Biting Dog Owner FAQs

At Howard Sussman & Associates, P.A. we strive to answer our client's questions in a meaningful, relevant way.  We have provided variations on frequently asked questions below.  We do, however, realize that each case is different and that each dog owner deserves to have an answer that is oriented to the facts of his or her dog bite situation. We welcome your inquiries. Contact us for a free consultation.

• My dog bit someone, what should I do?
• Is there any hope of winning a lawsuit if I am the owner of a dog that bit someone?
• How am I going to pay for the injuries of the person who was bitten by my dog?
• My dog bit someone, what precautions do I need to take now?
• How can I prevent a dog bite?

Question: My dog bit someone, what should I do?

Answer: Contact an experienced dog bite attorney. Minnesota dog bite law favors the dog bite victim.  And, depending on how severe the dog bite victim's injuries are, you may be liable for significant damages and may even be subject to criminal prosecution.

Question: Is there any hope of winning a lawsuit if I am the owner of a dog that bit someone?

Answer: Yes. Under Minnesota dog bite law, a dog owner is entitled to fight back with a variety of legal theories. You may be able to avoid or decrease your liability when:

• The dog bite victim was provoking your dog prior to the bite.
• The dog bite victim knowingly took the risk of being bitten.
• The dog bite victim was doing something unlawful.
• The dog bite victim was unreasonably careless, and that carelessness in some way caused the injury.

Whether these defenses will apply in your case depends on many variables.  An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and determine whether any of these defenses apply to your situation.

Question: How am I going to pay for the injuries of the person who was bitten by my dog?

Answer: If you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, it may cover a significant amount of the dog bite victim's damages.

Question: My dog bit someone, what precautions do I need to take now? 

Answer: Minnesota Dog Law does include a "dangerous dog law" and a "potentially dangerous dog law".  If your dog is determined to be a "dangerous dog", you need to follow the various parts of the dangerous dog statute, which includes  registering your dog, posting warning symbols and keeping your dog in a proper enclosure.

Question: How can I prevent a dog bite?

Answer: Dog bites happen under so many circumstances that it is impossible to be completely prepared.  Among the things you can do to diminish the chances that your dog will injure someone, include:

• Train your dog and make sure that it is used to being around people.
• Do not let your dog run free.
• Do not leave your dog alone with young children.
• Keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date.  This will not keep your dog from biting someone, but if the rabies vaccination is current, the authorities and the victim will probably be more sympathetic.
• Control your dogs around strangers.  For example, don't make the mail carrier walk through your fenced front yard where you keep your dog.
• Post warning signs.  If you have any fear that your dog is going to bite someone, post a warning sign.

If your dog has bitten someone in or around Minneapolis / St. Paul, you need a lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of Minnsota dog bite lawsuit. At Howard Sussman & Associates, P.A. we focus on personal injury lawsuits. We know Minnesota Dog Bite Law. Call us today at 612.332.4830 or contact us by email and we will be happy to discuss your dog bite situation. (Initial consultations are always free.)