Dog Bite Attorneys in Minnesota

Dog bite injuries can be physically and emotionally traumatic, often resulting in significant medical expenses, permanent scarring, and psychological damage. At Trenti Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys help dog bite victims throughout Minnesota secure the compensation they deserve while holding negligent dog owners accountable.

Minnesota Dog Bite Laws

Minnesota has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the nation, providing robust protections for victims:

Strict Liability Statute

Minnesota follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites under Minnesota Statute § 347.22. This means dog owners are automatically liable when their dog injures someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had previously shown aggressive behavior. The victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression.

This strict liability applies when:

The person injured was acting peaceably
The person was in a place they had a legal right to be or was invited
The injury was caused by the dog (not limited to bites – includes knockdowns or injuries from a chase)

Broader Than Just Bites

Minnesota’s law protects victims from all injuries caused by dogs, not just bites. This includes situations where:

A dog jumps on someone causing them to fall
A dog chases a person causing them to injure themselves
A dog scratches someone with their claws

Potential Defenses

While Minnesota’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability, dog owners do have some potential defenses:

Provocation (if the victim teased, tormented, or abused the dog)
Trespassing (if the victim was illegally on private property)
Assumption of risk (in limited circumstances)

These defenses are narrowly interpreted by Minnesota courts, with the burden on the dog owner to prove these circumstances existed.

How We Handle Dog Bite Cases

Our approach to dog bite litigation is comprehensive and victim-focused:

Thorough Investigation: We identify the dog owner, obtain ownership records, research the dog’s history, interview witnesses, and document the scene.
Medical Documentation: We work with medical providers to fully document your injuries, including potential scarring, reconstructive surgery needs, and psychological trauma.
Insurance Identification: We determine all available insurance coverage, including homeowner’s, renter’s, and umbrella policies that may apply.
Comprehensive Damages Assessment: We carefully calculate all aspects of your damages, including future medical needs for scar revision, psychological counseling, and long-term effects.
Child Victim Specialization: We have particular experience representing child victims, who statistically make up the majority of serious dog bite cases and require special legal considerations.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of serious injuries:

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Often requiring stitches and carrying a high risk of infection
Facial Injuries: Potentially resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement
Broken Bones: Particularly in hands and arms used defensively during attacks
Nerve and Tissue Damage: Can cause long-term or permanent loss of function
Infections: Including dangerous conditions like cellulitis, MRSA, and tetanus
Rabies Exposure: Requiring immediate medical intervention
Psychological Trauma: PTSD, cynophobia (fear of dogs), anxiety, and other lasting emotional effects

Children are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries, as their smaller size means attacks often target the face, head, and neck.

Serving Dog Bite Victims Throughout Minnesota

Dog Bite Representation in Duluth

Duluth’s combination of residential neighborhoods and popular tourist areas creates unique circumstances for dog bite incidents. The city’s extensive trail system and parks where dogs are frequently present increase potential interactions between dogs and the public. Our attorneys understand Duluth’s specific animal control ordinances and how they affect liability in dog bite cases. We represent victims throughout the Duluth area, helping them navigate the legal process while they recover from their injuries.

Twin Cities Dog Bite Attorneys

The densely populated Twin Cities area sees a high number of dog bite incidents, often in settings like apartment complexes, dog parks, and public spaces. Minneapolis and St. Paul each have their own specific animal control regulations and dangerous dog ordinances that can impact cases. Our attorneys’ familiarity with Twin Cities communities, particularly North Minneapolis, provides valuable insight when representing dog bite victims in this region. We understand the unique urban factors that affect these cases.

Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyers

Rural areas around Grand Rapids present different dog bite scenarios than urban settings. Working dogs, hunting dogs, and properties with less restrictive containment requirements create unique liability situations. Our attorneys understand the specific challenges of dog bite cases in rural communities, including how different township and county regulations may apply. We provide the same thorough representation to Grand Rapids clients that we’ve delivered to Iron Range residents for decades.

Virginia and Iron Range

With our main office located in Virginia, we’ve been serving Iron Range communities for generations. Our deep roots and connections in the area give us unique insight into local animal control enforcement and how dog bite cases are handled in local courts. From loose dogs in residential neighborhoods to working dogs on rural properties, our experienced team provides personalized representation to our neighbors affected by dog attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Minnesota law say about dog bite liability?

Minnesota follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites under Minnesota Statute § 347.22. This means the dog owner is automatically liable when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had previously shown aggressive behavior. The victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent. This strict liability applies when the person bitten was acting peaceably and was either in a place they had a right to be or was invited by the property owner. The law covers not only bites but also other injuries caused by a dog.

What compensation can dog bite victims recover in Minnesota?

Dog bite victims in Minnesota may recover damages including medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgeries, follow-up care), plastic surgery costs for scarring or disfigurement, lost wages for time missed from work, future medical treatments and rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma (including PTSD, anxiety, or fear of dogs), diminished quality of life, and in the case of children, future impacts of scarring or disfigurement. Minnesota law does not cap the amount of damages recoverable in dog bite cases.

Are there any defenses available to dog owners in bite cases?

While Minnesota’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability, dog owners do have some potential defenses. The primary defense is provocation – if the victim provoked the dog through teasing, tormenting, abusing, or inflicting pain, the owner may not be fully liable. Trespassing can also be a defense if the victim was illegally on private property without permission. Additionally, if the victim was aware of the risk and voluntarily assumed it, this could potentially reduce liability. However, these defenses are narrowly interpreted by Minnesota courts.

What should I do immediately after being bitten by a dog?

Immediately after a dog bite, you should seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor bites, as infections are common. Identify the dog and obtain owner information including name, address, and phone number. Report the incident to local animal control or police. Document the scene and your injuries with photographs. Obtain contact information from any witnesses. Keep all medical records and receipts. Preserve the clothing you were wearing if damaged or bloodied. And contact an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible.

Does homeowner’s or renter’s insurance cover dog bite claims?

Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies in Minnesota do cover dog bite liability. These policies typically provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage. However, some insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds they consider dangerous, require additional coverage for certain breeds, or may exclude dogs with a history of aggression or previous bites. If the dog owner is a tenant, both the landlord’s insurance and the tenant’s renter’s insurance may potentially apply depending on the circumstances.

Contact Our Minnesota Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or your child has been injured by a dog, contact Trenti Law Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (218) 749-1962 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. We serve dog bite victims throughout Minnesota, including Virginia, Hibbing, Duluth, the Twin Cities, and Grand Rapids.

Dog Bites