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Can I seek compensation after a dog bite?

On Behalf of | Feb 3, 2023 | Injuries

Dogs can bring tons of positive reactions from strangers. But no matter how adorable and tame they may look, it is still possible for them to inflict harm upon others. And because dog bite injuries are not unheard of, most states have laws that specifically provide how they determine the owner’s liability. Each state may base its decision on several factors.

Who is liable?

According to Minnesota’s law on dog bites, if the dog attacks or injures another person who is peacefully and lawfully where they should be at the time of the attack, the dog’s owner is liable for damages to the injured person for the full amount of the injury sustained. In general, these dog bite laws favor the victim of the attack.

Things to consider when seeking compensation

Dog bites are a serious matter and medical expenses could be costly, especially if your budget does not account for this type of accident. If a dog harms you, these are some of the things you have to consider when seeking compensation:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The type of injury (e.g., a puncture wound on your leg or a laceration on your face)
  • Evidence of emotional damages acquired because of the bite
  • The dog owner’s available assets and whether the owner has an insurance policy or not
  • The period for filing a lawsuit for personal injury, which is six years from when the dog injures you

These are factors to consider when seeking compensation for a dog bite. While Minnesota’s dog bite laws favor the victim, it never hurts to inform yourself of things to consider when making a claim.