BIT OR ATTACKED BY DOG MN ATTORNEYS – HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
A dog owner in Minnesota is liable for any injury caused by their pet. In some states, there is only liability if the dog has bitten before. However, in Minnesota, the owner is liable whether or not the dog had bitten someone before. Some states and municipalities have “breed specific” statutes that identify breeds such as pit bulls as dangerous. In Minnesota, individual dogs can be designated as vicious.
At least two states have laws that prohibit insurers from canceling or denying coverage to the owners of particular dog breeds. In Ohio, for example, owners of dogs that have been classified as vicious are required to purchase at least $100,000 of liability insurance. The American Kennel Club reports that many municipalities have bans on specific breeds. However, several states have laws barring municipalities and counties from targeting individual breeds. Our top rated dog bite lawyers in MN represent people bitten by dogs of all kinds.
The injury lawyers at our firm have seen the terrible damage that can be done when a person is bit by a dog. Of course, a dog attack doesn’t always involve being bitten. This is why it is so important that MN holds the owner liable. After a dog bite or dog attack, there can be significant medical bills. Also, there are often bad scars requiring future plastic surgery. It makes sense that the dog owner should be responsible and pay these expenses. The person who was bit or attacked should not have to pay. Our Minnesota lawyers make sure our clients get the compensation they need and are entitled to from the dog owner’s insurance.
Dog Owners’ Liability: There are three kinds of laws around the county that impose liability on dog owners:
1) A dog-bite statute: The dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes without provocation. This is the law in Minnesota that our dog bite lawyers use every day.
2) The one-bite rule: where the dog owner is responsible for an injury caused by a dog that had bitten before. Then, the victim must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
3) Negligence laws: where the dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless in controlling the dog.
Insurers are Limiting their Exposure For Dog Bite Cases:
Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses. In most cases, the insurance goes up to $300,000. If the claim for being injured because of a dog exceeds the insurance limit, the dog owner is responsible. Some insurers do not ask the breed of a dog owned when issuing homeowners insurance. However, once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk to bite again. Therefore, the homeowner’s insurance company may charge a higher premium, nonrenew the insurance policy, or exclude the dog from coverage.
Some insurers are taking steps to limit their exposure to dog bite losses. For example, they may require dog owners to sign liability waivers. There are also some insurance companies that charge more for certain breeds such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Sometimes the homeowners insurance company will cover a pet if the owner takes preventative action. For example, classes aimed at modifying its behavior, or if the dog is restrained with a muzzle, chain or cage.
DOG BITE LAWYERS
If you have been attacked by a dog or sustained a dog bite, call us and speak with one of our experienced attorneys. You will speak directly to a MN dog bite lawyer for a free consultation. Our best dog bite lawyers have more than 25 years’ experience. We have represented hundreds of people in injury cases throughout Minnesota. A top MN dog bite lawyer will make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you need and are entitled to.