By Rob Shainess, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Arahon Atlas was severely bitten by a dog that outweighed the 8 year old boy by over 30 pounds. As a result of the dog bite attack, Arahon received medical treatment and needed over 50 stitches for the injuries. Arahon was on his way to go swimming with a friend when the dog bite attack took place. St. Paul Minnesota animal control quarantined the dog and officials will make a determination of the dog qualifies as a dangerous or a potentially dangerous dog. The family of the boy expects that the boy will recover from the dog bite related injuries. See Eight Year Old Suvives Dog Attack.
Dogs can be unpredictable and, at times, attack children for no apparent reason or known cause. It is important for dog owners to maintain control of their dogs. Appropriate fencing and signs are important. Furthermore, the use of a dog leash can prevent many attacks from taking place.
Minnesota is a Strict Liability State for dog bite injuries. In other words, the dog bite victim does not need to prove that there was a prior history of violence or that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. The dog bite victim will need to show that the dog bit without provocation and that the dog bite victim was an invitee or otherwise lawfully present where the incident took place. See Section 347.22, Damages, Dog Owner Liability – Minnesota Statutes.