Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyers Proudly Serving Oakland County, MI
Many Michiganders own dogs, and most of these pets live their whole lives without causing anyone harm. That said, dog bites and attacks are still far too common across the state and the nation, causing severe injuries to thousands of people each year. Victims may face expensive hospital bills, lost income due to missed time at work, and a lifetime of emotional trauma. If you’ve been attacked by someone else’s pet, filing a dog bite injury claim could provide you with compensation for these and other losses. A dog attack lawyer in Birmingham, Michigan, can help you pursue this money more effectively and efficiently.
Call 248-599-1607 for a free consultation with a canine injury lawyer in Birmingham..
Causes of Dog Attacks in Birmingham, MI
According to data from the U.S. Postal Service, Michigan regularly ranks among the top ten states for dog bite incidents. These attacks can happen for many reasons, including the following:
- Lack of training – One of the primary reasons for dog bites is that the owner has failed to socialize the animal properly. A dog that does not feel comfortable around strangers might lash out suddenly.
- Lack of leash restraint – Michigan law requires dog owners to keep their pets on a leash while in public in most circumstances. Failing to restrain a dog can allow the animal to become overexcited, possibly leading to aggressive behavior.
- Territorial behavior – Dogs who are highly protective of their property, their young, or their human families are more likely to attack people they perceive as a threat.
- Fear – Many dog owners deliberately raise their animals in an environment of fear. The outcome is almost invariably a dog who is predisposed to attack humans indiscriminately.
Whatever the reason behind the attack, speaking to an experienced Birmingham, Michigan, dog bite attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible to recover compensation for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites and attacks can lead to a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to severe traumatic damage. Some of the most common injuries we see from dog bites include:
- Lacerations – Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds or cuts when the teeth tear into skin and tissue.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – Once laceration wounds from a dog bite heal, they may leave behind noticeable scarring or disfiguring of the skin and underlying tissue.
- Broken Bones – The crushing power of a dog’s jaws can fracture bones, especially in the arms, hands, legs, feet, and fingers. This often requires surgery to implant pins or plates.
- Nerve Damage – Extreme bite pressure can damage or sever sensitive nerves in the damaged area. This may lead to disability, chronic pain, or loss of feeling.
- Infections – Dog mouths contain high levels of bacteria that can cause infections if a wound isn’t properly cleaned. Tetanus, rabies, and MRSA are possible concerns.
- Emotional Trauma – Dog bites, especially unprovoked or prolonged maulings, often cause immense emotional trauma, including anxiety, fear, panic attacks, PTSD, and lifelong phobias.
Whatever the injury may be, you need a Birmingham, Michigan, animal injury attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Michigan?
Many states follow a “One-Bite Rule,” allowing owners to avoid liability until they know or should reasonably know that their animal has a violent temperament. These states generally permit strict liability claims against owners only after the first attack. Alternately, a victim must show that the owner was in some way negligent in their handling of the animal.
In Michigan, however, neither of these principles governs a person’s ability to recover compensation after a dog bite. Instead, the state holds an owner strictly liable if their dog bites someone. Under Michigan law, you could recover compensation for a dog bite if the dog attacked you on public property or when you were legally present at the owner’s property, provided you did not provoke the dog to attack.
If you are unsure whether these factors apply in the context of your situation, speak to an animal injury attorney near Birmingham who can review your case.
How a Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
In the aftermath of a traumatic dog attack, many injury victims are so overwhelmed that they do not know what to do next. After seeking medical attention for your injuries, your priority should be to consult with a dog bite law firm near Birmingham. Engaging the service of a Birmingham, Michigan, dog bite law firm provides critical assistance if you suffer an animal attack.
What Atnip & Associates Does for Your Case
- Conduct a thorough investigation to establish liability and build your claim, gathering evidence like police reports, medical records, veterinary records, witness statements, photographs, and video recordings.
- Prove the full extent of your injuries and losses through medical documentation, accounting records, vocational assessments, and other evidence.
- Determine what insurance policies cover the attack, then negotiate assertively with the insurance adjusters for fair compensation.
- File a personal injury lawsuit against liable parties if warranted. We aren’t afraid to take a case to court if the insurer refuses a just settlement.
- Allow you to focus on healing physically and emotionally while we handle the legal process.
Our legal team understands the stress and pain you may be feeling after an attack. Let us take care of your claim so you can move on with dignity.
Possible Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
If you have suffered injuries in an animal attack in Michigan, a Birmingham dog mauling lawyer could help you recover compensation for the following losses:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, diagnostic scans, vaccinations, surgical procedures, medications, and physical therapy
- Lost income for missed time at work while you recovered or attended medical appointments
- Reduced earning capacity if disability or disfigurement requires you to take a lower-paying job
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A Birmingham, Michigan, dog attack attorney can review your case and help you understand how much your claim might be worth.
Real Results for Michigan Dog Bite Victims
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” | | Michigan dog bite victim; details limited under confidentiality agreement. |
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” | | Details withheld pursuant to confidentiality agreement. |
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Birmingham, Michigan
The personal injury lawyers at Atnip & Associates, PLLC, have helped many people in positions like yours secure justice, accountability, and financial security. With over 85 years of experience and a stellar track record, we are ready to secure the justice and the money you deserve. Call us today at 248-599-1607 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Birmingham, Michigan, canine injury lawyer.
