IS DOG OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR BITE IF HE POSTS BEWARE SIGN?
In general, the answer is yes.Minnesota law holds the owner strictly liable if their dog bites or injures someone.In fact, there are only two exceptions:If the person was trespassing on the property or if they provoked the dog.
Posting a ‘Beware of Dog’ warning sign does not protect the owner from being sued. Likewise, the dog owner is responsible even if they have an electric fence. In other words, it does not matter if the owner tried control the dog.
A dog bite lawyer in our office recently got a call from a dog owner who felt they should not be responsible after their dog bit an Amazon delivery person. The reason they gave was that they had posted a ‘beware of dog’ sign.Therefore, the dog owner felt the delivery person was taking his chances by entering the property.However, the law in Minnesota does not support that position.
WARNING SIGN DOES NOT LEGALLY PREVENT DOG OWNER FROM BEING SUED
The delivery person was not trespassing – the owner requested the package to be delivered to her house. Likewise, the delivery person did not provoke the dog.He was just minding his own business and delivering the package. Therefore, the dog owner is absolutely responsible if the dog attacks or bites the person in MN.
Our attorneys have had many cases where the dog owner tries to avoid responsibility after their dog attacks or bites someone. Fortunately, the dog owner rarely gets away with it. If you are attacked or injured by a dog, call us and speak with a lawyer for a free consultation. Our attorneys have 25 years’ experience with hundreds of dog bite/dog attack cases throughout Minnesota. First, we will explain your rights and answer your questions. Most importantly, we will make sure you are fairly compensated by the dog owner’s homeowners insurance.