Minneapolis Dog Bite Attorneys

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dog attacks can happen for a variety of reasons. However, there are some common culprits.

Neighborhood Encounters

Many attacks occur during routine activities in Minneapolis neighborhoods. Victims are often walking, jogging, or cycling when they encounter unleashed dogs or animals that break free from inadequate restraints. These incidents frequently happen on public sidewalks, in parks, or near homes where dogs are improperly confined.

Delivery and Service Calls

Postal workers, delivery drivers, and service technicians face elevated risks. As evidenced by Minneapolis' ranking among the top cities for mail carrier attacks, delivery personnel regularly encounter aggressive dogs while performing their duties. Property owners have a responsibility to secure their animals when expecting deliveries or service calls.

Social Situations

Attacks often occur during social gatherings where people assume friendly dogs pose no threat. Backyard barbecues or social visits can turn dangerous when dogs become overstimulated or feel their territory is threatened by multiple strangers.

Public Spaces

Despite leash laws, many Minneapolis dog owners allow their pets to roam freely in parks, on trails, or in other public areas. These violations of local ordinances create dangerous situations where victims have no way to avoid aggressive animals.

Private Property Attacks

Some attacks happen when people lawfully enter private property for legitimate purposes. This includes mail delivery, repair services, visiting friends, or even walking past homes where dogs escape through open gates or inadequately secured yards.

No "One Bite" Rule

Unlike many states, Minnesota doesn't require victims to prove the dog had previously bitten someone. Even if it's the animal's first attack, the owner is fully liable for all resulting damages.

Broad Coverage

The law covers not just bites but any injury caused by a dog attack. This includes knockdown injuries, scratches, or trauma from being chased or cornered by an aggressive animal.

Extended Ownership Definition

Liability extends beyond just the legal owner to anyone "harboring or keeping" the dog. This means pet sitters, family members, or friends watching the animal can also be held responsible for damages.

Limited Defenses

Dog owners have very few defenses under Minnesota law. They can only avoid liability if they prove the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing on private property where they had no legal right to be.

Leash Requirements

Minneapolis requires dogs to be leashed or under direct control when in public areas. Violations of leash laws can support negligence claims even in cases where strict liability applies.

Dangerous Dog Designations

Minnesota law allows authorities to designate dogs as "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" based on their behavior. Owners of designated dangerous dogs must follow strict requirements for confinement, insurance, and identification.

Owner Registration and Insurance

Owners of dangerous dogs must register their animals with local authorities and maintain liability insurance. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in criminal charges and strengthen victims' civil cases.

Vaccination Requirements

All dogs in Minnesota must be vaccinated against rabies. Owners who fail to maintain current vaccinations face both criminal penalties and increased civil liability for bite incidents.

Puncture Wounds

Dog teeth create deep, narrow wounds that are difficult to clean and highly susceptible to infection. These injuries often appear minor on the surface but can cause significant damage to underlying tissues, muscles, and nerves.

Crushing Injuries

Large dogs can exert tremendous bite pressure, causing bone fractures and severe tissue damage. Hand and wrist injuries are particularly common as victims instinctively try to protect themselves.

Lacerations

Tearing wounds from dog attacks often require extensive stitching or reconstructive surgery. Facial injuries are especially concerning as they can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Infection

Dog mouths harbor numerous bacteria that can cause serious infections. Even minor bites can develop into life-threatening conditions if not properly treated with antibiotics and ongoing medical care.

Nerve Damage

Deep bites can sever nerves, leading to permanent loss of sensation or mobility in affected areas. Hand and finger injuries frequently result in lasting disability that affects victims' ability to work and perform daily activities.

Psychological Trauma

Dog attacks often cause lasting emotional damage, particularly in children. Victims may develop anxiety, depression, or specific phobias that require ongoing mental health treatment.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Severe dog bites often leave permanent scars that affect victims' self-esteem and quality of life. Reconstructive surgery may improve appearance but rarely eliminates all evidence of the attack. In recent years, thousands of Americans have required plastic surgery to repair dog bite injuries.

Immediate Case Assessment

When you contact our Minneapolis office, we immediately evaluate your situation and advise you on protecting your rights. We understand that dog bite cases have unique time-sensitive elements, and early intervention can significantly impact your case's outcome.

Comprehensive Investigation

Our experienced investigators document every aspect of your attack. We photograph your injuries, gather witness statements, and examine the scene where the incident occurred. If the dog has a history of aggression, we uncover that evidence to strengthen your case.

Medical Coordination

We work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure all injuries are properly documented and treated. This includes not just immediate emergency care but ongoing treatment needs, rehabilitation requirements, and long-term prognosis for your recovery.

Insurance Negotiations

Dog bite claims typically involve homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, which often provide substantial coverage. However, insurance companies routinely try to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries or blaming the victim. Our experienced team knows these tactics and is ready to fight back.

Legal Action (When Necessary)

While many dog bite cases settle through insurance negotiations, we're always prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our trial attorneys have successfully represented numerous dog bite victims before Minneapolis juries and throughout Minnesota's court system.

Owner Responsibility

The dog's owner is primarily liable for all damages resulting from an attack. This includes not only the registered owner but anyone who was caring for or controlling the animal at the time of the incident.

Property Owner Liability

In some cases, property owners who don't own the dog may also bear responsibility. This can occur when landlords allow tenants to keep dangerous animals despite knowing about previous incidents or lease violations.

Third-Party Negligence

Veterinarians, dog walkers, or boarding facilities may be liable if their negligence contributes to an attack. For example, a dog walker who loses control of an aggressive animal or a boarding facility that allows an escape could face liability.

Overcoming Defense Arguments

Insurance companies may claim you provoked the attack or were trespassing. Our legal team knows how to counter these arguments effectively, gathering evidence that proves you were acting peacefully and lawfully at the time of the attack.

Decades of Experience

Since 1952, we've been helping Minnesota injury victims recover fair compensation. Our long history of success includes numerous dog bite cases throughout the Twin Cities and across the state.

Local Knowledge

Our Minneapolis office provides the advantage of local knowledge combined with statewide resources. We understand Twin Cities neighborhoods, local ordinances, and how Minneapolis juries typically respond to dog bite cases.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your claim.

Comprehensive Support

We handle every aspect of your case, from medical coordination to insurance negotiations to trial preparation. Our goal is to remove the legal burden from your shoulders during an already difficult time.

Proven Results

Our attorneys have recovered significant compensation for dog bite victims throughout Minnesota. We have the experience and resources necessary to take on major insurance companies and win.