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Bismarck Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Holding North Dakota dog owners responsible when animals bite or attack

Dogs are among the most popular pets in the United States. If you don’t have one yourself, you certainly know someone who does. When trained properly, dogs provide companionship and even protection from danger. However, they can also become aggressive without warning – biting or attacking strangers or even those familiar with the dog.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, and if you suffer a dog bite, you may need help with your medical bills. Many states have specific dog bite laws to guide victims in taking legal action against the owner of an aggressive dog. However, North Dakota has no such law, so bringing a claim for a dog bite injury can be a little more complicated, as you and your Bismarck injury attorney will need to prove negligence.

At Larson Law, we represent adults and children injured or bitten by dogs. If you suffered injury from an aggressive dog and a negligent owner, we can help. Our attorneys know how to prove negligence and work to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. Let us negotiate on your behalf for the best possible outcome for your case.

How can we help?

How many people suffer dog bites every year?
What are the dog bite laws in North Dakota?
What types of injuries can dog bites cause?
Who is responsible for my Bismarck dog bite injury?
What is the “one bite” rule?
How much compensation can I get from a dog bite injury claim?

How many people suffer dog bites every year?

The public information site DogsBite.org maintains data and statistics about U.S. dog bite injury and fatality statistics. For example, every year we all have a one in 50 chance of being bit by a dog. They also report the following:

Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year, and nearly one out of five bites become infected.
Dog attack victims suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses annually. JAMA reports this estimate to be as high as $2 billion.
The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, which is about 50% higher than an average injury-related hospital stay.
In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.
In 2019, homeowners insurers paid out $797 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries.

Finally, the organization reports that the average cost of a dog bite or attack claim is $44,760.

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What are the dog bite laws in North Dakota?

North Dakota, along with a handful of other states, has no specific dog bite statutes on the books. Instead, the courts typically look to the precedent set by Sendelbach v. Grad, and the theory of premises liability and negligence. In that case, the plaintiff (Sendelbach) was bitten by a dog while on the defendant’s (Grad) property. The court ruled in favor of Sendelbach, stating:

“We find that the standard of liability for injuries caused by an animal to a person on the premises of the possessor of the animal is no different than the standard regarding injuries to a visitor caused by other means.”

To prove a dog owner was negligent, you and your attorney must show that:

The dog’s owner had a duty to prevent it from causing injuries
The owner failed to live up to this duty
That breach of duty directly caused your injuries and damages

Consulting with our Bismarck dog bite injury attorneys can help you start building a strong and legitimate injury claim.

What types of injuries can dog bites cause?

An aggressive dog can cause a variety of injuries, from bruises and scratches to life-threatening lacerations and infections. Even dogs that have never presented hostile behavior before can still suddenly bite a stranger or even a person familiar to them. Victims of dog bites often suffer the following types of injuries:

Puncture wounds. Puncture wounds are dangerous, as they typically don’t bleed profusely. These types of injuries can go deep into the skin and tissues, putting a person at high risk for infection. Ensure you visit a doctor to have the puncture wound treated properly.
Infection. When a dog’s paws or teeth break your skin, you’re at risk for infection. A dog bite can introduce dirt, waste, and other types of dangerous bacteria into your bloodstream. If your wound shows redness, swelling, or feels hot, ensure you get medical intervention.
Facial scarring. Many dog bite injuries heal on their own. However, some don’t and leave significant scars on the face or body. For some victims, especially children, this affects them emotionally and financially, necessitating painful and multiple reconstructive surgeries.
Nerve damage. A dog’s teeth are evolved to bite deep and bite hard, which can damage the nerves in a victim’s face, arms, hands, or legs. Nerve damage can lead to further issues, like chronic pain and mobility problems that can last for years.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. A dog attack can cause more than physical harm – it can leave emotional scars that may last a lifetime. Victims, whether children or adults, can develop symptoms of psychological trauma after a serious dog bite.

Our Bismarck dog bite injury lawyers know how to calculate the monetary value of your losses, from the day your injury occurred to determining all your future needs.

Who is responsible for my Bismarck dog bite injury?

Parties that may be held liable for your injury include the dog’s owner, dog sitter, or dog walker. Generally, whoever had control of the dog when it attacked you can be held accountable for your injuries if the court rules they were negligent.

What is the “one bite” rule?

The one bite rule means a dog owner can’t be prosecuted if it’s the first time a dog showed aggressive behavior, like biting or attacking. It holds the assumption that the owner didn’t know their dog was dangerous. However, after “one bite,” the dog owner must presume their dog is dangerous, making any further aggressive behavior negligence on the part of the owner.

How much compensation can I get from a dog bite injury claim?

Every case and every situation is different, but a successful dog bite injury claim can compensate you for:

Medical bills, current and future
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Reconstructive surgery
Emotional distress
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Counseling for child victims
Pain and suffering

Our attorneys work for the best outcome possible. We treat you with respect and understand that dog bite cases can become uncomfortable and complicated, especially if you know the owner of the animal. We approach these types of cases in the manner you prefer. Our attorneys negotiate and litigate on your behalf so you can focus on healing from your injuries.