Strict Liability (Owners Are Responsible)

Minnesota’s dog bite statute states that owners are always liable for unprovoked bites. In fact, no proof of negligence is required to justify compensation. The only requirements are that:

1. You did not provoke the dog
2. The attack happened somewhere you were allowed to be (i.e., not trespassing)
   

As long as you meet those qualifications, the owner is responsible for your injuries. It’s that simple.

Vaccination Requirements

Minnesota doesn’t have a statewide law requiring rabies shots for dogs, but many cities, like Minneapolis and St. Paul, mandate them for dogs over 4–6 months as part of licensing. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health urges owners to keep dogs vaccinated. An unvaccinated dog’s bite could mean additional liability for the owner.

Dangerous Dog Designation

If a dog has bitten someone before or shown aggression, owners must register it as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous.” They will then have to meet certain requirements, such as keeping the dog in a proper enclosure and putting up warning signs. Failure to comply can increase their responsibility if the dog attacks someone.

Local Leash Laws

Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul require dogs to be leashed in public unless in designated off-leash areas. Violations can strengthen your case if an unleashed dog bites you.

Common Causes of ATV Crashes

What leads to these accidents? Our decades of experience at SiebenCarey reveal a handful of recurring culprits – with many tied to simple negligence.

Puncture Wounds

A dog’s teeth can pierce deep into skin and muscle, leaving painful, infection-prone wounds. These often require stitches, antibiotics, or even surgery if nerves or tendons are damaged.

Broken Bones

Large dogs with strong jaws can break bones, especially in children or the elderly. A bite to the hand, arm, or leg might leave victims with fractures needing surgical pins or months in a cast.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Bites to the face can leave permanent scars or require reconstructive surgery. These visible marks can affect self-esteem and quality of life long after the wound heals.

Infections

Dog mouths carry bacteria like Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga, which can turn a bite into a serious infection. Rabies, though rare in Minnesota, is another risk if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, often necessitating urgent treatment.

Emotional Trauma

The terror of a dog attack can lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in children. Fear of dogs or public spaces can linger, reshaping daily life for years.

These injuries don’t just hurt physically. They bring medical costs, lost work, and emotional strain. At SiebenCarey, we’re dedicated to helping you recover what’s been lost.

1. Get Medical Help Right Away

Check for injuries and call 911 if it’s serious. Even small bites need a doctor’s visit. Infections or rabies risks can hide beneath the surface.

2. Identify the Dog and Owner

Get the owner’s name, address, and the dog’s vaccination status if possible. If the dog was a stray, note where it happened and its description.

3. Notify Authorities

Report the bite to local police or animal control. Their official report will be vital evidence

4. Document Everything

Take photos of your injuries, the bite location, and the dog if it’s safe. Collect witness names and numbers. Their accounts could prove what happened.

5. Don’t Accept Blame

Don’t say “I’m sorry” or accept fault at the scene. Insurance companies might use it against you if you pursue a claim for your dog bite injury.

6. Talk to SiebenCarey

Call us at 1-800-4-RIGHTS as soon as you can. The sooner we start, the easier it will be to build a strong case.

Uncovering the Truth

In many cases, strict liability means the owner’s responsibility is cut and dried. However, they may attempt to argue that the dog was provoked or you were trespassing. Our in-house legal investigators will leave no stone unturned to prove your right to compensation. We can analyze police reports, animal control records, and witness statements to demonstrate the truth of what took place.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements. We push back. Armed with evidence and experience, we negotiate fiercely to secure compensation that reflects your full losses. Our number one concern is recovering your damages fully, not protecting an insurer’s bottom line.

Fighting for You in Court

While most cases settle out of court, we’re always prepared for trial. Our Certified Civil Trial Specialists have a proven record of courtroom wins, ensuring negligent parties can’t dodge accountability.

Meeting You Where You Are

Since 1952, we’ve tailored our approach to every client. If you can’t come to us, we’ll visit you at home, in the hospital, or wherever you’re recovering. We can explain your rights in clear terms, helping you understand what steps to take next.

No-Risk Partnership

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay if we win, and our fees come only from your settlement or award. There’s no upfront cost and no out-of-pocket expenses, so you can focus on healing without financial stress.

Past and Future Medical Costs

From emergency room visits to stitches, antibiotics, or reconstructive surgery, medical bills pile up fast. We fight to recover every dollar spent and every dollar you’ll need for ongoing care, like therapy for nerve damage or infection treatment.

Replacing Your Earnings

If your injuries keep you off work, you shouldn’t lose your livelihood too. We’ll seek compensation for wages missed during recovery plus future income if your injury reduces your ability to earn permanently.

Compensating for Pain and Suffering

The pain of a bite isn’t momentary. It can stretch into weeks or months of discomfort. We pursue compensation that reflects your pain and suffering, acknowledging the toll it takes beyond the doctor’s bill.

Addressing the Mental Toll

An attack can leave scars you can’t see. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common after a dog bite. These emotional wounds deserve recognition, and we’ll ensure they’re included in your claim.

Reclaiming Your Life’s Joy

When injuries stop you from enjoying walks, parks, or time with friends, it’s a real loss. Minnesota’s outdoor lifestyle makes that sting even more. We’ll fight for damages that honor how your attack dimmed that joy.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases of extreme negligence, Minnesota courts may award extra damages to punish and deter similar behavior. For example, if a pet owner lets a dog that was known to be aggressive run free, you could be entitled to punitive damages. We’ll assess if this applies to you.