How A Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Receive Compensation
Everyone knows the common phrase that a dog is considered “man’s best friend.” However, as much as we love our furry companions, we must always be mindful that they are animals, and subject to their instincts. Even the kindest animal can have a bad day, and unfortunately, many dog owners do not take the time to be responsible and train their pets properly. Dog owner negligence is one reason why more than 4 million Americans are bitten by a dog each year. Some dog bites are innocuous and create no serious problems. However, nearly a quarter of dog bites result in hospitalization. In those cases, visiting with a dog bite lawyer can help ensure sure you receive the compensation you deserve under the law. Contact our experienced dog bite lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law at (651) 259-1113. We can help explain your legal rights if you have been the victim of a dog bite attack.
Dog Bite Injuries
Victims of dog bites in Minnesota often have large bills to pay and, too often, the expenses prove more costly than a victim can afford. Data compiled from the American Veterinary Medicine Association determined that there were 367 dog bite claims made in 2019 in the state of Minnesota, and that the total amount paid on these claims was just over $14 million. That means the average compensation for a dog bite claim in Minnesota for 2019 was more than $38,000. That exemplifies a substantial economic impact, even though Minnesota ranked only 39 out of 50 states in the official survey. While these compensation numbers are averages, if you experienced any kind of injury or loss resulting from a dog bite, take the time to visit with a dog bite lawyer to determine if you have the right to receive reimbursement for your medical costs incurred, future medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, property damage, and more.
Minnesota Law and Dog Bite Claims
The dog bite statutes and laws in the state of Minnesota are codified under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 347.01 et al, and demonstrate an intent by legislators to protect the legal rights of dog bite victims. According to Minnesota Statutes section 347.22, dog owners are subject to strict liability standards under the law when their dog bites a person in the state of Minnesota. This means that legally speaking, the responsibility regarding the behavior of a dog is the sole responsibility of the dog’s owner or handler in nearly every case. The only circumstances under which a victim may have any responsibility regarding a dog bite claim would be if they were trespassing illegally on the dog owner’s property or provoked the dog into attacking them. Visiting with an experienced personal injury attorney at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law can work with you to explain your rights under the law and help you obtain the justice you deserve.
Dog Attacks Without Dog Bites
According to the Minnesota Statutes regarding dog attacks, if you suffered injuries or losses resulting from a dog attack, you may have the right to receive compensation, even in circumstances where the dog did not actually bite you. For example, if a dog attacks a victim which results in injuries, the victim may have the legal right to compensation depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
According to one case argued in the Minnesota Court of Appeals, (Morris v. Weatherly (488 N.W.2d 508 (1992), a dog jumped on a postal worker as he was riding a bike on a public path. Even though the dog did not physically touch Morris, the postal carrier’s attempt to retreat from the dog led him to fall off the bicycle and suffer a serious back injury. The dog owner was found legally liable for the attack and the resultant injuries, even though the dog did not specifically bite Morris. The legality of a dog attack without a dog bite can prove more legally complex and challenging to pursue. Learn more about how Minnesota law can help protect your rights after a dog bite attack, or an attack from a dog without a bite by contacting the experienced dog bite lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law.
Types of Compensation Available in Dog Bite Attack Cases
If you experienced any kind of dog bite attack, you likely have substantial medical costs, loss of wages due to an inability to physically work, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and even psychological harm. Many victims of dog bite attacks suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, leading them to have significant challenges throughout their life resulting from their dog bite attack. Every dog bite attack case will have unique facts and circumstances, however, if you suffered economic and non-economic losses, you have a legal right to receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Learn How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation
If you suffered physical or emotional injuries or financial losses after your dog bite attack, you may feel confused and overwhelmed regarding how to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. In some cases, homeowners’ policies will cover dog owners for any type of dog bite attack. In other cases, homeowners’ policies will not cover these types of injuries, and a victim will have to file a lawsuit directly against the dog owner in order to receive reimbursement for their expenses and losses. Insurance companies often use deceptive and unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent a victim from receiving a full and fair settlement for their injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to help you obtain restitution to which you have a legal right to receive under the law. Additionally, if a lawsuit needs to be filed against the dog owner, the dog bite lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law can ensure that you receive strong legal representation to protect your rights. Contact our experienced dog bite lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law at (651) 259-1113 today for a free consultation and to learn how you can receive justice after your dog bite injury or dog attack.
Attorney Isaac Tyroler
Attorney Isaac Tyroler has been a strong advocate for injured people his entire legal career. He has a passion for righting wrongs, and he deeply cares about representing injured clients who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to navigate the legal system. He is compassionate toward clients and aggressive with insurance companies and defendants. He is on the elected Board of Governors of the Minnesota Association of Justice (MAJ), the top personal injury lawyers’ group in Minnesota. And is currently the chair of MAJ’s legislative committee. [ Attorney Bio ]
