Serious injuries can result from dog bites, including disfigurement and death. Unfortunately, a person being injured by dogs is not an uncommon occurrence. In the United States, roughly 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with 800,000 requiring medical care. Sadly, most of the bites are sustained by children.
Those who have suffered significant harm due to an injury by a dog have the right to legal restitution. The dog’s owner, care center, landlord, or former dog owner can be held responsible for dog bite injuries.
Domesticated dogs are normally nonviolent by nature and are not likely to bite unless provoked. However, circumstances can be unpredictable. Dog bites most frequently occur when the dogs are fearful, acting in protection of its owner or property, threatened and lacking alternatives, sleeping or eating, attempting to establish dominance, or mistreated.
Not all dog owners are as cautious as they should be. If they violate animal restraint and confinement laws or keep a dog with a past history of aggression towards people, they could be liable for the dog bite. If the party is found responsible, you are legally able to seek compensation for any pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages that have been incurred.
If you or a loved one has suffered an attack by a dog, it is important to talk with an experienced attorney who can advise you on your rights and options. For a free consultation, call the Minneapolis personal injury lawyers at the firm of Terry, Slane & Ruohonen, P.L.L.C. by dialing 612-362-0000 today.
