Minnesota laws help compensate dog bite victims for their injuries

April 06, 2013

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from dog bites each year. More than 1,000 of those bit seek treatment in an emergency room each day and an average of 16 people die from their dog bite injuries every year.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is the third full week in May and the CDC, the U.S. Postal Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association are combining their efforts to educate people about preventing dog bites. Most importantly, avoid situations that may prompt a dog attack, such as:
- Approaching or attempting to pet an unfamiliar dog, especially one that is chained, confined, sleeping, eating or caring for puppies
- Leaving babies or small children alone with any dog
- Moving or running away if a dog approaches you; this may cause the dog to chase you
- Looking a dog directly in the eyes; this may appear threatening

If you are injured by a dog, seek immediate medical attention as even a relatively minor scratch can become infected. If your injuries require medical treatment, a personal injury lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your losses.

Minnesota protections

In Minnesota, an owner of a dog who causes an injury is liable for damages suffered by the injured person. Minnesota Statute 347.22 states in part,

"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."

This means that an injured person can obtain compensation for his or her losses. Such losses may include the following:
- All medical expenses
- Wage loss or compensation for work missed
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring

Minnesota also has laws regarding dangerous dogs, dogs that bite other domestic animals and rabies shot requirements, as well as providing protections for service dogs from other dogs.

Each dog owner is required to keep his or her dog confined to his or her property and to keep the dog under control when off the property. Any owner who negligently or intentionally allows his or her dog to run uncontrolled, or fails to keep it properly confined, is guilty of a crime if that dog subsequently injures someone.

Seek legal assistance

Not all states offer the same protections that Minnesota provides. If you or a loved one is injured by an animal, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable about dog bite cases can help you obtain compensation to which you may be entitled.

Article provided by McSweeney & Fay, P.L.L.P.
Visit us at www.mcfay.com