Dog Bite Lawyer St. Paul, MN

Being bitten by a dog can be a scary, traumatic experience. Many dog bite victims may not realize the extent of their legal rights. In Minnesota, dogs are considered property, so the dog’s owner is liable for any harm the dog causes. A dog bite can cause serious injuries and permanent scarring. You have the right to demand the dog’s owner fully compensate you for all necessary medical care and other damages.

Plaintiffs in a dog bite claim may be unfairly blamed for being bitten. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, let our St. Paul, MN dog bite lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., stand up for your rights and represent you throughout the litigation process. We believe in getting justice for injured victims like you, and you can learn more about your rights in a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Call today!

Our St. Paul Dog Bite Lawyer Protects Your Rights

Most dogs go their entire lives without any incidence of violence or threats – but not all dogs do. A dog bite is a scary, painful experience. Injuries from a dog bite can be serious. The edges of a bite wound are more difficult to suture than other injuries, and the risk of infection is high. Some victims may have permanent nerve and muscle damage, while others have deep scarring or disfigurement. Worst of all, the owner may unfairly blame you for the dog’s attack.

You have the right to sue for damages, including all necessary medical care for the injury. Many victims also suffer deep emotional trauma from the attack and can develop lasting mental health concerns, like phobias or anxiety. Your compensation should cover your mental needs as well as any other losses you incurred. Our experienced lawyer can fight to make sure you recover the maximum damages after a dog attack.

Helping You Heal After Being Attacked By A Dog

Unlike other types of personal injury claims, dog bite cases can get deeply personal and emotional. Hiring our attorney gives you a layer of protection in the legal process. You may know the dog’s owner personally, or they may be a neighbor or member of the community. Our lawyer can handle all communications on your behalf so you can heal in peace.

Our legal team is here to make sure your voice is heard and your needs are covered. We start by investigating the incident and the animal’s history, building a case of negligence against the dog owner. Our personal injury lawyer handles all legal matters needed to advance your claim, including negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company for a fair settlement or arguing your case before a jury.

You Need Help Getting Compensation For A Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, our dog bite attorney can add a layer of protection between you and the dog’s owner. At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., we take your rights seriously and protect them throughout the legal process. You’re entitled to full and fair compensation for your losses; we’re committed to seeing you get it. To learn more about how our St. Paul dog bite lawyer can help you, call us for a free consultation.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites And Their Legal Implications

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on the victim. Understanding the common types of injuries resulting from dog bites and their legal implications is essential for victims seeking compensation and justice. Here, we explore the most frequent injuries caused by dog bites and the legal avenues available to address these incidents.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Puncture Wounds And Lacerations

Dog bites can lead to deep puncture wounds and lacerations from the animal’s sharp teeth, causing significant pain, bleeding, and a heightened risk of infection. Prompt medical attention is essential to properly clean the wounds, prevent infection, and address deep cuts. In some instances, stitches or even surgery may be necessary to close the wounds and encourage proper healing.

Infections

Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, leading to infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, and tetanus. If left untreated, dog bite infections can become severe and may require prompt treatment with antibiotics. In some cases, victims may need hospitalization and extensive medical care to prevent further complications.

Scarring And Disfigurement

Severe dog bites can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially in visible areas such as the face, arms, and legs. Victims may require plastic or reconstructive surgery to repair the damage and improve their appearance. Additionally, psychological support may be necessary to help individuals cope with the emotional and mental impact of the injuries.

Nerve Damage

Dog bites can result in nerve damage, causing loss of sensation, weakness, or even paralysis in the affected area. Recovery from nerve damage can be a lengthy process, often requiring physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function and alleviate symptoms.

Legal Implications Of Dog Bite Injuries

Establishing Liability

When it comes to dog bites, the law varies by location, but there are generally two key ways to establish liability.

Strict Liability: In many places, dog owners are held responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. This means that even if the dog has never shown aggression before, the owner can still be held liable for the injury caused by the bite.

Negligence: In other cases, victims need to prove that the dog owner was negligent. For example, if an owner failed to properly restrain their dog, or allowed it to roam freely, they may be held accountable for the harm caused. Demonstrating negligence may require showing that the dog owner didn’t take the necessary precautions to prevent the incident. On the other hand, if the dog was in a secure area and a ‘beware of dog’ sign was prominently posted, the owner may be able to use that information to lessen their liability.

Filing A Personal Injury Claim

Once liability is established, the next step is to file a personal injury claim.

Compensation: Victims of dog bites have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, helping to determine the appropriate amount of compensation based on the details of your injury and its impact on your life.

Statute of Limitations: Each state has a set period within which you must file your claim, known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation. Our lawyer can guide you through the legal deadlines and make sure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

Gathering Evidence

The success of your claim largely depends on the strength of the evidence you can provide.

Documentation: To build a solid case, you need to gather all relevant evidence, such as medical records, photographs of your injuries, witness statements, and any prior reports of the dog’s aggressive behavior. This documentation can help establish the severity of your injuries and the responsibility of the dog owner.

Expert Testimony: In some cases, it may be necessary to present expert testimony. This could include medical professionals explaining the extent of your injuries or animal behaviorists discussing the dog’s temperament. Expert opinions can help clarify the situation and strengthen your claim.

Negotiating Settlements

Not all dog bite cases go to trial. Many are resolved through out-of-court settlements.

Out-of-Court Settlements: Insurance companies or dog owners may offer a settlement to resolve the case without going to court. Our attorney can handle negotiations, working to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court. In that case, our personal injury lawyer will represent you during the trial, presenting evidence and advocating for the maximum compensation possible.

Understanding the Impact of Dog Bite Injuries and Your Legal Rights

Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional injuries, significantly impacting the victim’s life. Understanding the common injuries from dog bites and their legal implications is essential for victims seeking justice and compensation. Consulting our St. Paul dog bite lawyer can help with understanding the many aspects of personal injury law and dispelling common myths about injury lawyers, so that victims receive the support and compensation they deserve. We are here to help.

St. Paul Dog Bite Infographic

St. Paul Dog Bite Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites. At least half of those bitten are children.

Here are more dog bite facts:

Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact our office to speak with our St. Paul dog attack lawyer to find out what legal recourse you may have.

Dog Bite FAQs

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. Our St. Paul, MN dog bite lawyer specializes in helping victims of dog attacks seek compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, understanding your legal rights and the role of our dog bite attorney is essential. Here are some frequently asked questions about dog bite lawyers.

What Is A Dog Bite Lawyer?

Our dog bite lawyer is a personal injury attorney who focuses on cases involving dog bites and attacks. Our lawyers have experience dealing with the specific laws and regulations governing dog ownership and liability for injuries caused by animals. Our goal is to help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the attack.

When Should I Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer?

You should contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the attack. Even if the injuries seem minor at first, complications like infections or scarring may arise later. Our lawyer can help you manage the legal process, including determining liability and negotiating with insurance companies. Early involvement verifies that evidence is preserved, witness statements are gathered, and all legal deadlines are met.

Who Is Liable For A Dog Bite?

In most cases, the dog’s owner is held liable for a bite or attack. Liability laws vary by state, but many states follow one of two main legal doctrines:

Strict liability: The dog owner is automatically responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or the owner took reasonable precautions.
“One-bite” rule: In some states, the owner is only held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog was likely to bite (e.g., the dog has bitten someone before).

Our dog bite attorney will investigate the circumstances of your case and determine which laws apply in your state.

What Damages Can I Recover In A Dog Bite Case?

The damages you can recover in a dog bite case may include:

Medical expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, medication, and ongoing medical care.
Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injuries or recovery process.
Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the attack, including any long-term effects such as anxiety or PTSD.
Property damage: If personal property, such as clothing or a bicycle, was damaged during the attack, you may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement.

Our injury lawyer will assess your damages and work to help you receive fair compensation.

Dog Bite Glossary

When dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite injury, it’s important to understand the legal terms associated with your case. Whether you are seeking compensation or simply trying to learn more about your rights, our St. Paul, MN dog bite lawyer can guide you through the process. Below, we’ve provided explanations of key legal concepts that may be relevant if you’ve been involved in a dog bite incident.

Strict Liability

Strict liability refers to a legal principle that holds a dog owner automatically responsible if their dog causes injury, regardless of whether the owner was at fault or aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. In Minnesota, this means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is liable even if the dog has never shown previous signs of aggression. This law is designed to protect victims by simplifying the process of seeking compensation. The injured party does not need to prove that the owner was negligent; rather, they only need to show that the bite occurred and resulted in injury. This approach aims to prioritize the safety of the public by holding owners accountable for the actions of their pets.

Premises Liability

Premises liability is a legal concept that may come into play in certain dog bite cases, especially if the incident occurs on someone else’s property. Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. If a person is bitten by a dog on someone’s property, the property owner might be held liable if it can be proven that they allowed a dangerous situation to exist. For example, if the dog was known to be aggressive and the owner failed to secure it properly within the property, they may be responsible for injuries caused. The victim must show that the property owner had prior knowledge of the risk and failed to act to protect others from harm. This concept is particularly relevant in cases where a landlord or property manager allows a tenant to keep a dangerous dog on the premises without taking steps to mitigate the risk.

Assumption Of Risk

Assumption of risk is a legal defense that may be used by a dog owner in certain bite cases. This concept applies when a person knowingly puts themselves in a situation where there is a risk of harm. For example, if someone voluntarily enters a fenced area with a clearly posted warning sign about a dangerous dog, the owner might argue that the injured party assumed the risk of being bitten. In these situations, it can be challenging for the victim to seek compensation, as the defense argues that they were aware of the potential danger but chose to proceed anyway. However, the effectiveness of this defense depends on whether the risk was clearly communicated and understood by the victim. Understanding the elements of assumption of risk is imperative when pursuing a dog bite claim, as it can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

Compensation

Compensation, often referred to as damages, is the financial award granted to a victim to cover losses resulting from an injury. In the context of dog bite cases, compensation can encompass various types of damages, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. In some situations, the court may also award punitive damages if the dog owner’s conduct was particularly reckless or showed a blatant disregard for safety. For instance, if an owner knew their dog was dangerous but took no precautions to prevent an attack, punitive damages might be considered. The goal of compensation is to help the victim recover financially from the impact of the injury.

Litigation

Litigation is the legal process where disputes are resolved in court. In dog bite cases, litigation might become necessary if the responsible party or their insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement. This step typically involves filing a formal lawsuit, gathering evidence, and presenting the case before a judge or jury. During litigation, our dog attack attorney will advocate for the victim’s right to compensation by proving liability and demonstrating the extent of the injuries sustained. While many cases are settled out of court, litigation remains an option if negotiations break down. It can be a lengthy process, but it may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in St. Paul, it’s vital to understand your rights and legal options. At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., we are committed to helping you seek the compensation you need after a dog bite injury. Contact us today for a consultation and let us assist you in protecting your rights.

Legal Guidance After a Dog Attack

Hiring our St. Paul dog bite lawyer is essential so that your case is handled with the skills, compassion, and dedication it deserves. With his extensive experience in personal injury law, Thomas Bennerotte, owner and founding partner of Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., has helped countless personal injury victims across Minnesota secure the compensation they need after an injury. His background, from working as a claims adjuster to founding his own law firm, gives him a unique perspective and skill set to successfully handle the challenges of winning a personal injury lawsuit. If you choose our firm you will receive personalized, attentive legal representation with a dedicated team behind you, making sure your voice is heard and your best interests are always at the forefront. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, reach out to our personal injury team today for the legal advocacy you need to pursue justice.