If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Great Falls or anywhere in Montana, you already know how fast a normal day can turn into a painful, confusing situation. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, leave lasting scars, and bring unexpected medical bills. At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we’ve helped injured Montanans since 1974 — including people hurt by dangerous or uncontrolled dogs.
We’re a hometown law firm built right here in Montana. When you call us, you’ll talk directly with our team of attorneys — not an answering service, and not an out-of-state call center. We take the time to understand your story, fight for your recovery, and help you move forward with confidence.
Montana Dog Bite Laws and How They Affect You
Dog bite laws in Montana can get complicated. The rules depend on where and how the bite happened. Understanding these laws can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation.
Strict Liability in Public Places
Under Montana Code Annotated §27-1-715, a dog owner is automatically responsible (“strictly liable”) if their dog bites someone in a public place, like a sidewalk, park, or trail. That means the victim doesn’t have to prove negligence — only that the bite occurred and they weren’t provoking the dog.
Negligence on Private Property
If you were legally on someone’s property — maybe visiting a friend or working at a home — and their dog bit you, you’ll generally need to show the owner was negligent. This might mean they:
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Knew the dog was aggressive but failed to warn you
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Didn’t properly restrain the dog
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Ignored local leash or fencing rules
Evidence like past bite reports, veterinary records, or neighbor complaints can help prove negligence.
Local Leash and Control Rules
Cities like Great Falls have leash laws and animal control ordinances that require owners to keep their dogs under control. Violating those rules can strengthen your case.
If you’re not sure which law applies to your situation, we can help you sort it out. Our team has decades of experience interpreting Montana’s mixed liability system for dog bites and other personal injury claims.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We See in Montana
Dog bites aren’t just small wounds — they can be serious and life-altering. We’ve represented clients with injuries such as:
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Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
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Nerve and tendon damage
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Scarring and disfigurement (especially on the face or arms)
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Infections, including rabies risk
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Emotional trauma and PTSD
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Broken bones or crush injuries from larger dogs
Children are especially at risk for facial and neck injuries, which may require surgery or leave lifelong scars. Even smaller dogs can cause major harm when owners fail to control them.
Compensation After a Dog Bite in MT.
If you were hurt by a dog, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost. Montana law allows victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical bills – ER visits, stitches, surgeries, medications, and any future treatment
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Lost wages – time missed from work while you recover
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Loss of future earning capacity – if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term
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Pain and suffering – both physical pain and emotional trauma
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Scarring and disfigurement – permanent changes to your appearance
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Property damage – torn clothing, glasses, or other personal items damaged during the attack
If the attack resulted in the tragic loss of life, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs and other damages. Insurance companies often handle dog bite claims through homeowners’ or renters’ policies. Even if the dog belongs to a friend or family member, we can usually pursue compensation through their insurance — not from them personally.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Dog attacks happen fast, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. These steps can protect your health and strengthen your claim:
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Get medical help right away. Even small punctures can become infected. Prompt care also creates documentation of your injuries.
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Report the bite. Contact Great Falls Animal Control or local law enforcement to file a report.
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Take photos. Document your wounds, the dog, and the location where the bite happened.
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Gather information. Get the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance details. If anyone saw what happened, take their contact info too.
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Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone. They may try to get you to settle quickly or downplay your injuries.
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Call a Montana dog bite lawyer. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can start protecting your rights.
Our team at Conner, Marr & Pinski will walk you through every step — from investigating what happened to dealing with the insurance company and making sure your medical costs are covered.
Call a Great Falls Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog anywhere in Montana, don’t wait to get help. Medical bills and lost income can add up quickly, and evidence can fade fast. At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we’re ready to fight for you. We’ll help you understand your legal options, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Call our Great Falls dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation — or reach out online and we’ll get back to you right away. You just made the right choice.
