Dog Bite Victim 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 individual 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.

• I've been bitten by a dog, what should I do?
• Do I need hire a lawyer to handle my dog bite claim?
• If I file a dog bite lawsuit, how much money can I recover?
• If I file a dog bite lawsuit, how long is it going to take to get my expenses reimbursed?
• My child was attacked by my brother's dog while we were at his house.  I know he doesn't have the money to pay her medical bills, what can I do?
• Right before my child was bitten, he was pulling the dog's tail; can I still file a lawsuit?

Question: I've been bitten by a dog, what should I do?

Answer:

• Immediately wash the wound with soap and water and contact your physician for further treatment.
• Keep records of what happened at the doctor's office and keep copies of the bills.
• Get the names and phone numbers of the dog owner and anyone who witnessed the dog bite.
• Report the dog bite to your local animal control authorities. Be prepared to tell the contact person who owns the dog (if you know), or if it is a dog you do not know, what the dog looks like, where the dog bite occurred, and which direction the dog went.
• Have someone photograph the dog bite wound initially and during the stages of recovery.

Question: Do I need hire a lawyer to handle my dog bite claim?

Answer: Hiring an experienced dog bite attorney will level the playing field if you are attempting to recover damages from a dog owner's insurance company.  It is well known that insurers offer unrepresented individuals lower settlement amounts.  You may pay an attorney a percentage of your recovery, but it will be worth it. The net value of your compensation will probably be greater and you won't have to waste your time fighting with the insurance company for what's rightfully yours.  At Howard Sussman & Associates, P.A., we will evaluate your dog bite claim and advise you on the viability of your claim. You have nothing to lose, as there is no charge for the initial consultation.

Question: If I file a dog bite lawsuit, how much money can I recover?

Answer: The amount of damages you recover will depend on the individual facts of your case.  No two cases are the same.  Under Minnesota dog bite law, <link>as long as the dog wasn't provoked, you were behaving "peaceably" and you were where you could lawfully be, the owner of the biting dog will probably be responsible for reimbursing you for your injuries.  That means you can recover for medical expenses, time off work, pain and suffering.  If the dog owner's behavior leading up to the dog bite would be considered outrageous (letting a dog that had a history of biting children run loose in a playground) you may be able to recover punitive damages.

Question: If I file a dog bite lawsuit, how long is it going to take to get my expenses reimbursed?

Answer: The length of time it takes to recover damages in a dog bite lawsuit will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries; how long it takes for your injuries to heal; if the dog owner is insured, how quickly the insurer pays and how contested the facts of your case are.

Question: My child was attacked by my brother's dog while we were at his house.  I know he doesn't have the money to pay her medical bills, what can I do?

Answer: If your brother has homeowner's or renter's insurance, it probably covers damages from dog bites that occur on the property.  Talk to him about making a claim so that your daughter's injury expenses will be covered.  Keep in mind that it is notoriously difficult for policy holders to get some insurers to pay.  I those cases, an attorney can help you encourage the insurance company to fulfill its duty to pay.

Question: Right before my child was bitten, he was pulling the dog's tail; can I still file a lawsuit?

Answer: You have a right to file a dog bite lawsuit on your child's behalf, regardless of what was happening prior to the dog bite.  The question is whether your child's actions will constitute a provocation of the dog.  Under Minnesota dog bite law, <link> provoking the dog can provide a dog owner with the defense he or she needs to avoid paying a dog bite victim's damages.  An experienced dog bite attorney will be able to evaluate the viability of your claim and make recommendations.

If have been bitten by a dog in or around Minneapolis, you need a lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of a Minneapolis 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 case. (Initial consultations are always free.)