Every year, more than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs — and Minnesota is no exception. From busy areas like Minneapolis to smaller communities such as Buffalo and St. Cloud, dog attacks can happen in a matter of seconds and leave victims with serious physical and emotional trauma. The aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing, whether the bite occurred on a neighborhood sidewalk or during a visit to a friend’s home.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these attacks can be. Led by experienced personal injury attorney Matthew J. Nelson, our firm has earned a strong reputation for guiding dog bite victims across Minnesota through the legal process with compassion, precision, and results.
With decades of experience and deep roots in Central Minnesota, Nelson Personal Injury is committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable, especially when injuries involve children, disfigurement, or permanent trauma.
One of our recent clients shared:
“Matt and his team are professionals who are truly here for you. Matt took my [dog bite case] on, and kept me updated through the whole process. He fought to get me what I wanted.”
You’re in the right place if you’re searching for a Minneapolis, MN, dog bite injury lawyer.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Their Long-Term Effects
At first glance, a dog bite can seem minor — a scrape or puncture that might not look like a medical emergency. But beneath the surface, these injuries often result in long-lasting harm that can disrupt a person’s health, livelihood, and sense of safety. In our experience at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, the damage from a dog attack goes well beyond the initial wound.
Physical Injuries: More Than Just a Bite
Dog bite wounds vary depending on the breed, bite force, and location of the attack. Victims may suffer:
- Deep puncture wounds that penetrate skin, muscle, and sometimes bone
- Lacerations and tears from shaking or pulling
- Nerve damage that can lead to long-term numbness or weakness
- Crushing injuries to bones and soft tissue
- Infections, including staph, tetanus, and rabies
Minnesota’s healthcare providers report that dog bites often require emergency surgery, skin grafts, or wound debridement. If not properly treated, even a small puncture can lead to life-threatening complications like sepsis or osteomyelitis.
Emotional Trauma: An Invisible but Lasting Injury
The emotional and psychological toll of a dog attack can linger far longer than physical scars. Victims — especially children — may suffer from:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Nightmares and anxiety, especially around dogs
- Social withdrawal or fear of public places
- Depression or behavioral changes
Parents often tell us that their child “just hasn’t been the same” after a traumatic bite, refusing to go outside, struggling in school, or panicking around animals. These are very real consequences, and they deserve serious attention.
Injuries Are Often Worse for Children and the Elderly
Children under age 10 are among the most common victims of dog attacks in Minnesota. Because of their height and size, they are more likely to be bitten in the face, neck, and head — areas that often result in disfigurement, vision problems, or long-term disability. Elderly individuals are also at higher risk of complications like infection, loss of mobility, or hospitalization due to weakened immune systems.
Real Insight from a Minnesota Dog Bite Attorney
Attorney Matthew J. Nelson, who has represented numerous dog bite victims across Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Buffalo, says it best:
“Dog bite injuries are often underestimated. Many of our clients need reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, or long-term psychological counseling. These aren’t just one-time ER visits — they can affect every part of a person’s life.”
Our firm has represented children bitten in local neighborhoods, delivery drivers attacked while working, and seniors knocked down by aggressive dogs. Every case is different, but all deserve the same dedicated legal guidance.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore “Minor” Bites
Even if you think the injury isn’t severe, seeking medical care is essential. Minnesota law requires certain bites to be reported, and untreated wounds can lead to infections, scarring, or nerve issues that surface weeks later. From a legal standpoint, early documentation of injuries, treatment, and pain levels will also strengthen your case should you pursue a claim.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite in Minneapolis, Buffalo, or anywhere in Central Minnesota, understanding the full scope of your injuries is the first step.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Attack in Minnesota
Dog attacks are traumatic, and in the aftermath, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. But the steps you take in the moments and days following the bite can significantly impact your health, recovery, and ability to pursue a legal claim.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we guide dog bite victims across Minnesota—including in Minneapolis, Buffalo, and St. Cloud—through this process with clear, compassionate advice.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if the injury seems minor, you should seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the animal’s mouth. Additionally, deeper wounds can damage nerves, muscles, and tendons, and early treatment can prevent serious complications. Immediate medical care also creates an official record of the incident, which is critical if you need to file a personal injury claim later.
If a child is bitten, take extra precautions. Children may not fully communicate how much pain they’re in or whether they hit their head or were knocked over. Medical professionals can assess for hidden injuries, including those that may not be visible.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If you can do so safely, determine who owns the dog. Ask for the owner’s name, contact information, and proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination status. If you were in a public area, such as a park in Minneapolis or walking near a residential neighborhood in Buffalo look for witnesses or neighbors who may recognize the dog.
Avoid confronting the dog owner aggressively. Gather the facts, take photos of the dog if possible, and document the scene.
Report the Attack to Animal Control or Local Authorities
Minnesota requires dog bites to be reported to local animal control or law enforcement. This helps track dangerous animals and may uncover prior bite incidents that can strengthen your case. In Minneapolis, contact Minneapolis Animal Care & Control. Your local police department or animal control office can assist with attacks in Clearwater or surrounding cities.
Reporting the bite also ensures the dog is monitored for signs of rabies or aggressive behavior. Authorities may quarantine the animal or require the owner to take specific actions, including leashing, fencing, or removing the dog.
Document Everything
Start creating a file of everything related to the incident:
- Photographs of your injuries at different stages
- Photos of the scene where the attack occurred
- Medical records and bills
- A written account of what happened while it’s still fresh
- Contact information for witnesses
The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your case will be, especially if the dog’s owner tries to dispute your claim or the severity of the injuries.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Help
You may be contacted by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company soon after the incident. Be cautious. These adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. They may try to get you to make recorded statements, accept a lowball settlement, or sign a liability waiver. Do not engage in these conversations until you speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we regularly represent clients who are pressured into accepting less than they deserve. Our legal team will protect your rights and handle all communications so you can focus on healing.
Understanding your legal options is just as important as receiving proper medical care. In the next section, we’ll explain how Minnesota’s dog bite laws work—and who may be held responsible for your injuries.
Minnesota Dog Bite Laws: Who’s Liable?
Understanding liability in Minnesota dog bite cases is essential if you’ve been injured. Unlike some states requiring proof of negligence or a history of aggression, Minnesota has a strict liability law that holds dog owners responsible in most situations, regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone.
Minnesota’s Strict Liability Statute
Under Minnesota Statutes § 347.22, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused when:
- The victim was lawfully in the place where the bite occurred (not trespassing), and
- The victim did not provoke the dog
This law applies whether the dog causes injury by biting, knocking someone over, or otherwise attacking them. In other words, if you were walking on a public sidewalk in Minneapolis or visiting a friend’s home in Clearwater and were bitten without provoking the dog, the owner is typically responsible for all damages.
No “One Free Bite” Rule in Minnesota
Unlike states that require proof of prior aggression (commonly called the “one bite rule”), Minnesota law does not give dog owners a free pass. The owner can be held fully liable even if the dog has no history of biting or attacking anyone. This makes it easier for victims to recover compensation without investigating the animal’s past behavior.
What if the Dog’s Owner Blames You?
Dog owners often try to shift the blame to avoid responsibility. They may argue that the victim:
- Trespassed on private property
- Teased or provoked the dog
- Ignored warning signs or fences
These defenses can reduce or eliminate compensation but are often unfounded or exaggerated. For example, if a child wanders into a neighbor’s front yard and is bitten, courts will not hold the child liable, even if the dog was leashed.
If there’s any dispute over what happened, it’s essential to speak with an attorney like Matthew J. Nelson, who has extensive experience gathering witness statements, obtaining surveillance footage, and working with local authorities to build a solid liability case.
What About Landlords or Property Owners?
Sometimes, a landlord or property owner may also share responsibility, especially if they were harboring or keeping the dog. These situations are more complex and require an attorney who understands Minnesota premises liability laws in addition to dog bite statutes.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we’ve successfully handled cases involving dog owners and property owners, ensuring that all negligent parties are held accountable.
When and Why You Should Hire Nelson Personal Injury as Your Dog Bite Lawyer in Minnesota
After a dog attack, many victims wonder whether they truly need legal help, especially if the dog’s owner is someone they know or if the injuries appear minor at first. But in our experience at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, waiting too long to speak with a lawyer can result in lost compensation, unnecessary stress, and long-term financial consequences.
Whether the attack occurred in a Minneapolis suburb, in Buffalo, or elsewhere in central Minnesota, the smartest first move is to call a Minnesota dog bite lawyer who understands the law and your local community.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Most dog bite injury claims in Minnesota are paid out through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. While this might seem straightforward, insurance companies are highly skilled at protecting their bottom line, not your recovery. Victims are often pressured to:
- Accept low settlement offers that barely cover ER bills
- Sign away their right to future compensation
- Downplay psychological trauma or disfigurement
- Provide recorded statements that are used to deny the claim
Attorney Matthew J. Nelson has handled hundreds of injury cases across the state and routinely deals with insurers that try to minimize payouts:
“We often see insurance companies undervalue dog bite claims, especially when there’s emotional trauma or future medical care involved, like scar revision surgeries. We must push back with facts, medical evidence, and legal strength to ensure our clients are taken seriously.”
You May Be Entitled to More Than You Think
A successful dog bite claim can cover more than your emergency room bill. Victims may recover damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Pain and suffering
- Future surgeries or mental health care
Children attacked by dogs may need therapy for years. Adults may live with visible scars that affect their confidence and ability to work. We help our clients document these damages clearly so insurers—and juries, if necessary—understand the true scope of what was lost.
Local Knowledge Matters
We Represent Dog Bite Victims—Not Insurance Companies
At our firm, we never represent insurance carriers or corporations. Our focus is entirely on helping people who’ve been injured and need someone in their corner. When you contact us after a dog bite, we’ll listen to your story, review the facts, and explain your legal options in plain language, without pressure or upfront cost.
Why Choose Nelson Personal Injury, LLC for Your Dog Bite Claim
Not all personal injury law firms are the same, and when you’re dealing with something as serious as a dog bite, who you choose to represent you truly matters. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we’ve built our reputation on delivering personal, focused legal representation to injured clients across Minnesota, from Minneapolis to Buffalo, St. Cloud, and beyond.
Decades of Local Experience You Can Trust
Led by attorney Matthew J. Nelson, our firm brings nearly 20 years of dedicated personal injury experience to every case. We know how Minnesota’s dog bite laws are applied in real-world cases, and we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these attacks can be, especially when the victim is a child or senior. Matt’s background includes successfully recovering compensation for dog bite victims facing extensive medical treatment, scarring, and psychological trauma.
“Dog bite victims deserve more than a settlement offer—they deserve justice, support, and peace of mind. That’s what we fight for.” — Matt Nelson
Our firm’s track record of results, local involvement, and personal approach sets us apart from larger, impersonal firms. We limit our caseload to provide each client with direct communication, compassionate guidance, and tenacious representation.
What Our Clients Say
Real people, real stories. Here’s what one Minnesota family had to say after a serious dog bite incident:
“Nelson Personal Injury helped me with a dog bite for my son. Matt Nelson listened to my concerns and kept me informed on what the next step would be every step of the way. He was easy to talk to and explained things I didn’t understand without fluster. He asked me what my expectation was and delivered exceptionally and exceeded my expectations.”
This level of care and experience is why residents searching for a Minnesota dog bite lawyer or Buffalo dog bite attorney trust our firm to handle their most personal and painful legal matters.
Local Resource Guide: What to Do and Who to Call After a Dog Bite in Minnesota
Knowing where to turn for immediate help can make all the difference when a dog bite occurs. In addition to contacting an experienced Minnesota dog bite lawyer, reporting the incident to the proper local agencies and seeking medical care from trusted providers is essential. This guide provides quick-access resources for Minneapolis and St. Cloud residents and the surrounding areas we serve.
Minneapolis Resources
Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC)
Report dog bites, track potentially dangerous animals, and request animal control investigations.
Phone: 311 or (612) 673-6222
Website: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/animals-pets/
Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC)
Emergency care for animal bites and trauma
701 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 873-3000
Website: https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org
Clearwater and Wright County Resources
Wright County Animal Control
Handles animal bite reports and stray or dangerous dog issues
Phone: (763) 684-8643
CentraCare – Monticello
Local hospital near Clearwater offering urgent care and wound treatment
1013 Hart Blvd, Monticello, MN 55362
Phone: (763) 295-2945
General Medical and Legal Steps
- Always document injuries with photographs
- Save hospital discharge papers and medication records
- Keep a written journal of symptoms, pain, and recovery timeline
- Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC for a free consultation to understand your rights and options
We have long-standing connections in these communities and can help you coordinate legal representation and access to reliable care and support. Our experience across St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Buffalo, and beyond means we know how to act fast when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Dog Bite Lawsuits
Most people have urgent questions after a dog bite, and unfortunately, the answers are not always clear without legal guidance. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we’ve helped countless families across Minnesota, including Minneapolis, Buffalo, and St. Cloud, understand their rights and take action. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients after a dog attack.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Dog Bite?
In most Minnesota dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may cover an initial amount of medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Then, your bills will be covered by your health insurance. Later, we will seek to recover all lost amounts from the dog owner’s insurance company. However, insurance companies often delay, deny, or underpay these claims. That’s why hiring a Minnesota dog bite lawyer ensures you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Minnesota?
Minnesota generally has a six-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. Every case is unique, however, and you should consult with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible so that your rights are protected. However, the sooner you act, the better. Evidence like photographs, medical records, and witness testimony is easier to collect quickly after the incident. The timeline may be extended in cases involving minors, but it’s still best to consult an attorney early.
What If the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?
You can still file a claim. Minnesota’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for bites and attacks regardless of the animal’s history. There’s no “one free bite” rule here—owners are liable even if their dog has never shown aggression before.
Can I Sue a Friend or Neighbor If Their Dog Bit Me?
Yes—but that doesn’t mean you’re attacking them personally. In most cases, the claim is paid by their insurance company, not out of their pocket. Many of our clients are bitten by dogs owned by someone they know. We approach these cases with sensitivity and care to preserve relationships while protecting your rights.
What If My Child Was Bitten?
Children are among the most common and vulnerable dog bite victims. Minnesota law strongly protects injured minors, and damages may include long-term medical care, counseling, and compensation for pain and suffering.
If your child was bitten in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, or anywhere in the state, we encourage you to speak with Matthew J. Nelson as soon as possible. We will guide you through the legal process with compassion and clarity.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Insurance Company Already Offered Me Money?
In almost every case, yes. Initial settlement offers are often far below what your case is truly worth. They typically don’t account for long-term treatment, emotional trauma, or future surgeries. An experienced Minnesota dog bite attorney can accurately assess the full value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.
Areas We Serve
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we proudly represent dog bite victims across Minnesota. With a centrally located office and deep ties to the region, we understand the unique legal and medical challenges faced by individuals in both urban and rural communities. Whether you were attacked by a dog in your neighborhood, at a local park, or while visiting a friend’s home, we’re here to help.
We provide legal support to clients in:
- Minneapolis
- Clearwater
- St. Cloud
- Sartell
- Waite Park
- Monticello
- Buffalo
- Albany
- Little Falls
- Cold Spring
- Annandale
- Brainerd
We represent clients throughout the state of Minnesota.
Contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, for Help with Your Dog Bite Claim
Our team, led by attorney Matthew J. Nelson, is familiar with each area’s local courts, community resources, and insurance practices. That local insight allows us to act quickly and effectively on your behalf, whether negotiating a fair settlement or preparing your case for trial.
If you were injured in a dog attack anywhere in Central Minnesota, do not wait to seek help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted Minnesota dog bite lawyer who knows your rights and the community.
