Dogs are considered man’s best friend for a reason. They are loyal and loving and provide us with hours of companionship. However, with that companionship comes a responsibility to handle and care for them properly. Dogs are animals, and as such, they have the potential to cause harm if not properly handled or trained.
When you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog attack, it’s natural to be afraid that you will face long-term physical and mental consequences. It’s important in these situations to hold the dog owner accountable for their animal’s actions. The first step in pursuing your dog bite injury claim is identifying the dog owner(s). The experienced Mankato dog bite lawyers at Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz have successfully tried dog bite cases and negotiated settlements with insurance companies. We will do the same for you or your loved one so you get the maximum compensation the law allows. Dog attack victims may be entitled to recover their past and future medical expenses, wage loss, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4.7 million dog-bite incidents occur annually in the United States. Of those 4.7 million attacks, 800,000 will require medical attention—half of these are children—and 386,000 will need emergency medical treatment. Children are commonly victims of dog bites, are often more trusting of dogs, and may not know the dangers of approaching an unfamiliar dog. In addition, small children may not be able to defend themselves if a dog attacks. Injuries from dog bites can range from cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as broken bones and severed tendons or ligaments. While not all these bites result in serious injury, they can still cause pain, infection, and, in some cases, even death.
It’s important to be aware of the dangers that dogs can pose and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of harm. Always keep your dog restrained around people; never let it roam free. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations and preventive medications. And most importantly, be sure to train and socialize your dog from an early age properly. Doing so can help ensure that everyone stays safe and enjoys the company of man’s best friend. If you are approached by a dog acting aggressively, try to remain calm and still. Do not make eye contact with the dog; slowly back away until you are out of the dog’s reach. If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
In addition to physical injuries, victims of dog attacks often suffer from long-term mental health issues. These may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Victims may also find it difficult to trust other people and animals after being attacked by a dog. Some may have trouble sleeping or experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the attack.
It’s important to seek help if you struggle to cope after a dog bite. A mental health professional can provide support and guidance as you work through this emotional trauma. They may also prescribe medication or therapy (such as cognitive processing therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to help you recover.
If you have been a victim of a dog bite injury, you may wonder whether you have a case and, if so, what you need to do to get started. The dog bite lawyers at Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz, have handled nearly every type of personal injury case–from car and truck accidents and slip and falls to dog bites and traumatic brain injury. If you have been injured in an accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.
If you have been the victim of a dog attack, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney can help you file a claim against the dog owner and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Minnesota has a strict liability statute that holds the owner or harborer of the dog liable for the dog’s actions without proving negligence. Unlike some other states, Minnesota does not give dogs a free “first bite.” Minnesota law also allows negligence claims to be made for dog attacks.
Even with these laws, dog bite victims can still face several challenges when seeking compensation. One of the most common challenges is that the victim must typically show that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous to prove negligence. This can be difficult, especially if the dog has never bitten anyone. In some cases, the victim may also be required to show that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
Another common challenge for dog bite victims is that insurance companies may argue that the victim was partially responsible for the attack. This is known as contributory negligence, reducing the victim’s compensation. To overcome this challenge, the victim must show that they were not at fault for the attack.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, you need the experienced dog bite attorneys at Maschka, Riedy, Ries, & Frentz on your side. Dog attack victims may be entitled to recover their past and future medical expenses, wage loss, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation today.
