Legal Question in Personal Injury in Minnesota

dog bite

my 12yr. old son was bit by a bull mastiff, it's more than a dog bite, the dog mauled his arm, he had 3 good size wounds in his left arm/hand. owner is going to court to pay medical, but doesn't have home owners insurance. I'm told you don't get anything for pain and suffering and that atttorney would spend more time on case then what my son might get out of it. I can't believe the answers i get regarding any legal actions against the homeowner, i thought everyone had to have homeowners insurance..my son was riding his bike with his friend and they were passing the property when the dog ran into road and stopped, my son had to stop also or he would have hit the dog, the dog then clamped onto his arm, trying to pull him off his bike, my son got his arm away and dog left, we spent 3 1/2 hrs. in ER, my son loves animals and has his own dog. i guess i am shocked that there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done other than brush it under the carpet and call it good. any information or help would greatly be appreciated...thanks for listening...very frustrated mother


Asked on 1/21/05, 1:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Todd Johnson Johnson & Bannon

Re: dog bite

I am very sorry to hear about the injury to your son. It is true that homeowners are not required to carry homeowners coverage. It is foolish to do so since you have no protection if your house burns down, etc. As a result most people have coverage. Moreover, every mortgage company I know requires that homeowners insurance be carried on the property. If there is in fact no coverage and you get a recovery against the homeowner you could garnish his wages and take anything not protected by bankruptcy. A home would be protected but the judgment would prevent him from selling the house without satisfying the judgment. Whether this is worthwhile depends on the injury to your son. I would talk to several attorneys in your area that handle personal injury matters before just abandoning hope.

It is true that jury's have become more conservative on issues of pain and suffering but dog bites cases are often easier to get such damages.

You should be aware that there are limits on the period of time you have to bring a claim. I would urge you to contact an attorney in your area as soon as possible.

Good luck.

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Answered on 1/21/05, 2:53 pm


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