Dog Bite Liability in Minnesota
Whether a dog owner in Minnesota is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures a person who is acting peaceably in a place where the person may lawfully be, the owner (including anyone harboring or keeping the dog) is liable for the full amount of the injury. Minn. Stat. § 347.22
| Dog bites | Strict liability. If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures a person who is acting peaceably in a place where the person may lawfully be, the owner (including anyone harboring or keeping the dog) is liable for the full amount of the injury. Source: Minn. Stat. § 347.22 |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Generally six years for injury to the person not arising on contract (which covers negligence claims). Two years for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment or "other tort resulting in personal injury." Four years for strict product liability claims. Two-year rule: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.07 . Which personal injury claims fall under the two-year clause ("other tort resulting in personal injury") versus the six-year clause has been decided by Minnesota courts; check the deadline for a specific claim. |
More Minnesota personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Minnesota
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Minnesota
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Minnesota
- Car Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Minnesota
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Truck Accident Claims in Minnesota
- Construction Site Injuries in Minnesota
- All Minnesota personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Minnesota?
Strict liability. If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures a person who is acting peaceably in a place where the person may lawfully be, the owner (including anyone harboring or keeping the dog) is liable for the full amount of the injury.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Minnesota?
Generally six years for injury to the person not arising on contract (which covers negligence claims). Two years for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment or "other tort resulting in personal injury." Four years for strict product liability claims.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.