What Is My Minnesota Dog Bite Claim Worth?

Legally reviewed by:
Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team
June 29, 2023

Dogs are affectionately known as man’s best friend and are generally wonderful companions to many. Unfortunately, any dog can attack or bite someone,  and cause extensive physical injuries, emotional distress and other financial losses. Dog attack/bite victims can seek damages for their injuries by bringing a dog bite injury claim, often covered by the dog owner’s homeowners insurance.  Many homeowners policies provide coverage for dog bites and attacks, done by a dog that lives at the home.

Insurance claims can be helpful to dog attack and dog bite victims, and can secure compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. However, pursuing a dog bite claim may be challenging to handle on your own, as the laws can be complex, and insurance coverage issues difficult to sort out.  Many insurance companies exclude coverage and will not pay claims for certain breeds of dog.  And insurance companies may deny coverage if the dog owner did not disclose that the dog was living in their home.

If you were injured by a dog in Minnesota, it is critical to contact an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible. Often an investigation into the dog bite and dog itself is needed, and time is of the essence.  At Knutson + Casey, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover the maximum compensation available for your injuries and other losses from dog attacks and dog bites.  We understand the unique challenges of recovering from a dog bite injury and can take the stress of litigation off your shoulders as we handle every aspect of your case. When you partner with us, you can trust we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests. 

Damages You May Be Eligible to Collect Through a Minnesota Dog Bite Claim

The value of a dog bite claim depends upon many factors.  Many dog bite or attack claims involve skin punctures, and permanent scarring from the attack.  With children, scars are often on the face, and will grow along with the child’s face, as it grows into adulthood. In other words, scars on children tend to get bigger over time.  There is also the trauma of the dog bite, and whether the victim has a job or activities that require being around dogs in the future.  Such as a delivery person, mail carrier, or dog-walker.  That can affect the victim’s future income.  The value of any claim depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on the victim’s life. For example, a claim for a small puncture wound that does not require extensive treatment is valued at far less than a large puncture wound with large scar, or a claim for broken bones or the loss of body parts. An experienced dog bite lawyer can evaluate your claim and the full extent of your losses to determine how much compensation you deserve, and should recover. Typically, dog bite victims in Minnesota are eligible to collect the following damages:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost future earnings or earning potential
  • Scarring or disfigurement 
  • Disability
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of  life
  • Pain and suffering

The talented attorneys at Knutson + Casey are committed to considering your current and future financial needs when determining the total value of your claim and fighting for compensation on your behalf.

How an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You

Because the injuries sustained in a dog attack can be life-altering, the stakes are too high to go without quality legal representation. At Knutson + Casey, our attorneys have 30 years of experience helping dog bite victims in Minnesota hold negligent pet owners accountable for the harm they have caused. Our attorneys understand what it takes to win and are ready to apply their extensive experience and skills to your unique case. Some of the many ways we help include the following:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation into your case including the full background of the dog and other reports on the dog to law enforcement
  • Collecting evidence to support your claim
  • Getting expert opinions from plastic surgeons for scars
  • Determining the amount of insurance coverage available for the claim
  • Making a claim to the proper insurance companies, in a timely manner
  • Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
  • Answering your legal questions
  • Keeping you up to date on the progress of your case
  • Guiding you through every step of Minnesota’s complex legal process
  • Negotiating with all parties on your behalf
  • Fiercely advocating for your rights and interests before and during trial

Our attorneys understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach to law and will tailor their approach to your situation. 

Discuss Your Case With a Trusted Dog Bite Attorney at Knutson + Casey

After suffering a dog bite, you may be feeling understandably lost and confused as you contend with medical bills and other expenses associated with your injury. Fortunately, the skilled dog bite attorneys at Knutson + Casey are here to help. We understand how stressful the aftermath of an animal attack can be and are ready to be your pillar of support during this challenging time. We take a personalized and innovative approach to every case and will fight aggressively for the favorable outcome you deserve. 

To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we will help, call us today at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form.

Knutson+Casey

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team

June 29, 2023

At Knutson+Casey, we take the time to understand each distinctive matter presented to us by a client in need of assistance. We make certain that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions regarding the progress of their cases. We have 4 bar certified attorneys as well as 5 expert paralegals on staff to review all legal information and cases presented.