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Dog bites can lead to serious physical and emotional harm. At Knutson + Casey, our experienced Faribault dog bite lawyers are committed to helping victims in Faribault and throughout southern Minnesota secure compensation and hold irresponsible pet owners accountable. Whether the attack occurred in a local park, while walking through your neighborhood, or visiting someone’s home, we are here to guide you through each step of the legal process and fight for your rights.
Minnesota enforces strict liability on dog owners, meaning they are responsible for your injuries even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before. To recover compensation, you must show that you were in a legal location and the bite was unprovoked.
Unlike some states, Minnesota does not follow the “one-bite” rule—dog owners cannot avoid responsibility just because it was the dog’s first incident of aggression.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe and may include:
Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Infections requiring treatment
Broken bones from being knocked down
Emotional trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or fear of dogs
Liability for a dog bite doesn’t always fall solely on the dog’s owner. Depending on the circumstances, others may be responsible, including:
Dog walkers or caretakers
Landlords who allow dangerous dogs on their property
Property owners or tenants where the attack occurred
If the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing, this could impact the claim, but in most cases, the owner or handler remains liable.
Our legal team handles every step of your dog bite case, so you can focus on your recovery:
1. Immediate Evidence Collection – We gather medical records, witness statements, and photos of the injuries and scene.
2. Legal Paperwork & Filing – We prepare and file all required legal documents under Minnesota law.
3. Insurance Negotiations – We aggressively negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
4. Court-Ready Representation – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
5. Comprehensive Support – We manage all aspects of the case while you focus on healing.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
Current and future medical treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Scarring, disfigurement, and ongoing care needs
We strive to pursue the maximum possible recovery for every part of your case.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Faribault, here are the steps to take to protect your health and legal rights:
1. Seek immediate medical attention
2. Report the incident to local authorities or animal control
3. Take photos of your injuries and the scene
4. Collect contact information from witnesses and the dog’s owner
5. Contact Knutson + Casey as soon as possible
Local, experienced representation right here in Southern Minnesota
Personalized attention—we treat you like family
Proven results in dog bite and injury claims
No upfront legal fees – we only get paid if we win your case
Experienced in difficult insurance negotiations, and we will take your case to trial if necessary
1. Do I need to prove the dog had bitten someone before?
No. Under Minnesota’s strict liability law, you don’t need to show that the dog had bitten someone previously to file a claim.
2. What if the dog didn’t break my skin?
You may still have a case. Any injury, including scratches or being knocked down, can qualify if it caused harm or emotional distress.
3. Can I pursue a claim if I approached or touched the dog?
Yes, unless you provoked the dog in a threatening or unlawful way, you likely still have a valid claim for compensation.
4. What if the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance?
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, we may pursue a civil claim directly against them. Many homeowner’s policies do cover dog bite liability.
5. How long will it take to resolve my dog bite case?
The length of time depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries and whether the case is settled or goes to trial. We’ll keep you informed and work efficiently toward a resolution.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Faribault or the surrounding areas, don’t wait. Contact Knutson + Casey for trusted legal guidance and aggressive representation. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay unless we win your case.