Dog owners in St. Cloud love their pets like a member of the family and would never dream that their dog would harm someone. Sadly, even the most mild-mannered canine can feel threatened, lash out and bite someone, even unprovoked. Dog bites are serious injuries, and a dog bite victim might want to take legal action against the dog owner. In such situations, both parties may want to learn more about liability in dog bite cases.
Responsibility in dog bite cases
Minnesota law favors dog bite victims when it comes to liability. In Minnesota if a dog is unprovoked and bites someone who is being peaceful and is not trespassing, the dog owner is responsible for the injuries caused by their pet. This is known as strict liability. Unlike some other states, Minnesota does not grant dog owners a “one bite” rule. This means the dog owner can be responsible for their pet’s actions even if the dog had not been shown to be vicious in the past.
What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?
If you suffered a dog bite, there are some steps you can take. First, call 911 if your injuries are serious. Even if you do not want to call 911, you should still seek medical care, as dog bite injuries can cause infection, scarring and disfigurement. Dog bite injuries can also be psychologically traumatic, so you may need therapy following a dog bite.
You can report the dog bite to the authorities if you want. Giving the authorities a description of the circumstances surrounding the bite can help. A report to the appropriate authorities can lead to an investigation regarding the dog bite.
Learn more about dog bites
Being bitten by a dog can lead to serious physical injuries and emotional trauma. Dog bite victims will want to make sure they know what to do following a bite. Filing a report and pursuing a personal injury claim based on the dog bite can help a dog bite owner move forward from the incident.
