Southern Minnesota Dog Bite Accident Lawyers
Looking for a dog bite injury attorney in Rochester, MN? Although dog owners have a duty to keep their animals under control and protect the public from dog bites and dog attacks, such incidents do still occur. Every year, people across the U.S. are the victims of aggressive dogs. A dog bite or dog attack can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, pain, and injury. They can also increase the risk of complications, including infections, which can cause their medical issues. Most common dog breeds we see in Minnesota are Pit Bull dog bites, Siberian Husky dog bites, Wolf Dog dog bites, Rottweiler dog bites, and Chow Chow dog bites.
If you have been a victim of a dog attack, you may be eligible to file a dog bite lawsuit against the owner of the dog or the person responsible for it. An experienced dog bite attorney will fight for your rights and present the strongest case possible, increasing your chances of a dog bite settlement or an award of damages.
What to do if a Dog Bites You
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. and as many as one in five of those bites will wind up infected. Children and men are the most likely to be bitten by a dog.
If you are the victim of a dog attack and suffer a dog bite injury, you need to be aware that in addition to skin injuries you could suffer injuries to your bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues. You may also be at risk of infections, including tetanus and rabies. Other infections that can be caused by a dog bite wound are Pasteurella and MRSA.
Some dog bites are severe enough that the victim requires reconstructive surgery to repair the damage done.
Steps to Take if You Are Bitten
Use your purse, bag, or jacket or other items to protect yourself.
If you fall, curl into the fetal position and put your hands over your ears and neck.
When safe, wash all dog bite wounds with soap and water.
If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure to stop it.
If there is uncontrolled bleeding, pain, or bone exposure, or if the wound becomes worse, seek medical attention.
If you have not had a tetanus shot in five years or more and the wound is deep, seek medical attention.
If the wound is minor, apply antibiotic cream and a clean bandage.
If possible, determine whether the dog has current rabies vaccinations. If you cannot determine this or the dog does not have current vaccinations, seek medical attention immediately. If rabies treatment is not provided right away and the person develops signs of rabies, the results can be catastrophic.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What Damages Can I Recover if a Dog Bites Me?
If you are bitten by a dog, you could be entitled to dog bite compensation such as:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress.
Minnesota Dog Bite Laws
Minnesota’s dog bite law states that the owner of a dog who attacks a person unprovoked, in any place the victim may lawfully be, is liable for damages to the person attacked. If the victim provokes the dog, the owner is not liable for damages. Minnesota laws also protect people who are injured in a dog attack even if they are not actually bitten but if they are injured when a dog chases them or jumps on them.
Minnesota Dog Bites Claims Involving Children
If a child suffers a dog bite injury, the child’s parent or guardian may file a dog bite lawsuit on the child’s behalf. Money recovered for the child is held in trust under the supervision of the court until the child reaches 18 years of age.
Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, you need an experienced dog bite attorney who will work tirelessly to defend your rights. Attorneys at Patterson Dahlberg are available to discuss your legal rights with you and explain your options. Please call us at 507-424-3000 for a free consultation.