Quick Answer
After a dog bite in Fargo, you generally have up to six years to file most injury claims in North Dakota (N.D.C.C. ch. 28-01), one of the longest deadlines in the country. North Dakota generally requires showing the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. Homeowner or renter insurance often covers these claims. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Goldberg & Loren's dog bite law firm is dedicated to helping victims of dog bites in Fargo and nearby communities. When a dog attacks you or a loved one, the psychological effects can be just as serious as the physical ones.
Our Fargo dog bite attorneys will seek compensation not only for your physical injuries but also for your emotional turmoil.
Call us today at (701) 540-6787 for a free consultation regarding your dog bite injury claim.
How Do Dog Bites Happen in Fargo?
Dog bites can happen in a variety of ways. It could be a provoked attack, where the dog was deliberately caused to bite someone, or an unprovoked attack, where the dog’s aggression is directed at innocent passersby or visiting strangers. Dog owners are responsible for making sure their animals are properly trained and restrained so that these attacks do not occur.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Before dogs were ever domesticated, they were wild animals. A dog’s instinct to bite and defend itself is still strong today.
Consequently, a dog bite can cause serious injuries including:
- Lacerations - Torn or jagged skin caused by the dog’s teeth.
- Puncture Wounds - Deep punctures in the flesh that are caused when a dog’s sharp canine teeth penetrate the skin.
- Scarring - Scarring often results from serious lacerations or puncture wounds, which can cause permanent physical and psychological effects on victims of animal attacks.
- Infection - Deep puncture wounds can cause infection, resulting in further complications and requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Amputation - Severe injuries may require amputation of a limb to save the victim’s life.
- Facial Trauma - Dog bites can cause severe facial trauma, including disfigurement and even vision loss.
- Rabies - If the dog is not up to date on its vaccinations, rabies may be a risk.
- Nerve Damage and Paralysis - Nerve damage or paralysis may occur if the dog bites a victim’s neck or spine.
- Broken Bones - Dog bites can cause broken bones and fractures due to the force of the attack.
- Emotional Trauma - Victims of animal attacks often suffer from emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. Because the dog's mouth is full of bacteria, wounds can often become infected if they are not treated with antibiotics soon after the attack.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, Goldberg & Loren can help. We will work to make sure you are fully compensated for your losses.
Depending on the circumstances of the attack, victims may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical bills - including the cost of treating infections
- Pain and suffering - both physical and emotional
- Lost wages - from missed time at work
- Emotional distress - such as anxiety or depression
- Property damage - if there was any property damaged during the attack
Additional financial compensation may also be available depending on the specifics of your case. Our local dog bite attorneys will fight to make sure you get every penny you deserve.
At Goldberg & Loren, we strive to make sure our clients have the best chance of getting the full amount of compensation they deserve.
What Can I Do After a Dog Bite in Fargo?
If you have been injured by a dog attack, there are several steps you should take right away. First, seek medical attention immediately.
Even if the bite does not seem serious at first, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Next, contact Goldberg & Loren to discuss your legal options.
We can help you understand your rights and help you seek compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages you have suffered due to the attack.
No one should ever have to suffer physically or psychologically because of a dog bite.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Fargo Dog Bite Attack?
To prove negligence in a dog attack case, we must show that the owner was aware of the animal’s tendency to be aggressive and did not take proper measures to prevent it from attacking someone.
We may investigate all relevant evidence including:
- Prior attacks by the same dog - when owned by the same person
- Witness statements - from people who have seen the dog act aggressively in the past
- Owner’s knowledge of the animal’s behavior - and their failure to act
- Police reports - detailing any prior incidents involving the dog
- Medical records - documenting any injuries suffered in the attack
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, you have a six-year window of opportunity from the date of your incident in which to file a case. In contrast, wrongful death cases are only allotted two years by law for grieving family members or representatives to bring forth their claims and seek justice.
When Can You File a Dog Bite Claim in Fargo?
North Dakota's Statute of Limitations on dog bites is six years from the date of injury. If you have been injured by a dog bite in Fargo, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Injury to a Person - Six Years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16)
Wrongful Death - Two years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18)
How Do You Prove Vicious Propensity?
To prove that a dog has a vicious propensity, we must demonstrate that the animal has an unusually dangerous disposition and a tendency to attack humans or animals without provocation.
We may use witness testimony, medical records, past police reports, and other evidence to show that the owner of the animal was aware of its aggressive tendencies but did not take appropriate measures to prevent it from attacking.
Why Do Injured People Not Pursue Dog Bite Claims?
The truth is that many people love animals and they internalize the shame of being bitten by an animal they love or an animal in general. Guilt over being bitten is common; some of the reasons are:
- Self-Blame - Some people feel they provoked the animal in some way, making them responsible for their injuries.
- Fear of Punishment - Some fear that if they name the dog or its owner, there will be legal consequences resulting in punishment or even euthanasia of the animal. This is not always the outcome.
- Protective Nature - People also may have a hard time admitting that the animal of someone close to them is capable of causing harm.
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How Can a Fargo Dog Bite Attorney Help?
Our Fargo personal injury lawyers understand the emotional and physical toll a dog bite can take on its victims. We are dedicated to helping you get the justice you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog bite attack, our experienced legal team can help.
We will investigate the incident, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and if the case goes to court, we will fight for your rights and maximum compensation.
We know how devastating a dog bite attack can be, and we are here to help you get the justice you deserve. Our legal team looks forward to hearing from you and helping you on your journey toward justice and recovery. In-person, online appointments, and hospital visits are all available. We are committed to helping you financially recover.
Don’t hesitate to call us at (701) 540-6787 today for a free consultation. We are open now to provide guidance regarding your dog bite claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of money you can receive from a dog bite injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of any medical costs incurred, and other related expenses.
Typically, damages associated with a dog bite or attack cover such things as medical bills lost wages due to being unable to work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To prove a dog bite injury claim, you will need to provide evidence that the dog’s owner was negligent.
This includes proof that the owner was aware of the risks associated with owning a particular breed or size of the dog and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others from potential harm.
Additionally, you may need to demonstrate that the dog’s owner failed to properly restrain or control the animal, leading to your injury.
It is generally recommended that you seek legal advice from a qualified attorney if you have been injured due to a dog bite or attack.
An experienced lawyer can help ensure that all the necessary evidence and documents are obtained to build a strong case for your claim.
Additionally, an attorney can advise you on the best course of action for securing maximum compensation for your injury.
Fargo Resources for Dog Bite Victims
Local Hospitals
Sanford Medical Center Fargo (Level I Trauma Center)
Address: 5225 23rd Ave S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
Phone: (701) 417-2000
Essentia Health-Fargo (Level II Trauma Center)
Address: 3000 32nd Ave S Fargo, North Dakota 58103
Phone: (701) 364-8000
Sanford Child's Hospital Fargo (Level II Trauma Center)
Address: 5225 23rd Ave S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
Phone: (701) 234-7131
*Disclaimer: We do not officially endorse any of the companies listed above; our recommendations are based entirely on valuable insights provided by our clients.
