St. Cloud Dog Bite Lawyer: Nelson Personal Injury Attorneys
Experiencing a dog bite or attack is a traumatic event that can leave you with serious injuries, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress and anxiety. Suppose you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In that case, seeking experienced legal representation is important to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve.
Nelson Personal Injury is a local, family-run law firm that serves dog bite victims in the St. Cloud area. Attorney Matthew Nelson, a second-generation attorney, continues the legacy of providing compassionate and professional legal services. Our firm prides itself on our communication and personal attention to each client. We take the time to truly listen to our clients and understand their problems so that we can help create solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Why Choose Nelson Personal Injury for Your Dog Bite Claim
Choosing the right attorney for your dog bite claim can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why you should choose Nelson Personal Injury:
- Local Expertise: We are deeply rooted in the St. Cloud community and understand the legal landscape and jury pool demographics.
- Personalized Attention: You are not just another case number at Nelson Personal Injury. We provide personalized attention and tailor our services to meet the specifics of your situation.
- Experience and Results: With years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes, our firm has earned a reputation for excellence in personal injury law.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Resourceful and Thorough Investigation: We employ a detailed investigative process, tapping into our network of experts to dissect every component of your case.
We work around your schedule for what is most convenient for you for your initial, free consultation. We are available for weekend or evening consultations by appointment. We are also able to meet you in your home, our office, or by videoconference.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota is a strict liability state regarding dog bites, meaning that a dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. Under Minnesota Statute § 347.22, if a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures a person who is acting peaceably and lawfully in a place where they may rightfully be, the owner of the dog is liable for the full amount of the injury caused.
This law simplifies the process for victims to claim compensation, as victims do not need to prove the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. Our role as your attorneys is to prove the facts of the incident align with the statute’s requirements to establish the owner’s liability, and counter any defenses raised by the insurance company.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, there are immediate steps you should take:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is our top priority. Dog bites can lead to serious infections and require professional medical treatment.
- Report the Incident: File a report with your local animal control or the police. This ensures there is an official record of the incident, and that proof of vaccination records are shown.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, where the incident occurred, and, if possible, the dog. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident.
- Contact Us: As your St. Cloud dog bite attorneys, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
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Compensation You May Be Entitled To
When we help you with your dog bite claim, we do everything in our power to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments related to your injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If the injury has impacted your ability to work, you may be compensated for lost income, including any future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured.
- Property Damage: If the attack damaged personal property, such as clothing or glasses, you may be entitled to reimbursement.
- Psychological Trauma: Compensation for emotional distress and psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Statistics About Dog Bites in the St. Cloud Area
Understanding the scope and impact of dog bites in St. Cloud can highlight the importance of having knowledgeable legal representation. Here are some notable statistics about dog bites:
- Frequency of Incidents: Dog bites are a common issue in St. Cloud, with numerous incidents reported annually.
- Common Injuries: Dog bites can lead to serious injuries such as lacerations, puncture wounds, infections, and scarring.
- Victims: Children are often victims of dog bites due to their smaller size and lack of understanding of how to interact with dogs.
- Severity: Dog bites can result in severe physical and psychological trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Costs: The financial impact of a dog bite can be significant, including medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care costs.
Minnesota’s Dog Bite Statute
Minnesota’s “dog bite” statute applies to more than just bites. It can also cover incidents where a dog causes injury by knocking someone over or causing them to fall. This broad coverage ensures that victims can seek compensation for a wide range of injuries caused by a dog’s actions.
Recovering Damages from Insurance Policies
When you bring a dog bite claim, you typically seek to recover your damages from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies often cover injuries caused by pets, including dog bites. Our firm will handle the insurance negotiations to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
The Role of Provocation and Trespassing
It is important to note that the strict liability law in Minnesota has exceptions. If the dog was provoked, or if the injured person was trespassing or committing another unlawful act, the owner may not be held liable. We will work with you to gather evidence and present a clear picture of the events to counter any claimed defenses of provocation or trespassing by the insurance company.
Children and Dog Bites
Children are often victims of dog bites and may not understand how to interact safely with dogs. In Minnesota, the same liability rules apply when a child is bitten. However, because children are less capable of understanding provocation, courts often view cases involving children with greater sympathy. Our compassionate approach ensures that the youngest victims are treated with care and respect throughout the legal process.
Guiding You Through the Legal Process
When you choose our experienced attorneys for help with your dog bite case, we offer the following guidance and assistance:
Initial Consultation
From your first interaction with us, we focus on listening to your story and understanding the details of your situation. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case with no obligation. This is a chance for us to get to know you, and for you to get to know us. This will allow us to determine if we would be a good fit for your case. This will be a chance for you to ask questions, and discuss any concerns or worries you may have about your case.
If you choose to move forward with representation, we will enter into a contingency fee agreement, that states that we only get paid if we win your case.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Evidence is critical in dog bite claims. We will then carefully gather all relevant information, including medical records, incident reports, and eyewitness testimony accounts.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be an overwhelming task, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re well-versed in the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. We advocate on your behalf to ensure that the compensation you receive is just.
Settlement or Trial
While many dog bite cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This comprehensive preparation often leads to a more favorable settlement for our clients. But if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready and able to represent you in court. We are seasoned trial attorneys with a track record of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases (FAQs)
1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Ensure your safety and the safety of others, seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to local authorities, document your injuries and the scene, gather witness information, and contact an attorney.
2. How does Minnesota’s strict liability law for dog bites work?
Minnesota’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. As long as the victim was acting peaceably and lawfully, and was not trespassing, the owner is liable.
3. Can I recover compensation for psychological trauma after a dog bite?
Yes, you can recover compensation for psychological trauma, including emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD, caused by the dog bite incident.
4. What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
Provocation can be a defense against liability. However, we will gather evidence to demonstrate that you did not provoke the dog and that the owner is responsible for your injuries.
5. What types of compensation can I seek in a dog bite claim?
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and psychological trauma. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
6. How can Nelson Personal Injury help with my dog bite claim?
We provide personalized legal representation, conduct thorough investigations, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our goal is to alleviate the burdens associated with dealing with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in St. Cloud, contact the attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury today. We are committed to helping you through this difficult time with professional and personalized legal representation. Call us or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Commitment to You
At Nelson Personal Injury, we ensure that you are informed and empowered at every step of your case, as we work to secure the compensation you deserve. Trust us to handle the legal burdens, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding. Remember, time may be of the essence. Minnesota has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it’s crucial to act promptly. Let us be your voice and advocate for your rights. Contact us today, and let’s start the journey to your recovery together.