*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
A experienced Minneapolis dog bite lawyer at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team knows that a person who has suffered a dog-bite injury, or has been injured as the result of being attacked by a dog, has the right to collect damages from the owner of the dog under Minnesota’s Dog Bite law which provides that the owner is legally responsible for the injuries caused by the dog.
Dog bites are a significant concern in Minnesota, reflecting national trends. Annually, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States, with about 800,000 requiring medical attention. In Minnesota, residents report an average of 370 dog bites each year. The average cost of medical treatment and related expenses for these incidents is just over $32,000, amounting to nearly $12 million in insurance claims annually. Children, especially those aged 5 to 9, are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant portion of these injuries.
Many elements affect a dog’s likelihood of biting. When frightened, cornered, or surprised, dogs could respond aggressively. Particularly in cases when a dog sees someone as a threat to its owner, pups, or territory, protective instincts are often involved. Particularly in novel circumstances, lack of socializing might lead to erratic conduct. Defensive aggression might also be brought on by physical suffering, disease, or injury.
Some settings raise a dog bite danger. Parks, walking paths, and neighborhoods with lots of pedestrian activity—high traffic areas—often experience more instances. Aggressive behaviors may arise in homes where dogs have received minimal training or punishment.
While dogs are known as loyal and loving companions, certain circumstances can lead to bites and aggressive behavior. Some of the most common causes of dog bites include:
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, varying in severity:
The severity of a dog bite depends on the force of the bite, the location of the injury, and the dog’s breed and size. Though at first they may not seem serious, little puncture wounds can cause nerve damage or infections. Especially if the face or hands are involved, deep lacerations sometimes call for either sutures or reconstructive surgery. Large or strong breeds applying great pressure can cause fractures and crush injuries.
A big issue is infections since dog mouth germs can reach the circulation and cause major problems. Though rare, a bitten unvaccinated animal still carries some danger for rabies.
Immediate steps following a dog bite are crucial for health and legal reasons:
In Minnesota, liability for dog bites primarily falls on the dog’s owner. The state operates under a “strict liability” statute, meaning owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggression. This includes injuries from bites and other actions, such as a dog knocking someone over. However, if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog, the owner’s liability may be mitigated.
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit—including those involving dog bites—usually runs six years from the date of the incident. This implies victims have up to six years to start legal processes. Still, responding fast helps to preserve evidence and witness testimony.
Victims of dog bites in Minnesota may be entitled to various forms of compensation:
Engaging a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer offers several advantages:
Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can lead to significant financial burdens. Medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term treatment costs can quickly add up. In Minnesota, strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for injuries their pets cause, even if the animal has never displayed aggression before. Many cases involve homeowners or renter’s insurance claims, but coverage may vary depending on the breed of the dog and the circumstances of the bite.
Victims may pursue compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other related damages. Lawsuits can become complex when multiple parties are involved, such as landlords, pet sitters, or businesses that allow dogs on their premises. Pursuing legal guidance ensures a clear understanding of available legal options and the best path forward for recovery.
Our Minneapolis dog bite lawyers are ready to assist you or a loved one who suffered a dog bite in Minnetonka or the nearby areas. Having more than thirty years of personal injury law experience, our team is committed to providing compassionate, personal legal help.
The dog bite victim doesn’t have to prove the dog owner’s negligence to collect on the part of the dog owner. Under Minnesota law, the dog’s owner is “strictly liable”. That means that the owner is legally responsible for paying monetary damages to the victim of a dog bite or other injuries caused by a dog attack without the need to prove fault or negligence on the part of the owner. The only defense available is that the dog was provoked by the victim.
The owner is liable even if the dog simply knocks the person down and causes injury such as broken bones, head injuries or other injuries. Damages in dog bite cases are usually covered by homeowner insurance of the dog owner.
Animal attack injury victims who have suffered injury by animals other than dogs, whether horses, cattle, hogs, or otherwise, also have rights under Minnesota law to collect damages for their injuries in the event that negligence can be proven on the part of the animal’s owner.
Schmidt & Salita Law Team can provide an experienced Minnesota dog bite and animal attorney in the Minneapolis metro area in Minnesota who will provide a free case evaluation.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team can also put you in touch with an experienced lawyer for other animal attack claims in Minnesota as well.
If you have a potential dog bite case, call the Schmidt & Salita Law Team for a free case evaluation with a Minnesota dog bite attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis and provide free consultations. Get in touch right now to go over your case and investigate your legal choices.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
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Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
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When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
