What should you do when a dog bites or attacks you or someone you love? In Minnesota, the dog owner is liable for unprovoked dog attacks, but their insurance company will try to get out of paying fully for your medical expenses, ongoing care, and pain and suffering. Trust the reputable lawyers at Hazelton Law Firm to take your case and get you the compensation you are entitled to.
Dogs are usually very loyal, dependable, and disciplined, though there are occasions where a dog might attack or bite someone unprovoked. In Minnesota if a dog causes an injury to a person who is in a place where they are lawfully entitled to be and the person did not provoke the dog, the owner is responsible for all harm caused by the dog. It does not matter if the dog has attacked anyone before.
Aggressive behaviors can arise from various situations including territorial dispositions, responses to fear, or an inclination towards dominance. And in today’s world, some dogs are actually bred and trained to attack. Dog owners should have their dog trained at an early age to prevent violent behavior, but basic animal instincts occasionally do arise.
While any breed or size of dog is capable of biting or attacking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged the more aggressive breeds which are more likely to bite.
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Huskies
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Saint Bernards
Key Information to Collect after a Dog Bite
While Minnesota law allows six years for the victim of a dog attack case to file a lawsuit, it is strongly advised that the victim retain a lawyer as soon as possible while the facts and wounds are still fresh.
In the unfortunate occurrence of a dog attack, there is some important information that you will have to collect in order for our lawyers to present your case completely:
- Identify the animal: Color, breed, size, markings and if possible name. If you have a cell phone with a camera, take a picture of the dog.
- If you can, get the license number from the owner.
- Take pictures of the wounds, bruises, and scratches as well as pictures of torn or bloody clothes.
- Do not allow the owner of the dog to take pictures of your wounds.
- Ask witnesses for their phone numbers and addresses.
- Immediately seek medical attention, and demand that a plastic surgeon repair any wounds on the face or neck.
- After-care is very important in the healing process, as well as helping prove your case for ongoing treatments if necessary.
- Contact Hazelton Law Firm as soon as possible. Retaining a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you are provided with the compensation you deserve from the owner’s insurance company.
- You will also need to collect information from the dog owner for insurance purposes including the name of their insurance company, address, phone number, and the name of the person who is insured.
- If you do speak with the dog owner’s insurance company, do not allow the conversation to be taped and do not discuss any aspect of the incident, or accept any type of payment until you have consulted with our attorneys.
Our Lawyers can Help you with Your Dog Attack Case
If you or someone close to you has been attacked or bitten by a dog, contact Hazelton Law Firm for a complementary review of your case. Our attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get the treatment that you need.