Who is liable if a dog bites me in Minnesota?

1. Liability Standard

Minnesota is one of the broadest strict-liability states. Under Minn. Stat. § 347.22, an owner is liable for the "full amount of the injury sustained" by anyone the dog attacks, including non-bite injuries.

2. Statutory Elements

Plaintiff must show: (a) defendant owned or harbored the dog; (b) the dog attacked or injured plaintiff; (c) plaintiff was acting peaceably; and (d) plaintiff was in a place they had a right to be.

3. Common-Law "One-Bite" Doctrine

Common-law negligence remains available but largely superseded by the statute's breadth.

4. Trespasser Defense

The "right to be" requirement excludes trespassers.

5. Provocation Defense

Provocation is a defense. Minnesota courts interpret "provoking" narrowly — accidental or innocent acts typically don't qualify.

6. Comparative Fault

Minnesota's modified comparative-fault rule (Minn. Stat. § 604.01) bars recovery if plaintiff is greater than 50% at fault. Comparative fault applies to strict-liability claims.

7. Landlord Liability

A landlord may be a "harborer" under § 347.22 if they exercised significant control over the dog, an unusually broad theory of liability.

8. Homeowner's Insurance

Minnesota homeowner's policies typically cover dog bites; breed exclusions are common.

9. Damages

Full damages: medical bills, lost wages, scarring, disfigurement, future surgeries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

10. Criminal Liability

Under Minn. Stat. § 347.50, owners of dangerous dogs that cause substantial bodily harm or death face misdemeanor or felony charges.

This is legal information, not legal advice.