If you are a Minnesota resident who was recently injured by a dog bite, hiring the lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury to represent you for your dog bite injury can help ensure that you receive proper compensation for medical bills and other damages resulting from the attack or injury. With extensive experience handling these types of cases, we will provide experienced legal representation and fight for justice on your behalf.
What Is a Dog Bite Lawyer?
A dog bite lawyer is a personal injury attorney who is experienced in representing clients injured by a dog bite. Dog bites can result in serious physical and emotional injuries, so it’s important to hire an experienced lawyer who is well-versed in handling these types of cases.
A competent dog bite lawyer will have extensive knowledge of personal injury law, as well as understand the complexities of Minnesota laws regarding dog bites and injuries. A good dog bite lawyer will also have familiarity with defenses raised by insurance companies and understand how to attack and overcome such defenses.
Dog bite attorneys provide personalized representation tailored to your specific needs, as well as offer advice on how best to proceed during each step of the process from setting up the claim, filing paperwork, negotiating settlements, to appearing in court if necessary.
Additionally, they will:
- Help you to understand the legal process and Minnesota law regarding dog bites;
- Accurately assess damages;
- Ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered and preserved;
- Deal with and negotiate with the insurance company;
- Improve the likelihood of succeeding at trial;
The Importance of Hiring Nelson Personal Injury as Your Dog Bite Lawyer
When it comes to seeking legal representation for a dog bite, experience and expertise are essential. The lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury have both of these essentials covered.
Our lawyers are highly knowledgeable of Minnesota’s dog bite laws and have successfully helped countless clients who were attacked or injured by a dog. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be an emotional time for victims and their families, which is why we provide compassionate representation throughout the entire claims process.
What’s more, our track record speaks for itself. Over the years, our firm has been involved in successful outcomes in countless cases involving dog bites. From negotiating settlements on behalf of our clients to taking cases all the way to trial, we strive to ensure that justice is served, and victims receive maximum compensation for their injuries. Our team will utilize every tactic available – from researching applicable legal precedents to collecting testimony from witnesses – to build a strong case on your behalf.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation after being bitten by a dog. Minnesota law explicitly protects victims of dog bits, and we are devoted to making sure those who have been attacked or injured by a dog are provided with quality representation to obtain the justice they deserve. As your dog bite lawyers, we will:
- Treat you fairly, and with the utmost of respect;
- Provide you with comprehensive legal counsel that is specific to the unique circumstances of your case;
- Advise you on how best to proceed with a claim against the owner of the dog;
- Negotiate settlements with insurance companies so that you receive fair compensation for your losses due to the negligence or recklessness of another party;
- If the insurance company is unwilling to pay you what is fair and reasonable, start a lawsuit and represent you all the way through trial.
We will make sure your rights are protected throughout this process so that you collect the compensation you deserve after a dog bite.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Dog Bite Case in Minnesota
In Minnesota, victims of dog bites may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, the cost of future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, as well damages associated with permanent disfigurement.
The most common types of damages are as follows:
- Medical Expenses and Lost Wages. This includes any hospital bills, medications prescribed due to the injury, physical therapy costs, or other related medical expenses such as surgery. Additionally, if you lost wages because of your inability to work, these losses are also recoverable.
- Pain and Suffering Damages. Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate individuals who have been injured by another’s negligence for the emotional distress associated with being injured. This includes compensation for things like fear of dogs after being bitten and the physical pain endured during recovery time. The amount awarded will depend on how severe your injury was, as well as how it will impact your life going forward.
- Disfigurement Damages. Dog bites often leave scars and permanent disfigurement. A victim of a dog bite has the right to get compensated for the permanent disfigurement resulting from the dog bite. Insurance companies and juries often vary the amount of compensation for disfigurement depending on factors such as the size and location of the disfigurement, the age of the person, and the gender of the person.
FAQs About Dog Bites in Minnesota
Can you sue for a dog bite in MN?
Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in Minnesota. Minnesota is what we call a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. What that means is that as long as you can prove that you were in a place you were legally allowed to be, and you were not provoking the dog, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the victim if their dog has attacked or injured them. To successfully pursue a case, it is recommended to seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney, who will help you build your case.
What is Section 347.22 of the Minnesota statutes?
Section 347.22 of the Minnesota statutes sets forth the strict liability standard for owners of dogs.
How do you negotiate a dog bite claim?
Successfully negotiating a dog bite claim requires in-depth knowledge of Minnesota dog bite law, as well as defenses commonly raised by insurance companies. These defenses include trespassing and the provocation defense. It also involves the lawyer’s ability to investigate the case, build up the damages portion of the case, and present a compelling demand to the insurance company. With proper legal counsel and knowledgeable representation, negotiating a successful resolution can be achieved without having to go through the long and drawn out process of litigation.
Does Minnesota have a one bite law?
No, Minnesota does not have a one bite law. In Minnesota, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog attacks or injures someone. Strict liability applies whether it is the first bite or if there have been multiple prior bites.
What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, an individual must initiate a lawsuit within a certain time period after the incident occurs. Failing to abide by a statute of limitation will mean that your claim is forever barred. What exact statute of limitations period applies for a dog bite will depend on the exact theory of liability presented. Some limitations periods are shorter than others. Because of this, it is important that you consult with an experienced Minnesota dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the dog bite incident so that your rights are protected.
Conclusion
Given the potential severity of a dog bite, it is essential to understand your legal rights and seek professional help from an experienced Minnesota-based dog bite lawyer. At Nelson Personal Injury, we pride ourselves on our experience and knowledge in representing victims of dog bites throughout the state. We understand the challenges our clients face and will make every effort to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained from the attack.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide legal assistance and guidance through this difficult time.
