Minneapolis Dog Bite Attorneys
Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Minnesota, Wisconsin, & North Dakota
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1 in 5 dog bite victims require medical attention. Of those victims, 60% are children. Other frequent dog bite victims are the elderly and home service professionals, such as postal service workers and meter readers.
If you or a loved one were injured by a dog bite, our Minneapolis dog bite lawyers can aggressively protect your rights while advocating for the fair compensation you deserve.
At Fay & Associates, we understand how traumatic a dog attack can be—and we don’t settle for anything less than a fair settlement. That’s why our experienced dog bite lawyers prepare every case for trial to show our opponents we mean business. We never shy away from tough litigation, actively working to secure a favorable outcome for animal attack victims and their families.
Our compassionate advocates can fight for maximum compensation after an animal attack, allowing you to focus on your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
If you were harmed in an animal attack, our dog bite lawyers in Minneapolis can help you pursue compensation. Call (612) 888-8354 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites
Dog bites and animal attacks can result in serious injuries for victims. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Nerve damage and loss of sensation
- Infection from bacteria present in the animal's saliva
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Rabies or other diseases transmitted by the animal
In addition, dog bites can cause considerable psychological impact, especially in children. Victims might experience an ongoing fear of dogs or other animals. This emotional distress can further impact social interactions and lead to anxiety and depression if not addressed in time. Navigating these emotional hurdles can be challenging, highlighting the need for timely legal and psychological support.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
More often than not, dog owners are liable for injuries stemming from dog bites. This is true regardless of whether the bite occurred on the owner’s property or elsewhere. Keep in mind that “owner” extends to any person who harbors or keeps the dog.
Unlike the “one-bite rule” in other states, which only imposes liability if the dog owner had reason to believe the dog was dangerous, Minnesota has a strict liability rule. Under Minnesota Statutes §347.22, the dog’s owner is responsible for the full amount of damages if the dog “attacks any person who is acting peaceably in any place where they may lawfully be.” This is the case regardless of whether the animal has a history of prior attacks or aggression.
Dog bite laws vary from state to state, making it crucial to consult with a qualified dog bite lawyer who can guide you through the legal intricacies of filing a dog bite claim in your state of residence. Our dog bite attorneys have decades of regional experience representing clients in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, making us well-equipped to prioritize your needs and fight to achieve a fair outcome.
Standing Ready to Be Your Advocates
EXPECT THE INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION YOU DESERVE
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Invested in You
Our relationship with clients begins with a consultation and continues through your case and life outside the courtroom. We are invested in your case, but also you.
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Advocates for the Injured
We choose to focus our firm in a few areas of law so we can stay in the forefront of legal changes and gain in-depth legal knowledge that our clients can benefit from. Our attorneys never represent insurance companies or large corporations.
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Treating Clients Like PartnersWith Fay & Associates, you have the entire backing of our firm, including the breadth and depth of our resources standing behind you.
Importance of Hiring Skilled Representation
After a dog bite, securing experienced representation is essential to recover damages for medical expenses, hospital bills, property damage, and more. At Fay & Associates, we have over 27 years of experience advocating for the wrongfully injured after animal attacks.
Some reasons to work with our dedicated attorneys include:
- Comprehensive legal knowledge: Our lawyers bring a wealth of diverse knowledge and skills to the table, including state-specific knowledge of personal injury laws in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, to fight for a favorable settlement on your behalf.
- Personalized representation: Our firm is committed to establishing lasting relationships with every client we serve. When you hire us to represent your best interests, you can rest assured we’ll make every effort to secure a fair settlement while giving your case the undivided attention it deserves.
- Winning track record: Our proven track record of results speaks for itself. With over 15,000 cases handled, you can rely on our advocates to prioritize your best interests, no matter how big or small your claim is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Minneapolis?
If you are involved in a dog bite incident, it's important to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights. First, seek immediate medical attention, even if the injuries appear minor, to prevent infection and document the injury. Reporting the bite to local authorities or animal control is also crucial as they can assess the animal's behavior and vaccination status, helping to prevent further incidences. Gathering contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses will support your legal claim later.
What Are the Legal Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite Injury?
After ensuring medical care, it's essential to contact a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Legal professionals experienced with Minneapolis dog bite claims can guide you through the necessary steps, from evidence collection to claim filing. A lawyer can help assess the circumstances of the attack and establish liability under Minnesota's strict liability laws. This legal advocacy can help secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Does Minnesota's Statute of Limitations Affect My Claim?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, typically spans two years from the date of the incident. It is crucial to initiate legal proceedings within this timeframe to avoid losing the right to seek compensation. Timely action also allows for more efficient gathering of evidence and securing witness statements while the incident details remain fresh and concrete.
Can I Receive Compensation Even if the Dog Owner Claims the Dog Was Provoked?
While Minnesota's strict liability dog bite laws favor victims, owners may argue provocation as a defense in some cases. However, this argument must be substantiated with clear evidence that the victim's actions directly led to the attack. Working with a skilled dog bite attorney ensures that such defenses are thoroughly challenged, allowing for compensation to be pursued effectively despite claims of provocation against your rightful claim.
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“Michael was amazing throughout the whole process!”
- Dakotah L.Highly recommend Michael! I called him when I was in a car accident and he was amazing throughout the whole process!
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“Exudes excellence with tactful negotiation.”
Fay & Associates are professional attorneys who exude excellence. They worked tirelessly on a personal injury case requiring extensive negotiation. They fostered an intelligent dialogue with opposing counsel, achieving a lucrative settlement.- Mike H. -
“I would recommended Eric in a heart beat”
- Melissa M.I would recommended Eric in a heart beat he handle my case he was there for me all the way and he fights for the rights for his clients he helped me all the way I couldn't ask for any other attorney but him he is an excellent attorney if anyone needs a work comp/injury attorney hire Eric he is the best attorney my work comps case we won the case he will fight for you no matter what , thank you Eric for everything you did for me and my family I rate Eric 10 plus more stars!
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“After being attacked by a dog Fay and Associates helped me get the justice I deserved in under two years.”
- Tammy L.After being attacked by a dog Fay and Associates helped me get the justice I deserved in under two years. This was the most important decision of my life and the best decision for me. Thank you!
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“Exceeded my expectations.”
Fay & Associates were on point from day one, exceeding my expectations. They made what I doubted possible and real. The best attorney for personal injury cases—no one like them!- Jill S. -
“I will definitely be referring them to everyone!”
- Nancy G.They did a great job handling my accident. They answered every question quickly and helped me through the entire process. I will definitely be referring them to everyone!
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Minneapolis Today
At Fay & Associates, we’re dedicated to helping good people take back their lives after a wrongful injury. We’re familiar with the anger, frustration, and fear that comes with suffering harm due to negligence. From making up for lost earnings to affording life-saving medical care to navigating long-term disabilities as a result of your injury, recovering from an unexpected dog bite can take a serious toll on your health and well-being.
That’s where our trusted dog bite attorneys come in. Our firm has extensive experience to relentlessly pursue justice on your behalf. With tens of thousands of clients served in Minneapolis and beyond, you can count on our dog bite lawyers for the dependable advocacy you need.
Reach out today to schedule your free case evaluation. Pay nothing until we achieve a favorable settlement.
If you were wrongfully injured by someone else's dog, our Minneapolis dog bite attorneys can pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
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