Common Dog Bite Scenarios
Dog attacks occur as a result of various different scenarios. However, dog attack incidents most often occur because a dog is frightened, anxious, or trying to protect themselves. Additionally, almost all dog bite cases occur on private property as opposed to public spaces.
If you’re inside someone’s house (and you’ve been invited), you may be able to claim compensation for damages you experience as a result of their dog attacking or biting you.
Dog bite attacks may also happen outdoors as the result of a dog who hasn’t been properly chained up or a dog that has gotten loose. However, this isn’t as common.
Statistics on Dog Bite Injuries in Minnesota
Approximately 4.4 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Of this amount, about 885,000 sustain injuries that require medical attention.
In Minnesota, there were 370 dog bites reported to insurers in 2018. The state has had a problem with its police dogs (K9s) being involved in dog bite accidents. After two fatal dog bites in 2018 because of K9s, St. Paul limited its use of K9s.
Breeds Most Likely to Bite
The breeds that are known to bite most frequently include:
- Chihuahua
- English Bulldog
- Pit Bull
- German Shepherd
- Australian Shepherd
- Lhasa Aspo
- Cocker Spaniel
- Bull Terrier
- Jack Russel Terrier
- Pekingese
- Papillion
While these breeds are most likely to cause bite injuries, they aren’t necessarily the ones with the strongest bite or the ones that are most likely to do damage.
Breeds With the Strongest Bite
The dogs with the strongest bite based on pound per square inch alone and nothing else are as follows:
- Kangal
- American Banndogge
- Cane Corso
- Dongue De Bordeaux
- Tosa Inu
- English Mastiff
- Dogo Canario
- Dogo Argentino
- Wolfdog
- Leonberger
- Akita Inu
- Rottweiler
As you can see, there aren’t any similarities between the list, meaning that the dogs that have the strongest bite aren’t amongst the most likely to bite. However, the breeds who bite the most often are still able to do damage.
How To Protect Yourself from a Dog Attack
While not all dog attacks can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to help protect yourself from a dog attack. Here are a few tips to remember when around dogs you aren’t familiar with.
- Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Don’t run from a dog, make loud noises, or panic in any way.
- Remain motionless if an unfamiliar dog approaches you. Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog.
- Don’t disturb a dog that’s eating, sleeping, or taking care of its puppies.
- If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, allow it to smell you and investigate on its own before you attempt to pet it.
- If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and remain motionless.
- Don’t encourage your dog or another dog to play aggressively.
What to do if You’re Attacked by a Dog
If you’re injured in a dog bite attack, the first thing you should do is stop the bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound by using a dry cloth. In an emergency situation, the t-shirt you’re wearing will be good enough. While applying pressure, instruct someone to call 911 emergency services, especially if you can’t stop the bleeding or if you begin to feel faint.
If you don’t require emergency medical care, you should still seek immediate medical attention. If you file an insurance claim, but waited too long to seek medical attention, the insurance company may use that against you.
Minnesota Dog Bite Laws
Minnesota dog bite law states that an injured person can hold a dog owner liable for the injuries caused by the dog if and only if the victim:
- was lawfully in the place where they were bitten,
- was acting peaceably, and
- did not provoke the dog in any way.
The dog owner will be held liable for the dog’s actions even if they did not know that the dog would bite, attack, or at violently in any way.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
You can receive compensation for your damages if you’ve been involved in a dog bite attack. Damages you can be compensated for are divided into two main types: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include quantifiable losses like medical bills and lost wages.
On the other hand, non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of earning capacity. Additionally, non-economic damages include compensation for disability, scarring, or disfigurement.
Contact a Minnesota Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, our team of talented attorneys here at Sand Law in Minnesota can help you get the compensation that you deserve. We have years of experience working on dog attack cases. And we will work tirelessly to win you the maximum compensation available.
For more information or a free case evaluation, please contact us online, by using our chat box, or by calling us at 651-291-7263.