Bloomington Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite injuries can cause victims to suffer from numerous psychological and physical issues. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it is important to contact a Bloomington dog bite lawyer at TSR Injury Law to discuss the legal options that may be available to you.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of obtaining substantial compensation for our clients, including a recovery obtained by partner Rich Ruohonen for a woman that suffered wrist and nerve damage after being bitten by a pit bull. Rich is also a member of the highly-regarded American Board of Trial Advocates.
Contact our firm to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we obtain compensation for you.
Call (612) TSR-TIME. We can be reached 24/7 over the phone or online.
Dog Bite Laws in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a dog bite victim may hold a dog owner liable if the victim was permitted to be on public or private property. However, the victim must not have provoked the dog in any way. Under Minnesota law, the victim does not have to prove the owner’s negligence.
The state also follows a strict liability rule pertaining to dog bites. This means that a dog owner may be held liable even if he or she did not know the dog would be dangerous. It does not matter whether or not the owner anticipated the dog would bite or was aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
It is also important to note that dog injuries are not just limited to bites or attacks but can even include other dog-related behaviors that causes injury, such as a dog jumping on someone and knocking him or her to the ground.
What If I Was Bitten by a Friend’s Dog?
If the victim is lawfully allowed on the premise of a friend’s property or on public property, like a park or sidewalk and gets bitten by that friend’s dog, the victim may still have a case and pursue compensation.
Do I Have a Case If I Was Trespassing?
A trespasser is defined as someone who unlawfully enters the land or property belonging to another. In Minnesota, a victim who is trespassing at the time a dog injures him or her will most likely not have a case against the dog’s owner.
However, not every case is the same. There may be some exceptions to this law and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation during a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm.
Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME to speak to a licensed dog bite attorney.
Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Claim
Dog bite claims are a type of personal injury lawsuit, and these cases are governed by a strict deadline known as the statute of limitations. In most instances, dog bite cases must generally be filed within two years from the date of the dog bite. Failing to file before this deadline may result in the court dismissing your case and being barred from seeking compensation for your damages.
However, there can be exceptions to this two-year deadline that allow you to file a lawsuit after the two years pass or may require you to file earlier than two years. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations or are unsure if your deadline has passed, we recommend reaching out to a Bloomington dog bite attorney from our firm for legal advice.
Am I Eligible for Compensation?
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, you may be wondering how to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney to better understand your options. At TSR Injury Law, we can review your claim and determine if you may be eligible for financial compensation. This may include the following:
- Past, present, future medical expenses
- Corrective surgery
- Medical assistive equipment
- Cost of prescription medication
- Lost wages from missing work
- Property damage
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also be eligible to recover compensation for any emotional trauma endured. This could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of reputation
- Disability
- Diminished quality of life
Call our legal team today to set up your free consultation. Our lawyers are prepared to discuss your specific incident and determine how much your claim may be worth.
Steps to Take After Getting Bitten by a Dog
There are certain steps you can take following a dog bite to ensure your safety and protect your potential claim for damages.
Step One: Seek Immediate Medical Care
Some dog bites may cause breaks in the skin, fractures and may even lead to an infection. It is important that you seek medical treatment to properly clean the wound or catch potential infections in time.
Having medical documentation can also be used as supportive evidence that links your injury to the incident. Be sure to let medical staff know that you were injured by a dog.
Step two: Take Pictures
Like medical documentation, pictures also help prove the specifics of the incident. Take pictures of your injuries, any damage to clothing, the dog and the surrounding area.
Step Three: Report the Incident
Report the incident to the Bloomington Animal Control. Animal Control will respond to your location and investigate the incident. Descriptions of the dog will help authorities contact the dog owner, quarantine the dog and take other necessary measures. Be sure also to ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Step Four: Gather Information About Dog and Owner
Try to take descriptive notes of the dog’s breed, size and color. Take note of any visible signs that may indicate the dog is neglected, such as being dirty, have tick marks or cuts. If the owner is on the scene, be sure to collect his or her name, number and address and ask whether the dog has been vaccinated.
Step Five: Collect Witness Accounts
If there are witnesses at the scene, ask if you can record their statements and ask for their contact information in case you or your lawyer have further questions about what they saw.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bites can cause several injuries ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Nerve damage
- Pulled or torn ligaments
- Scarring
- Punctured skin
- Head injuries
- Disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Rabies, tetanus, or other infections
Certain injuries may require long-term medical treatment that can be costly. At TSR Injury Law, our legal team has obtained millions in compensation on behalf of our clients. We offer you the opportunity to discuss your claim with us during a free consultation. There is no risk or obligation in contacting us.
Call (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a free online form to get started.
Contact an Experienced Bloomington Dog Bite Lawyer
If you are suffering from a dog bite injury, we may be able to assist. If we determine that you have a case, we can handle the legal process by investigating the incident, communicating with involved parties, and negotiating a fair settlement.
We are available 24/7 and offer free and confidential consultations. We do not charge any upfront attorney fees for our services unless we help obtain compensation on your behalf.
Our office is located less than 5 minutes from TRIA, a general hospital in Bloomington.
To learn more, call us today at (612) TSR-TIME.