Sioux Falls Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog Bite Laws in South Dakota

South Dakota law says the attack must be reasonably foreseeable to a prudent person.

Under South Dakota law, a dog owner may be liable when:

• Their dog bites or attacks another person

• The injured person was lawfully on public or private property

• The victim did not provoke the dog

This legal framework is designed to protect victims and place responsibility on dog owners to control their animals.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks often cause more than surface wounds. Many victims suffer injuries that require emergency care, surgery, or long-term treatment. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Deep puncture wounds

• Lacerations and scarring

• Nerve damage

• Infections, including rabies exposure

• Broken bones from knock-downs or falls

• Facial injuries

• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

Children are especially vulnerable to facial and head injuries due to their size and proximity to dogs.

Where Dog Bite Accidents Commonly Occur

Dog bite injuries in Sioux Falls frequently occur in everyday settings, including:

• Neighborhood sidewalks and yards

• Apartment complexes

• Parks and walking trails

• Friends’ or relatives’ homes

• Rental properties with unsecured animals

Many attacks happen during routine activities, such as walking, visiting a home, or playing outside.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

While dog owners are most often responsible, liability may extend to others depending on the circumstances, including:

• Property owners or landlords who allow dangerous dogs on the premises

• Caretakers or dog walkers who fail to control the animal

• Businesses that permit aggressive dogs on-site

An experienced Sioux Falls dog bite injury lawyer can investigate the facts and identify all liable parties.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

If you were injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages

• Emergency medical treatment

• Hospitalization and surgery

• Plastic or reconstructive surgery

• Physical therapy

• Future medical care

• Lost wages

• Loss of future earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Loss of enjoyment of life

In severe cases involving permanent injury or child victims, damages can be substantial.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Sioux Falls

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect both your health and your legal claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor bites
2. Identify the dog and its owner, if possible
3. Report the incident to local animal control
4. Photograph your injuries and the location of the attack
5. Preserve medical records and treatment documentation
6. Avoid discussing the incident with insurance companies before speaking to a lawyer

Dog bite claims often involve homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, and insurers frequently attempt to minimize payouts.

Challenges in Dog Bite Injury Claims

Dog bite cases may appear straightforward, but insurers often dispute:

• Whether the victim provoked the dog

• The severity of the injuries

• Whether the dog owner had prior knowledge of aggression

• The amount of compensation owed

Having legal representation ensures these arguments are properly addressed with evidence and legal authority.

How Northern Plains Justice Helps Dog Bite Victims

At Northern Plains Justice, dog bite injury cases are handled with precision and care. Our approach includes:

• Thorough investigation of the incident

• Collection of medical records and expert opinions

• Evaluation of insurance coverage

• Strategic negotiation with insurers

• Trial-ready preparation when settlement is not fair

Our goal is not a quick settlement—it is a result that protects your future and fully accounts for your injuries.

Contact Information

Location Link: Sioux Falls, SD

Address: 4301 W 57th St Unit 121, Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Phone: 605-306-4100

Email: contact@northernplainsjustice.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries