When a canine bites someone in Michigan, the dog’s owner is financially responsible for the resulting injuries. If you or your loved one gets bitten, you could obtain money for your medical expenses and more.
Atnip & Associates, PLLC is a full-service personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for victims’ rights. Our dog bite attorney serving Ann Arbor, Michigan, can help you build a robust claim proving your right to financial compensation. We can aggressively pursue the money you need to heal physically and recover from trauma from dog attack injuries.
Let us help you get started with a free consultation. Call 248-599-1607 or contact us online today.
Dog bite injuries can be severe. According to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, even wounds that seem minor can affect joints and bones and lead to serious conditions like septic arthritis. Additionally, around 20 percent of dog bites become infected.
If you or someone you know gets bitten, clean the wound immediately, use antibiotic cream or ointment, and bandage it. Keep a close eye on the injury. Seek medical treatment if the bite is deep, will not stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection.
According to Michigan dog bite law:
“If a dog bites a person, without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Michigan’s strict liability law is different from laws in states that have a one-bite rule or base dog bite claims on pet owner negligence. In Michigan, you do not need to show that the dog’s owner acted carelessly, recklessly, wrongfully, or should have known their dog was capable of attacking. You need only prove you suffered an injury and did not provoke the animal.
Strict liability does not apply to other types of animal attacks or injuries other than dog bites. For example, if you got bitten by a cat or broke your leg running from a dog that was chasing you, you cannot base a claim on strict liability. You would need to establish owner negligence to recover compensation. Negligence may include failing to adhere to Ann Arbor’s leash laws or failing to obey other animal control ordinances.
According to a study published in Heliyon, around 337,103 Americans go to the emergency room annually because of dog bite injuries. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bites, so many victims can seek compensation through an insurance claim. If insurance is not an option or your losses exceed the dog owner’s policy limits, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
Sadly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, on average, 43 people die every year from dog bite injuries. If your loved one sustained a fatal bite, we can help qualifying family members seek wrongful death compensation. Recoverable losses may include medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of the deceased’s financial support, services, companionship, and care.
You must seek dog bite compensation before the statute of limitations expires. Michigan law allows three years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, beginning with the date of injury or death.
If you do not act within the allotted time, the court will likely dismiss your case. If you cannot sue, you lose your leverage over the insurance company, which will hurt your claim. You may end up with a denied or underpaid settlement and no legal recourse.
| Case | Settlement | Description |
|---|---|---|
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” | $325,000 | Michigan dog bite victim; details limited under confidentiality agreement. |
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” | $67,000 | Details withheld pursuant to confidentiality agreement. |
Michigan’s strict liability law does not mean getting fair compensation for a dog bite will be easy. You will still need to build a claim proving your right to compensation. You must also negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
Our primary goal is to elevate your financial recovery. We pride ourselves on serving those who have been treated unfairly by insurance companies. We assist clients from all walks of life and strive to help those who have been marginalized or have little to no resources.
Atnip & Associates, PLLC is dedicated to helping personal injury victims in Michigan seek financial justice. We have a passion for fighting those harmed by negligence and wrongdoing. We can put our firm’s full power and resources behind getting the money you need to get your life back on track. For others, it’s just another case. For us, it’s personal.
We assist with all types of cases, including catastrophic injury claims. Our personalized approach, knowledge, and legal experience have achieved multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. For a free consultation, call 248-599-1607 or contact us online to connect with experienced Ann Arbor dog bite lawyers near you.
