Anoka Dog Bite Lawyers

Helping Victims of Dog Bite Injuries Receive Compensation

Although dogs are considered man's best friend, they still have the propensity to attack. Victims of dog attacks and bites suffer trauma and emotional strain that may fester into a long-lasting experience for them and their families.

At Bolt Law Firm, we provide comprehensive assistance to clients navigating dog bite claims in Anoka, MN. Here's how our legal team can support you:

• Legal Expertise and Guidance: We offer our expertise in Minnesota's dog bite laws and personal injury regulations. We can explain your rights, assess the strength of your claim, and guide you through the legal process.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence crucial to your case. This includes obtaining medical records, witness statements, and any documentation related to the incident.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all communication and negotiations with the dog owner's insurance company. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate for you in court. We present your case persuasively, utilizing our litigation experience to pursue the compensation you deserve.
• Maximizing Compensation: We work diligently to maximize your compensation. This includes considering long-term medical needs, ongoing treatment costs, and any potential future impacts of the dog bite on your life.
• Personalized Attention: Throughout the process, we provide compassionate support and personalized attention. We keep you informed, address your concerns, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Call (763) 292-2102 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with our Anoka dog bite lawyer.

Why Do Dogs Attack?

Dogs can bite or attack for various reasons, often stemming from a combination of factors. Here are some common reasons:

• Fear or Threat: Dogs may bite if they feel threatened or frightened. This could be due to unfamiliar people, loud noises, sudden movements, or feeling cornered.
• Protectiveness: Dogs are naturally protective of their territory, their owners, or themselves. They may bite to defend against perceived threats, including other animals or people.
• Pain or Illness: A dog in pain or discomfort may react aggressively if touched or approached, even by familiar individuals.
• Maternal Instincts: Female dogs may become aggressive if they feel their puppies are threatened or if they are protecting their nesting area.
• Lack of Socialization: Dogs that have not been properly socialized with people, other animals, or different environments may react fearfully or aggressively in unfamiliar situations.
• Predatory Drive: Some dogs may exhibit predatory behavior towards smaller animals or even children, especially if they haven't been trained to control this instinct.
• Resource Guarding: Dogs can become possessive over their food, toys, or other valued items. They may bite if someone tries to take these items away.
• Frustration or Agitation: Dogs that are restrained or confined may bite out of frustration or agitation, especially if they cannot escape the situation.
• Miscommunication: Sometimes, dogs may bite during play if they become overly excited and their play signals are misunderstood by humans or other animals.
• Health Issues: Certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders or hormonal imbalances, can influence a dog's behavior and potentially lead to aggression.

What are Minnesota's Dog Bite Laws?

Minnesota’s laws regarding dog bite victims are some of the nation’s most favorable. The owner of a dog that attacks or injures a person without provocation is liable to the victim for the full amount of damages.

If you are attacked or injured by a dog, the liability extends to both the owner and the person who is harboring or taking care of the pet at the time of the incident. For example, if your daughter’s babysitter is also caring for a friend’s husky, and your child is attacked by the dog, both the babysitter and the dog’s owner could be liable for the injuries.

Defining Provocation in Dog Bite Incidents

Minnesota courts have held that a dog owner has absolute liability when the dog attacks or injures someone. The owner’s negligence is beside the point. It does not matter if the owner used reasonable care and the dog had never demonstrated aggressive tendencies. The only defense the dog owner has is that the attack was provoked.

For a victim’s conduct to be a provocation, it must be voluntary and unnecessarily incites the dog to attack and injure the victim. For the conduct to be voluntary, the victim must know the danger involved. In the example above, if your child merely puts her arms around the husky without knowing there is a danger of doing so, there is no provocation, even though the dog owner may claim otherwise.

Navigating Complex Dog Bite Cases in Anoka

Many victims of dog bites are attacked by a pet owned by neighbors, friends, or relatives. If you or a family member is bitten by a dog owned by someone you know, you may hesitate to act. But seemingly minor bites can result in significant medical bills and other harmful consequences.

Interactions between children and dogs can be particularly problematic. Many children who are accustomed to playing with friendly dogs are attacked when they encounter an aggressive or poorly trained dog. Owners should know their pet’s temperament and accommodate their needs. — this is often not done, though.

More than 60% of all dog bite injuries happen to children, and almost all people killed by dogs are under the age of 15. If you are attacked by a dog, immediately try to identify the owner or the person with custody of the dog. Get names and addresses and ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

What Should You Do After Being Bit By a Dog?

Then, follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention
• File a police or animal control report
• Photograph your injuries
• Keep a journal, including dates, names, and treatment you received

If you, your child, or another family member is injured by a dog, you may suffer from rabies, lacerations, mental or emotional trauma, or head injuries. An experienced Anoka dog bite attorney can help you claim compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses, and more.

Free Consultation: Contact Anoka's Leading Dog Bite Lawyers Today