Thousands of Americans sustain dog bites serious enough to require medical attention each year. Over 4 million people, or about 1.5% of the U.S. population, are bitten by dogs each year, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The owner of a dog that bites anyone lawfully visiting the property of the dog owner or in a public place can be held liable for dog bite injuries. While adults are susceptible to being attacked by dogs, often times, children are the victims of dog bites. In fact, children represent more than half of dog bite victims in the U.S.
If you or your child have been attacked by a dog in St.Paul or Minneapolis, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the negligent owner. To learn how our St. Paul dog bite lawyers can help you pursue the payment that you need for your injury-related costs, contact Robert Wilson & Associates today at (612) 334-3444.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog bite, it can be a terrifying experience. Most of the time dogs are friendly and playful, but if they attack, it can result in serious harm. Most of the time, a dog’s aggressive behavior is the result of a negligent owner. If this has happened to you, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to help you with filing a personal injury claim. Having a lawyer will allow you to rest and focus on your health without jeopardizing your claim.
As a dog bite victim, you are entitled to recover compensation for damages such as medical bills, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and lost income from work by filing a lawsuit against the dog owner. A lawyer can ensure you get this compensation by handling your claim from beginning to end. They can investigate the attack to determine how and why it occurred, hire medical experts to testify to the seriousness of your injuries, and gather any other required evidence to prove your side of the story. They can also ensure you fill out all documentation correctly and file it on time. With a lawyer on your side, you are far more likely to receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Robert Wilson & Associates?
For over twenty-five years, the attorney at Robert Wilson & Associates have assisted clients with all aspects of personal injury law, including dog bites. Our law firm consists of five attorneys who are committed to helping Minnesotans who were victims of a serious dog attack in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. We are committed to each and every client, communicating with clients on every aspect of their case to offer personalized attention.
Robert Wilson’s credentials include being a recipient of the Minnesota Law and Politics Rising Star of Minnesota award. He was voted by his peers as a Minnesota Super Lawyer in 2003 and 2004. He also received the Medal of Valor for heroism from the Minneapolis Police Department. He and his team have worked hard to recover millions of dollars for clients, including 6-figure settlements for individual dog bite cases. He is ready to do the same for you.
Minnesota Dog Bite Law
Minnesota’s dog bite law states that a dog bite victim can hold a dog owner liable for injuries caused by the dog if the following occurred:
- The individual was lawfully in the place where they were attacked
- The individual was acting peacefully and not breaking any laws
- The individual did not provoke the dog in any manner
Minnesota dog bite laws are not actually limited to just bites. If you were injured by a dog in any way, such as if it knocked you over, and you meet the above-listed requirements, you should be able to file a claim for compensation. The statute of limitations for filing a claim in the state of Minnesota is two years from the date the incident occurred.
Minnesota Strict Liability Laws
Dog bites often happen because a dog is not properly trained or restrained. Owners are responsible for their pets and their pet’s actions. If they neglect to take reasonable precautions against a dog bite or attack, an owner can be held legally liable for any injuries caused to others.
Minnesota is a “strict liability” state, which means that the dog owner does not necessarily have to be negligent in order to be held financially liable for their pet. Even if the owner had no idea that their dog was aggressive, if their dog attacks someone, they can be held liable as long as the above-listed standards are met.
Strict liability law does not apply if an individual was trespassing when the dog bite happened. An injured person only has a valid claim if they were allowed to be on the property when the dog bite occurred. This means that customers in stores, patrons of restaurants, visitors to public parks, and invited houseguests can all pursue damages if they are attacked by a dog.
Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
The dog bite injury lawyers at Robert Wilson & Associates understand how painful and costly a dog bite can be and we are committed to representing those who have been injured. We are prepared to negotiate a settlement with the animal’s owner or their homeowner’s insurance. If necessary, we are also prepared to take your claim to court. We can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and medical travel costs
- Lost income from missed work
- Cosmetic and restorative surgery
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy expenses
- Other injury-related costs
While adults can suffer serious injuries, children are especially at risk of being bitten or attacked by dogs. Injuries to children are more likely to can be catastrophic, and therefore more expensive.
Contact Us Today
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you need assistance to recover physically as well as emotionally. Our St. Paul personal injury lawyers can help recover compensation and damages for you. We have assisted hundreds of dog bite victims in the St. Paul metro area.
If you or your child has been severely injured by an animal attack, the lawyers at Robert Wilson & Associates are prepared to represent you. To learn more about your legal options, call our dog bite injury attorneys at (612) 334-3444 today.