side and pet it gently on the chest, neck or behind the ears. NEVER LET A CHILD PUT THEIR FACE UP NEXT TO THE DOG’S FACE.

How do I prevent dog bites?

Children should ALWAYS be supervised around animals. They should never pet a dog (or other animal) without getting permission from the owner. Children (and adults) should approach a new animal slowly on the side, and give the animal a chance to smell them. NEVER LET A CHILD PUT THEIR FACE UP NEXT TO THE DOG’S FACE.

If you think an animal is about to attack, stay still and avoid eye contact. Do not make any sudden movements.

If you live in a neighborhood where an animal lives that appears to be dangerous or threatening, you should do the following:

1. Call the owner and find out more about the animal. Ask the owner to control the animal.
2. If the owner does not cooperate, call the local police and ask for their advice as to what government agency to contact for a complaint.
3. If all else fails, you may need to contact an attorney to assist you.

What do I do after experiencing a dog bite?

1. Identify, and if possible, isolate the dog/animal. If the animal has ID tags, record the information on the tags.
2. Get the name and contact information for the animal’s owner, and any witnesses.
3. Note the location where the attack occurred.
4. Evaluate and clean the wound.
5. If the bite is deep or won’t stop bleeding, go immediately to the emergency room for treatment.
6. Seek medical treatment for the victim from a medical professional
7. Following treatment, call Animal Control and the police in the city where you live to report the event.
8. Photograph all injuries, torn or bloody clothing, or other possible evidence.
9. Do not sign anything, or provide information to insurance companies, adjusters, witnesses, or the animal’s owner until you have talked to an attorney.
10. Talk to a dog bite experienced attorney. Call Lord & Faris to set up an appointment for a free consultation in our Minneapolis, St. Paul or Excelsior offices. It’s important to call as soon as possible so we can properly document the injury. We will hire a trusted investigator to determine if the animal has a prior history of biting, and research whether the owner has taken precautions to prevent such an injury.
11. As injuries heal, the experienced attorneys at Lord & Faris can determine the value of your claim, and get the settlement you deserve.

What legal remedies do I have?

There are two types of claims for dog bite victims. Under Minn. Stat. § 347.22, dog owners are liable for the injuries caused by their dog. This is a strict liability statute, which means that the dog owner is always liable unless the dog was provoked by the victim, or the victim was somewhere they shouldn’t lawfully be.

For dogs and other types of animals, there is also a negligence claim against the owner. An owner who fails to exercise reasonable care in controlling their animal is negligent, and liable for injuries the animal causes. For some cases, punitive damages are also available.

Who pays for my medical bills, missed work, and other expenses?

We will file a claim against a dog (or other animal) owner’s insurance, whether they rent or own their residence. The owner can also be held personally liable.

Beware Of Exotic Pets And Other Wild Animals:

It is not only dogs that are dangerous, but exotic pets and wild animals must be approached with great caution, because they cannot discern who is friendly and who is an enemy. In one case, a client was bitten by an Iguana because she was not aware of their wild tendencies.

How To Control A Dangerous Animal Owned By Another:

If you live in a neighborhood where an animal lives that appears to be dangerous or threatening, you should do the following:

1. Call the owner and find out more about the animal. Ask the owner to control the animal.
2. If the owner is not cooperative, then call the local police and ask for their advice as to what government agency to contact for a complaint.
3. Call the local government agency whose job it is to protect citizens from dangerous animals.
4. If all else fails, you may need to contact an attorney to assist you.

How To Be A Responsible Animal Owner:

Before you purchase a dog or animal, research which pets are appropriate for domestication. If this is your first pet, make sure you buy one that has a reputation for being gentle and easily trained. Getting a puppy is a lot like raising a new baby. They are very dependent on their owner and need lots of attention and care. You must determine that you have sufficient time and discipline to raise an animal. Once you have purchased the little darling, check in with your vet about the availability of training courses so that you can protect your pet by helping them to keep themselves and others safe. In the majority of cases, it is the owner who is lazy or ineffective in making the pet learn how to get along with others and this makes for trouble for the pet and the public.

How To Find The Appropriate Pet Training Program In Your Area:

Dog Training Programs In the Twin Cities: Animal behavior consultations at the U of M Veterinary School. http://www.cvm.umn.edu/vmc/aboutvmc/smallanimalspecialties/abs/index.htm