When Should I Go to the Doctor after a Dog Bite?

Legally reviewed by:
Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team
April 5, 2022

Although dogs are often playful towards people, they also pose a risk with dangerous bites. Minnesota is one of the many states in America with a dog bite victim’s law. It clearly states if someone else’s dog attacks you and it wasn’t provoked or reasonably expected, the owner is responsible for your injuries. In most cases, the dog owner’s or dog harborer’s homeowners insurance will provide coverage for the injuries.

Regardless of the severity of the injury, medical treatment should be sought immediately, and the animal should be checked for Rabies.  It is important to keep the animal until it can be checked for rabies, if safely possible.  Injuries from an animal bite should not be delayed or avoided. At Knutson + Casey Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you through your case. The animal bite should be reported immediately to law enforcement and animal control agencies, to see if the animal has attacked or bitten others.  In Minnesota, if the dog or animal has bitten others, a court may order it to be put down.

Why Do Dog Bites Occur?

It may be shocking to hear that dog bites occur fairly often. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Dog bites can occur for several reasons, some of which include the following:

  • The dog is provoked or feels threatened
  • The dog is near its food or drink bowl
  • The dog is territorial and thinks they can’t trust the person or thing it’s biting
  • The dog is sick or injured and defensively lashes out
  • The person mishandles or teases the dog
  • The dog owner is negligent towards the dog
  • The dog has a history of being raised and bred for dog fights

Bites often occur on the hands, arms, and legs, as these are the body parts closest to the animal. However, dogs can bite any part of the body. Dog bites are most common among children aged 5 to 9 years old and these bites cause significant health issues, such as infection.

The Dangers of a Dog Bite

Being bit by an animal poses various health threats to humans. Dogs may have rabies or other infectious diseases that can be passed on to the injured person if the skin gets broken from the bite. Although a dog bite may not seem severe right after the incident, the injured person could sustain nerve damage or other injuries due to a rough dog bite.

When a dog attacks a person they often leave visible injuries and, in some cases, multiple wounds. The Minnesota Department of Health advises all individuals bitten by an animal to seek medical treatment for evaluation, assessment, and treatment.

Should I See My Doctor after a Dog Attack?

Anyone bitten by an animal, especially by a dog, should seek medical attention for antibiotics, vaccination, and rabies treatment if needed. Following these guidelines will prevent any present infections from getting worse.

Southern Minnesota’s laws permit any injured individual the right to sue the dog owner through their homeowner’s insurance to seek compensation for the injuries.

In Minnesota, Statute 347.22 holds dog owners liable for the personal injury their dog has caused to the injured person. It states:

            “If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the person may lawfully be, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the person so attacked or injured to the full amount of the injury sustained.”

This explains any owner whose dog attacks or injures a person without provocation to be held liable for the cost of the damages and ultimately held responsible. If you are bit by a dog seeking medical attention is necessary, and you can sue the owner accountable for your injuries and damages. Our legal team in Southern Minnesota can help you understand your rights and represent you in your injury case.

Contact Attorneys Knutson + Casey for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Southern Minnesota

At Knutson + Casey Law Firm, dog bites are no strangers to us. We have helped thousands of clients seeking justice and compensation for the unfortunate injuries they endured at the responsible party’s fault. Contact our legal team using our online form or give us a call at (507) 344-8888 to schedule a case review.

Knutson+Casey

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team

April 5, 2022

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.