There are few instances as scary as being bitten by a dog. Regardless of the dog’s breed, it’s a primal situation that can leave someone with serious injuries that require medical treatment. And if you’ve found yourself the victim of such a situation in Minnesota, then yes, you have the ability to file for damages against the owner of the dog that bit you.
Even if that dog has never bitten anyone before. Because that shouldn’t matter; the point is that the incident happened when it shouldn’t have, and the owner is liable for that.
The Key Aspect is “It Shouldn’t Have Happened”
One of the most important things to keep in mind for any form of liability is that the incident in question should not have happened. If the owner of a grocery store didn’t rope off/clean up a puddle in the freezer aisle, and someone slips and falls in it, then that was negligence on their part. If a homeowner has guests over, and there’s a huge hole in the floor under a rug they do nothing to keep their guests safe from, and someone falls through it, then they’re liable for those injuries.
Being bitten by a dog is the same thing, in a general, legal sense. If you own a dog, then it is your responsibility to take reasonable precautions to make sure that those who interact with it are not put at risk. You may fence your yard, or keep your dog inside, for example. You put up signs that tell people to beware, because there’s a dog on the premises. And so on. Neglecting your responsibility as the dog owner means that you can be held liable for actions the dog takes due to your negligence.
With that said, though, it’s important to take the behavior of the bite victim into account as well.
For example, if someone trespassed onto the dog owner’s property by jumping a fence, and was bitten by the dog as a result, then that is not a situation where the dog’s owner is liable. Because the victim came into the dog’s territory and put themselves at risk when they were not allowed to be there, circumventing a barrier meant to stop this very thing from happening. Alternatively, if someone antagonizes the dog, invading its space, shouting at it, or even attempting to strike it, then the dog can’t be blamed for defending itself anymore than a human could be. In these instances, the person who was bitten is deemed to be at fault, rather than the dog’s owner, because their actions are what caused the dog to bite.
The Process Can Be Complicated
As with any other personal injury case, the process of recovering damages for a dog bite can seem complex and difficult if you’re not familiar with everything that’s required. From providing documentation of the incident and the damage, to providing your case in the court, it can be overwhelming for people who are still recovering from this experience. That’s why it’s important to have someone in your corner, who can help make sure you cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s in your upcoming case.
Contact Swor & Gatto in St. Paul, Minnesota
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Minnesota, and they need compensation for the injury it left behind, all you have to do is contact us today. We’re here to help you get back on your feet, move past this incident, and to make sure your injuries are taken care of.