Dog Bites Attorney Serving Minnesota

Dog bites can be traumatic experiences, often causing physical, emotional, and financial pain. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it's important to consult with an experienced dog bite attorney to advocate for justice and compensation. 

At Gardner Law Office, LLC, we have guided Minnesota residents with dog bite claims since 2002. We can help you build a strong legal case, deal with complicated insurance negotiations, and help you fight for what you deserve.

Located in Fridley, Minnesota, we serve clients in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, St. Cloud, Crookston, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Duluth. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Should You Seek Legal Help For Dog Bites? 

Dog bites can have lasting consequences, ranging from severe injuries like puncture wounds and scarring to chronic infections or emotional trauma. The cost of medical treatments adds up quickly when you consider medical bills, lost wages, and possibly therapy. 

While Minnesota laws protect victims of dog bites, obtaining fair compensation isn't always straightforward. Insurance companies may try to offer you less than what you deserve, arguing that you were partially at fault or minimizing the severity of your injuries.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help simplify the complications so you can focus on healing while we handle your case. 

Minnesota Dog Bite Laws 

Minnesota has specific statutes that make owners liable for their dogs' actions, giving victims legal pathways to recover damages. Under the Minnesota Dog Bite Statute (Minn. Stat. § 347.22), dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs if the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.

This means you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent—if their dog caused the injury, they are generally held responsible. Some important aspects of Minnesota’s dog bite law that you should be aware of include:

• Strict liability: Unlike some states that require proof of negligence, Minnesota holds dog owners accountable regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. 

• Provocation matters: If it can be proven that the victim provoked the dog, compensation may be limited or denied. 

• Off-leash incidents: Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets. If a dog was off-leash in a situation where it wasn’t allowed, the owner may face additional liability. 

• Comparative fault in some cases: Minnesota follows the comparative fault system, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are partially at fault for provoking the encounter or injuring the dog. 

As your legal team, we interpret these laws in the context of your case and advocate for the best possible outcome. This might include reimbursement for medical costs, lost income, emotional distress, pain, suffering, and more.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites 

Dog bites can cause anything from minor scrapes to life-altering injuries. Some of the common types of injuries people suffer from dog bites include:

• Lacerations and puncture wounds: Teeth can puncture deep into skin and muscle, often requiring stitches or surgical treatment. 

• Scarring and permanent disfigurement: Serious bites may leave physical scars, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery or dermatological treatments. 

• Nerve damage: Bites near the hands, arms, or face frequently cause nerve injuries, which can lead to sensory loss, weakness, or paralysis. 

• Rabies and serious infections: Without timely medical care, dog bites can transmit dangerous diseases, including rabies, MRSA, or tetanus. 

• Psychological trauma: Victims of dog attacks often experience anxiety, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially young children. 

How Our Firm Handles Dog Bite Cases 

At Gardner Law Office, LLC, our client-centered approach involves a detailed consultation, where we try to understand the events that led to the attack. Every dog bite case is unique, so our legal strategy is tailored to your needs, injuries, and goals for resolution. Some of the services we offer include:

1. Case evaluation: We will discuss the timeline of the attack, review medical reports, and identify the key facts that strengthen your claim. This assessment forms the basis of our legal strategy. 

2. Identifying liability: We strive to help gather key evidence such as witness statements, medical documentation, and even video footage when available to establish the dog's owner’s responsibility. 

3. Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies often aim to settle dog bite cases as quickly—and cheaply—as possible. We will handle negotiations to pursue a fair settlement that accounts for your current and future expenses. 

4. Litigation (if necessary): If an insurer refuses to offer appropriate compensation, we will take your case to court. With over 20 years of legal experience, we have the knowledge and skills you want on your side. 

We aim to remain transparent throughout every process, keeping you informed so you know what to expect. 

What Compensation Can You Recover? 

Victims of dog attacks in Minnesota may be eligible for several types of compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this could include: 

• Medical bills: Reimbursements for treatments, surgeries, medications, or follow-up care related to the injury. 

• Lost wages: Compensation for any income lost while recovering from injuries. 

• Pain and suffering: Financial consideration for the physical and emotional toll caused by the attack. 

• Rehabilitation: For victims requiring long-term physical or mental therapy. 

• Property damage: If personal belongings such as clothing or other items were damaged during the attack.