Minneapolis Dog Bite Lawyers
Fighting for Victims of Severe Dog Bite Injuries
More than 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. A tragic dog bite can happen in seconds. While dogs are naturally unpredictable, pet owners are responsible for controlling their dogs around others. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one suffered severe injuries from a dangerous dog.
Accepting an invitation to a friend’s or neighbor’s house, sharing a dog park, or having any other encounter with a dog should not result in harm. However, the strength of a canine’s teeth can cause severe and sometimes permanent bodily damage.
A Minneapolis dog bite lawyer can help you through this traumatic time. However, the damages you incur are unfair and worthy of a strong fight for justice.
Why Dogs Bite
According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), more than 48 million households in the United States are home to at least one dog. So encountering a dog at some point in your day is a real possibility.
The AVMF lists several contributing causes as to why dogs bite. Pet owners who believe that their dog “would never bite someone” must acknowledge that all dogs can bite when:
- Sick
- Sleepy
- Scared
- Startled
- Injured
- Playing
- Protective.
It is not a dog’s age or breed that determines whether they bite. Instead, the AVMF cites such factors as a dog’s history and behavior as core contributors to biting injuries.
Most dogs are more than pets; to their owners, they are family. But, unfortunately, no matter how cute and cuddly, one of the above reactions can cause a dog to harm others.
Friends and family that invite you to their property must secure their dog. Failure to do so makes them negligent and, therefore, generally liable for any resulting harm.
Dog bites are typically preventable. However, if you or a loved one is currently dealing with the after-effects of a dog bite, such as physical, emotional, and financial harm, a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer can help you.
Dogs are unpredictable. A severe dog bite can leave you with multiple damages. A Minnesota dog bite lawyer can help you fight for compensation and accountability.
The High Cost of Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite can cause extensive physical injuries. In addition, their sharp teeth and strong jaws place victims at risk for tendon, muscle, and bone damage. Of particular concern are the dangerous bacteria within a dog’s mouth. Rabies, Pasteurella, and capnocytophaga are a few conditions that can arise from a dog bite. Exposure to rabies is hazardous and potentially deadly for humans.
Nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims need medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Victims face a risk of infection and possible disfigurement.
A dog bite injury is more than a scratch. Puncture and other severe bite wounds may require:
- Multiple surgeries
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Plastic surgery.
Medical costs can escalate from an extended hospital stay to ongoing outpatient care. Paying for your care can become stressful, even with health insurance. In addition, copays and out-of-pocket expenses are challenging to manage if you cannot work. These and other expenses are not something you should pay. Instead, the responsible pet owner should face accountability for their dog’s harmful actions. Your medical costs are just one example of the damages possible in a personal injury case.
Pain medication can cloud your thoughts as you deal with the aftermath of your dog bite injury. Your vulnerability during this time makes it difficult to make the right decision regarding a settlement offer. If an insurance company offers you one, refer them to your lawyer.
The quick and devastating actions of one dog can forever change your life. But, a Minneapolis dog bite lawyer can fight for the compensation you need now and possibly later, should your condition worsen.
Dog Bites and Rabies
It if important to find out whether a dog has had its rabies vaccination. Record of vaccination is generally available from the dog’s veterinarian.
If the pet owner does not know their dog’s vaccination status, medical treatment may include a series of painful shots for the bite victim. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the dog’s shot record.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), rabies attacks the central nervous system and affects the brain, frequently resulting in death. Therefore, you may want to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one dies from dog bite injuries.
Informing the local police and animal control officer is essential for protecting others. Depending upon city code, animal control may find the pet owner or remove the dog from their care.
Rabies, while somewhat rare, is a tragic outcome of dog bites. Unfortunately, your grief places you in no position to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters. Your attorney can manage your case and update you as needed. Rest is vital for your recovery. Hiring a Minneapolis dog bite attorney can help you rest more easily, knowing someone has your back.
Children and Traumatic Dog Bite Injuries
The innocence and curiosity of young children place them at risk of dog bite injuries. Additionally, their small height places them near a dog’s mouth. Facial and head injuries are common, sometimes requiring surgery. Unfortunately, plastic surgery to repair disfigurement is just one procedure young dog bite victims endure.
Dog bites can cause young children to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reoccurring nightmares, avoidance of all dogs, and behavioral changes are a few examples of PTSD.
If your child suffered a traumatic dog bite due to a negligent pet owner, seek legal help today. While compensation cannot erase what happened, it can serve as financial relief and justice.
The devastating effects of dog bites on children include physical and emotional scarring. A Minneapolis dog bite attorney can help you seek justice for your child’s unfair harm.
Types of Damages Possible for Minnesota Dog Bite Victims
A dog bite can limit or end your career. Medical bills begin arriving soon after your accident. How to pay them can cause you sleepless nights.
The responsible pet owner should pay for your damages. Because of their negligence, you or your loved one suffered painful and costly injuries.
A Minnesota dog bite lawyer helps victims by pursuing compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical costs: hospital and doctor’s fees, lab work, X-rays, tests
- Continuous medical expenses: therapies, medications, and doctor visits
- Lost income: pay missed due to your recovery
- Potential future earnings: income possible if you are unable to return to the same job as before your dog bite injury
- Pain and suffering: the mental anguish relating to the overall impact on your life.
Medical bills start the moment you seek medical attention. Unfortunately, the high cost of medical care can make paying these bills impossible.
An inability to work can leave you feeling depressed and anxious. You may also feel angry and frustrated if you cannot return to a career you once enjoyed.
The financial hardship you experience due to a pet owner’s negligence is not fair, and we want to help you fight for justice. Our free case evaluation is the first step toward holding the pet owner responsible for the damages caused by their dog. Your Minneapolis dog bite lawyer can review your case to identify all of your damages. They will never accept a settlement without your approval.
Deadly Dog Bites
Death from a dog bite is rare but possible. If you lost a close loved one due to a dog bite, either from injury or infection relating to the injury, help is available.
You may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. Minnesota law allows three years to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
A fatal dog bite leaves you in a world of grief. Managing the details of a civil case is the last thing you need. A Minnesota wrongful death attorney will treat you with compassion and care. They will aggressively fight for the compensation you need and the justice your loved one deserves.
Your loss is something money cannot replace. However, a Minneapolis wrongful death lawyer can fight for such damages as the funeral costs and:
- Final medical costs associated with your loved one’s care
- Income damages relating to the loss of spousal income and future earnings
- Loss of possible inheritance for surviving children.
Wrongful death cases also include non-economic damages, like the loss of companionship. This particular type of loss is difficult to assign a dollar value to. However, a lawyer can review your case, identify all your damages, and prepare to fight for fair compensation.
Minnesota wrongful death law is specific as to who may file a lawsuit. You can learn more about whether you qualify and, if so, how to proceed by scheduling a free case consultation today.
Fatal dog bite cases are often newsworthy stories. If you lost a close loved one due to a dangerous dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss.
Choosing the Best Minneapolis Dog Bite Attorney
Skill, experience, and a track record of success make all the difference.
Choosing the right dog bite lawyer is one of your most important decisions. Unfortunately, not all attorneys are created equal. Some have more experience, skill, and determination than others. Attorney Rachel Sperling Leonard and Isaac Tyroler are among the best and the brightest.
Our attorneys are compassionate with clients and understand that many have been through traumatic experiences. At the same time, they are aggressive negotiators and fierce litigators. They take each case personally and focus on getting their clients the justice they deserve.
We have experience going toe-to-toe with insurance companies to negotiate a favorable settlement or litigate a case in front of a judge and jury when necessary. We will not stop until we have achieved the best possible outcome for every client. You can read these testimonials to learn more about what our satisfied clients have to say.
If you want a strong dog bite injury lawyer in your corner, look no further than Rachel Sperling Leonard and Isaac Tyroler. Their experience, skill, and dedication are invaluable for your case.
A dog bite is a serious matter that can significantly impact your life. Do not let the negligent pet owner responsible for your harm go without accountability. Schedule your free case consultation today.
Dog Bite FAQs
Dog bite attorneys in Minneapolis, MN, answer frequently asked questions.
How long does a dog bite case take?
The length of a dog bite case depends on specific details. Most cases settle out of court.
Can I settle with an insurance company without a Minneapolis lawyer?
Accepting a settlement without help from a lawyer places you at risk for accepting less than you deserve. Hiring a Minneapolis dog bite lawyer protects your best interests with insurance companies.
What if the pet owner wants to pay me compensation?
Do not accept a payment offer from the pet owner. Instead, contact a Minneapolis dog bite injury lawyer without delay.
What happens if my case goes to trial?
A Minneapolis lawyer with trial experience is crucial for presenting your case before a judge and jury. Your lawyer can prepare you for the trial experience.
How much does hiring a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer cost?
The good news is that Tyroler Leonard Injury Law works on contingency, which means that we don’t get paid until you get paid. Our legal fees are paid as a settlement agreement or jury award, so if your claim is not successful for some reason, you owe us nothing.
A dog bite is a frightening event that can leave you or your child with severe injuries. It is imperative to seek immediate medical care. Once you have time to recover from the shock, reach out to a Minnesota dog bite attorney for help. It is never too early to schedule a free case consultation regarding possible civil action.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Minnesota
A dog bite injury is a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim and lawsuit is six years under Minnesota law. The law imposes a strict deadline for your pursuit of compensation. If you fail to file your case within the timeline, you generally forfeit your change for civil action.
The statute requirements can vary if the victim is a minor. A Minneapolis dog bite lawyer can determine the correct timeline for your particular case. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible following your dog bite accident is best for protecting your legal rights.
A dog bite is a traumatic event that brings immediate life changes. Your pain or that of a loved one can stop time in its tracks. Unfortunately, you cannot afford to lose track of time with your personal injury case.
Six years sounds like a long time. However, recovering from your injuries, building a case for compensation, and adjusting to your new normal takes time. A Minneapolis dog bite lawyer can ensure you take advantage of your chance to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Negligence: The Core of Minneapolis Dog Bite Cases
The pet owner responsible for your dog bit may be a friend, relative, or neighbor. No matter what the relationship, you may still pursue civil action for your damages.
Proving negligence is at the core of dog bite cases. So while you may feel bad about pursuing legal action against someone you know, you must focus on your damages — not your personal feelings.
To prove negligence, your attorney must prove four elements in your lawsuit. These include:
- Duty
The defendant owed the plaintiff a legal “duty of care” to ensure that an environment or location was safe. - Breach
A plaintiff must show that the defendant breached this duty by doing, or failing to do, something that a reasonable person would have done in a similar situation. - Causation
A plaintiff must show that the defendant’s actions, or inaction, caused the injuries to another person. - Damages
Damages mean a monetary way of compensating a plaintiff for their injuries and property damage.
A Minneapolis dog bite lawyer needs time to build your case. However, the negotiation process and a possible trial are also time-consuming — something you do not need on your shoulders.
Your lawyer knows Minnesota’s personal injury and wrongful death laws. The knowledge that your case is in good hands can help ease your mind as you recover.
While there is nothing quick about the legal process, your lawyer will work hard to secure the best outcome possible. However, do not give in if a property owner, pet owner, or insurance company tries to settle with you before you hire a lawyer. Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible protects you from accepting less than you need and deserve. So, to protect your best interests, reach out today to Tyroler Leonard Injury Law.
Dog Bites are Often Preventable
Pet owners know their dogs better than anyone. The first time a dog shows any aggression is worthy of attention.
Obedience classes and social training only go so far in preventing a dog from biting. The ASPCA lists tools pet owners can use to keep friends and family safe. These tools include:
- Keeping a dog at home and away from crowded events
- Monitoring pets for what triggers their aggression
- Keeping dogs on a leash and within fenced areas
- Obeying local licensing laws and scheduling regular vet checkups.
A dog bite injury case is a form of premises liability. An invitation to visit them makes you assume that their property is safe. However, if they inform you that their dog never bites, do not take that for granted; remember, dogs are unpredictable.
Never admit fault for your dog bite injury. To protect their pet, an owner may blame you for the accident. Instead, seek immediate medical attention and, if possible, secure the contact information for any eyewitnesses.
A visit to a friend’s or family’s house should not result in a painful dog bite. However, if this happened to you or your child, a Minneapolis dog bite lawyer stands ready to help you.
Contact Our Minneapolis Dog Bite Lawyers Today
You may be entitled to financial compensation if you or a loved one suffered a severe dog bite injury. In addition, a negligent dog owner may face liability for your considerable damages.
Dogs can make great pets; however, pet owners are responsible for maintaining control of their four-legged family members around others. In addition, a dog bite affects more than your skin; it can result in sleepless nights and an overall fear of dogs.
Pet owners can try to defend their dog’s actions all they want. However, when it comes to your damages, the pet owner is most likely liable for the harm you suffered.
A free case consultation leaves you with nothing to lose. Your injuries and damages are worthy of compensation. However, pursuing it alone is too stressful for those unfamiliar with Texas civil law.
A skilled and experienced Minneapolis dog bite injury attorney from Tyroler Leonard Injury Law can help you just as they helped past clients. You don’t have to endure this alone. To learn more about how we can help, call us for a free consultation at 651-259-111
Attorney Rachel Sperling Leonard
A partner of Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, Ms. Sperling Leonard practices exclusively in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Specifically, she specializes in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents, dog bites, dog attacks, slip and falls, trip and falls, sexual assaults/abuse and other assaults. Some representative cases of Ms. Sperling Leonard’s in the last few years include: a $1 million settlement for an individual injured in a car crash, a $750,000.00 for a man injured when he slipped and fell, a $455,000.00 settlement for an individual injured after falling, and multiple $250,000.00 settlements for individuals injured in motorcycle and auto accidents, among many others. She frequently turns insurance company denials into fair-value offers.
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