Eagan Dog Bite Lawyer

The American Animal Hospital Associations (AAHA) states that roughly five million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S. If you suffered from a dog bite in Eagan, you are entitled under the law to seek compensation from the dog owner. Every dog owner has a duty of care to ensure they protect others from their dog, even if their dog seems friendly.

ASK LLP has recovered over $450 million in compensation for thousands of clients over our many years of practice. You can trust us to fight hard on your behalf to get the settlement you deserve. We will dedicate ourselves to your case and put your needs well above our own. Call us today at (877) 746-4275 to learn more about what we can do for you.

The One-Bite Rule

All states used to abide by the one-bite rule. This rule protected dog owners from lawsuits if their dog was not previously violent and it was the first time they had ever bitten another person. This law still applies in a few states, but the vast majority have amended or struck out this law altogether.

In Minnesota, the one-bite rule does not apply as it is a strict liability state for dog bites. The Minnesota Statutes Annotated §347.22 states that all dog owners are liable for the full amount of damages their dog caused in an attack. You should file your claim right away with the assistance of a lawyer.

How Do I Prove My Dog Bite Claim?

To hold the at-fault party liable, you need to prove the following:

• The defendant is the owner of the dog that bit you.
• The bite happened while you were lawfully on private property or on public property.
• The dog’s bite directly caused your injuries and any damages you suffered.

After getting bit, the first thing you need to do is get to safety. Take pictures of your injuries and the dog. If you require any immediate medical attention, call emergency services. You should report the attack to the police or animal control, so a record of the incident gets put on file.

Always retain all bills, receipts, and medical records. If there were any witnesses to what happened, be sure to receive their statements. Never discuss your incident with the insurance companies and never agree to anything without first consulting a lawyer.

The Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites in Eagan

Dog bites in Minnesota have a statute of limitations of two years. Try to file your claim as early as possible to avoid any complications.

Time is not on your side when it comes to recovering a settlement. Taking care of things as early as possible means you can get on the road to recovery faster.

Damages You Can Recover Compensation For

Some of the damages you can get compensated are:

• Medical expenses such as hospital visits, emergency room visits, prescriptions, and psychological services
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Lost wages

Do not underestimate the financial consequences of a dog bite. You might not be able to work due to your injuries, and medical treatment can cost lots of money depending on how badly you were injured. We will help you receive compensation, so you don’t end up paying for damages that were not your fault.

Why Dog Bites Are the Owner’s Fault

Dog bites can happen due to various circumstances. Many consider the breed of the dog to be a strong indicator of biting potential. While there is a large debate on whether breed matters, there are also more widely accepted reasons to consider.

Poor Training

Dogs need to receive training and discipline as much as they need love and affection. Poorly trained dogs often have bad habits such as being overly aggressive, extremely territorial, or a lack of respect for others. This can lead to an increased risk of bites.

Owners are responsible for their pets. They need to train their dogs properly, or they can get held liable for any trouble that may come from their dog.

Abuse or Dogfighting

Dogs that suffer from abuse at the hands of their owners are more prone to biting others. This is out of self-defense and fear. Abusing any animal is a crime, and owners who abuse their dogs run not only the risk of their dogs biting others but jail time as well.

Dogfighting is an inhumane sport that pits dogs specifically trained and bred for bloodlust to fight against each other. Dogs that were formerly part of dogfights need extra care and attention from their owners. Any owner that does not take the extra steps necessary to safeguard their dog from others can be liable if their dog bites another person.

Teasing or Provoking a Dog

Remember, while the owner is responsible for their dog, you must respect dogs as well. Do not unnecessarily taunt, mock, or provoke a dog into attacking you. MSA §347.22 explicitly states that the attack must be unprovoked and that you were acting peacefully in an area you are lawfully allowed to be in.

Do not trespass into an area where dogs may be and respect a dog’s space and his or her right to peace. Breaking any provision of the code means you cannot hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries.

Contact Our Eagan Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Our law firm has recovered more than $450 million on behalf of our clients. We are confident we can help you get the best settlement possible and hold the dog owner accountable for all of the damages you sustained. Call us today for a free consultation at (877) 746-4275.