Dog Bites Are a Major Problem

Unlike other states, North Dakota does not have a specific dog bite law. Instead, it follows the precedents set in Sendelbach v. Grad, which allows a dog bite victim to seek damages if a dog owner is negligent, and that negligence results in the injuries.

Sendelbach v. Grad addresses bites by dogs that are privately owned, such as by a neighbor or family member. In this type of case, you have up to six years to file a claim for damages. Cases involving dogs that are used by government entities, however, can be more challenging. For example, if you are bitten by a K-9, you may only have 180 days to file a claim, and the liable party could vary: it could be the city, or the police department, or the dog’s specific handler.

But what if you are bitten on state or federal property? If you are bitten while in a state park or at a federal building, the owner, handler, or dog walker may be held liable for failing to exercise reasonable care in protecting you from an attack. Even if the animal that attacks you is allowed by federal law – like a service animal would be – it could be incredibly difficult to sue the federal government for a dog bite sustained on federal property.

Dog bites hurts millions of Americans each year

The CDC reports that dog bites are common, with 4.7 million Americans experiencing dog bites each year. Dog bites can also cause serious injuries like:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Catastrophic injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Soft tissue damage

Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites and attacks.

What to do if you’re bitten by a dog in North Dakota

If you or your child are bitten by a dog, knowing what to do next is important both for your health and for any potential personal injury claim.

• Exchange contact information with dog’s owner or walker so you can get the animal’s vaccination history, as well as get in touch with them later regarding your injuries. Ensure you get their full name, address, and phone number. Try to get a photo of the dog, too, if you can.
• If there were witnesses, gather their contact information as well. If you file a personal injury claim, their accounts can provide an accurate description of the incident.

• Notify animal control. Filing a report with local animal control can prevent a dangerous dog from biting again, and can also be helpful in your own case.
• Call an attorney to discuss your options for seeking damages. You may be able to make a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy, or against a business’s liability policy. We can help you with that part of the claim and can represent you in court if and/or when necessary.

It is also crucial to document all costs and anything else related to the dog bite and your medical treatment, including the pain you feel from your injury and how it is affecting your ability to work and perform your daily tasks. This helps your attorney more accurately determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

If you or a loved one were bitten or attacked by a dog, the Minot injury attorneys at Larson Law can help. We work to seek full compensation for victims and hold negligent dog owners responsible. To arrange a free consultation, call us in Minot or Bismarck today at 701.484.HURT or complete our contact form.