Minn. Stat. Ann. sec. 347.22: Damages, owner liable.

If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the person may lawfully be, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the person so attacked or injured to the full amount of the injury sustained. The term “owner” includes any person harboring or keeping a dog but the owner shall be primarily liable. The term “dog” includes both male and female of the canine species.

The ramifications of this statute:

• not only is the owner of a dog liable — the vet, groomer, or dog-walker can be classified as keepers and as such assume responsibility and liability
• liability is absolute, no comparative fault permitted
• affirmative defense not allowed (no justification, no excuses)
• it is irrelevant whether the dog owner used reasonable care
• it is irrelevant whether the dog exhibited good behavior in the past
• it covers bites and other injuries

Minnesota Dog Bite Attorney

With a dog bite or dog attack, legal recovery starts with identifying the dog owner. The next step is contacting an experienced Minnesota Dog Bite Attorney so that evidence can be gathered, witnesses interviewed, and your rights defended. Our partners are experts at personal injury law. We will work to ensure you receive full compensation for your dog bite injuries. Call 612-362-0000 or submit our contact form.

Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Presa Canario breeds of dogs are guilty of more than their share of the dog bites, dog attacks, and resultant injuries, according to a study by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animal People. These three breeds are responsible for:

• 82% of attacks on adults
• 74% of dog bites / attacks
• 68% of attacks on children
• 68% of maimings from dog bites / dog attacks
• 65% of deaths from dog bites / dog attacks

More alarming statistics:

• 77% of dog bites are from the family dog or a friend’s dog
• 61% of the dog bites / attacks happen at home or a familiar place
• 77% of the injuries to children are facial injuries
• 67% of fatal dog bite / attack cases it was the first time that the dog had ever bitten or attacked anyone

The number of dog bite fatalities is on the rise. In the 1990s, the average number of deaths from dog bites was 17 per year. In 2007, there were 33 deaths.

Cost of Dog Bites: Emotional and Financial

The cost of a dog bite on one’s psyche is a very real issue. A dog bite is a traumatic, paralyzing event in the life of the victim. It is so difficult to get past the fear. Sometimes there is a stigma because you don’t like dogs and people think you are cruel or uncaring.

The costs are more than just emotional. Every year dog attack victims in the United States suffer more than $1 billion in losses. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites cost insurers more than $350 million in 2007.

If you are suffering financial losses and haggling with insurance companies for coverage of an unprovoked dog bite injury, call 612-362-0000 today. We will take the burden from you and fight for justice and compensation. Our personal injury lawyers and attorneys are skilled, seasoned litigators, and they have been named Super Lawyers many times. Submit our free consultation form and let us get to work on your behalf.

Here is a list of the Top Ten Dogs that Bite. It was originally compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society.

1. Pit Bulls – they are considered fearless, extremely aggressive, they will clamp their jaws and hold on until the victim dies
2. Rottweilers – they have strong territorial instincts (this makes them good guard dogs) and they are very aggressive
3. German Shepherds – they are considered fearless, intelligent, and alert
4. Huskies – high energy and intelligent, with a deadly bite (6% of all dog bite fatalities were bitten by an Alaskan Husky)
5. Alaskan Malamutes – very active, destructive
6. Doberman Pinschers – aggressive and territorial, alert, and intelligent
7. Chow-Chow – aggressive and aloof
8. Presa Canario – fearless and powerful body and jaws
9. Boxer – smart and energetic
10. Dalmatian -aggressive, protective, intelligent

If you have one of these breeds, please take the time to train your dog, work on socialization, and give your dog love and affection. Never leave your dog alone with children. All of these things will help your dog to be less aggressive.

If you have been the victim of an unprovoked dog bite or dog attack, you need professional representation. Minnesota has one of the most liberal dog bite statutes and with proper representation you should be able to recover any financial losses, as well as any future losses from disabilities. Our Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyers are wise, proficient litigators with years of experience in dog bite cases. Call 612-362-0000r submit our free consultation form.