Table of Contents
Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional trauma. At Knutson + Casey, our Minnesota dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping victims in Owatonna and throughout southern Minnesota recover compensation and hold negligent owners accountable. Whether you were attacked in a park, walking through your neighborhood, or visiting someone’s home in Owatonna, we’ll guide you through every step and aggressively protect your rights.
Minnesota imposes strict liability on dog owners—meaning they’re responsible for your injuries even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. To recover, you must show that you were peacefully in a legal place and the bite was unprovoked.
Unlike many states, Minnesota does not follow a “one-bite” rule—owners can’t escape liability simply because it was the dog’s first offense.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe and may include:
Puncture wounds, deep lacerations, and permanent scarring
Infections requiring medical treatment
Broken bones or injuries from being knocked down
Emotional trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, or fear of dogs
Liability can extend beyond just the dog’s owner. Depending on the situation, others may also be responsible, such as:
Dog walkers or caretakers
Landlords who allowed a dangerous dog on the property
Property owners or tenants where the bite occurred
If the victim provoked the dog or trespassed, that may impact the claim—but in most cases, the owner or handler is still held liable.
Our legal team handles every step of the process so you can focus on healing:
1. Immediate Evidence Collection – We gather medical records, photos, and witness statements
2. Legal Paperwork & Filing – We prepare and submit all legal documents required under Minnesota law
3. Negotiation with Insurers – We fight for fair compensation through the dog owner’s insurance
4. Court-Ready Representation – We prepare for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
5. Support Throughout – We manage every detail while you focus on recovery
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
Current and future medical treatment
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Scarring, disfigurement, and any long-term care needs
We pursue the maximum possible recovery for every aspect of your case.
After a dog bite in Owatonna, follow these steps to protect your health and your rights:
Seek medical attention immediately
Report the bite to local animal control or police
Take photos of your injuries and the scene
Get contact info for witnesses and the dog’s owner
Contact Knutson + Casey as soon as possible
Local, experienced representation right here in Southern Minnesota
Personal attention to every case—we treat you like family
Proven results in dog bite and injury claims
No upfront legal fees – you only pay if we win
We know how to handle difficult insurance negotiations and will take your case to court if needed.
Do I need to prove the dog had bitten someone before?
No. Under Minnesota’s strict liability law, prior aggression is not required to file a claim.
What if the bite didn’t break the skin?
You may still have a case. Any injury or trauma—including scratches or being knocked down—can qualify.
Can I pursue compensation if I touched or approached the dog?
Yes—unless you provoked the dog in a threatening or unlawful way, you likely still have a valid claim.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
We may pursue a civil claim directly against the owner. Many homeowners policies cover dog bite liability.
If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in Owatonna or anywhere in the surrounding area, don’t wait. Contact Knutson + Casey for trusted legal guidance and aggressive representation. We offer free consultations and charge no fee unless we win your case.