DOG BITES AREN’T ALWAYS DOG BITES: St. Paul, Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys explain

Personal Injury Attorney in St. Paul Discusses Dog Bites

Agressive Dogs Don't Have To Bite To Injure

True or False:  In Minnesota you can bring a personal injury claim under the dog bite statute even if you were not bitten by a dog. 

 

 TRUE. 

 

 Surprised?  

 

Under Minnesota Statute 347.22, “if a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the owner 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.”

Everyone automatically assumes that in order to be injured by a dog, you have to have sustained a bite.  This is not the case.  Several years ago, I was involved in a case where the victim suffered a knee injury while grilling a steak.  When the victim took the steak off the grill, the dog—seeing an opportunity that just could not be missed—lunged for the steak.  In the frenzy, the dog knocked the victim over.  Even though the victim was not bitten, she had the right to recover under the “dog bite” statute because she was injured by a dog. 

Don’t write off your injury case just because you were not bitten by the dog.  Make sure you know your rights.  The personal injury attorneys at Champion Law, LLC  are experienced in handling these types of cases and encourage you to call them for a free consultation.

Kimberly G. Behm

Attorney at Law
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN  55126
651-766-5886
f – 651-766-5235 

kim@champion-law.com  

www.champion-law.com

St. Paul, Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys forecast: SUNNY SKIES WITH A THREAT OF DOG BITE

Summer.  To most of us it means grilling out, biking around the lakes, camping and spending time with friends and family in the backyard.

Non-Agressive Dog Being Agressive

Unfortunately, it can also mean puncture wounds, stitches, medical bills and permanent scarring.  Dog bites are a reality.  These attacks are much more prevalent in the summer months and an overwhelming proportion of them require medical treatment.

When it comes to dog bites, the exception is the rule.  It is impossible to predict which dog will bite and under what circumstances.  Although if you ask around, you will find that many people feel otherwise.

Whether these dog-bite myths are born of media-generated fear or just some kind of cultural hoo-hah I don’t know, but I will briefly address the top three misconceptions:

Misconception #1:  Only dogs of a particular breed bite. 

Unfortunately, you cannot assess the risk of attack based solely on the type of dog.  Yes, studies have been done to try to show that a certain breed may be more predisposed to bite than another.  However, there are so many other factors and variables that come into play when a dog attacks.  In short:  don’t rely on breed alone. 

Misconception #2:   A dog owner cannot be held liable unless his/her dog bit someone in the past

In Minnesota there is no “one free bite” rule.  A victim can pursue a dog owner regardless of whether his/her dog was aggressive and/or attacked someone in the past. 

Misconception #3:  A dog has to be provoked to attack.

No.  In fact, a majority of dog bites are unprovoked.  Dogs bite for all sorts of reasons—not just if they are teased or taunted.  Even the nicest dogs can get spooked—think 4th of July—-and may attack an innocent bystander out of fear or confusion.  A good rule of thumb is to keep your distance and/or request that the dog be put inside away from your gathering. 

Relax.  We’re not telling you to call off the family reunion (sorry to disappoint). However, you do need to be aware of the risk of an attack and understand your rights should you or someone you know become a victim.  The injury attorneys at Champion Law, LLC successfully handle dog bite cases and are happy to consult with you about your particular situation.

Don’t write off your injury case just because you were not bitten by the dog.  Make sure you know your rights.  The personal injury attorneys at Champion Law, LLC are experienced in handling these types of cases and encourage you to call them for a free consultation.

Kimberly G. Behm 

Attorney at Law
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN  55126
651-766-5886
f – 651-766-5235 

kim@champion-law.com

www.champion-law.com