Dog Bites

In Minnesota, dog bite cases are governed by strict liability law (Minnesota Statutes § 347.22). This means that the dog’s owner is automatically responsible if their dog injures someone, as long as the victim did not provoke the dog and was lawfully in a public or private place. Unlike states that follow a “one-bite rule,” Minnesota does not require proof that the dog has ever bitten anyone before or that the owner was negligent. Liability is based solely on the fact that the attack occurred under the owner’s control. However, some cases may involve shared liability—for instance, if a landlord or property owner knew of a dangerous dog and failed to take reasonable action. Additionally, if multiple parties were responsible for controlling or caring for the animal at the time, each may share financial responsibility. The law also covers non-bite injuries, such as when a dog knocks someone over or causes a fall. In these situations, insurance coverage—often through a homeowner’s or renter’s policy—typically provides compensation. An experienced dog bite attorney can help determine who is legally at fault, what insurance coverage applies, and how to pursue maximum recovery for your injuries and losses.

Compensation in a dog bite case depends on the severity and long-term effects of the injuries. Victims are entitled to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses such as emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Non-economic damages account for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, anxiety, disfigurement, and loss of quality of life. In cases involving permanent scarring—particularly on the face or hands—the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical harm. Children, who are often the most common victims of dog bites, may also experience lasting psychological distress that requires ongoing counseling. Minnesota law allows victims to seek compensation for these future costs, not just immediate medical bills. In rare but serious cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish reckless behavior. An attorney can work with medical experts, mental health professionals, and vocational specialists to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your losses. At Goss Law, we take a comprehensive approach to valuation, ensuring that every aspect of your injury—physical, emotional, and financial—is fully represented.

While you are not required to hire an attorney, doing so can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Dog bite cases may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims by arguing that the victim provoked the dog or exaggerated their injuries. A lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls by collecting medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and photographs that document the full extent of your harm. An experienced attorney will also handle communication with insurance adjusters, ensuring that no statements you make are used against you. In more complex cases—such as those involving multiple liable parties, permanent disfigurement, or attacks on children—legal representation is essential for negotiating fair compensation. Attorneys can also coordinate with medical experts and economists to calculate long-term costs for surgeries, therapy, and lost earning potential. Beyond the legal process, having a lawyer provides peace of mind during a stressful recovery. At Goss Law, we manage every stage of the case—from filing the claim to potential trial—so clients can focus on healing while we focus on results.

It’s common for dog bite victims to hesitate pursuing a claim when the dog’s owner is someone they know personally. Fortunately, in most cases, the claim is handled through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, not directly against the individual. This means that your friend or neighbor is not personally paying your medical bills—rather, their insurance provider covers the damages as part of their liability policy. These policies are designed specifically for incidents like dog bites, which are among the most frequent causes of homeowner liability claims nationwide. Pursuing an insurance claim helps you recover the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, and emotional distress without jeopardizing personal relationships. However, because insurers may still attempt to limit payouts, it’s important to have an attorney manage communication and documentation. In some situations, the dog may belong to a tenant, visitor, or third party, creating questions about shared responsibility. An attorney can clarify coverage details, ensure the proper party is held accountable, and protect your relationship with the dog’s owner while securing fair compensation for your injuries. At Goss Law, we handle these delicate situations with professionalism and empathy, prioritizing both your recovery and your peace of mind.