Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” For the most part, that is true. Unfortunately, some four-legged friends can turn on people and cause devastating and debilitating wounds and injuries. When a furry friend turns into your worst enemy, many people don’t know where to turn for help to get the compensation they need, especially when the dog is a beloved pet of a close family friend or relative.
At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, our Kalamazoo dog bite attorneys represent Michigan victims across the Kalamazoo County. We are committed to helping you hold negligent pet owners accountable for their careless actions and recovering maximum compensation for your wounds and injuries.
No one can predict animal attacks. However, our victim advocacy law firm will be there for you to help protect your legal rights and outline your options for pursuing compensation. Contact our office today and speak with a dog-bite lawyer about your situation. The initial consultation is free.
Animals hold a special place in many people’s hearts. It can be challenging to pursue compensation for a dog bite injury, especially when the dog belongs to a close friend or family member. Many dog bite victims worry about the consequences of reporting a bite and seeking money for their injuries when the dog belongs to someone they know. Unfortunately, the physical and financial consequences for dog bite victims who don’t act can be bad.
Do you need a dog bite lawyer to help you manage your Kalamazoo claim? The answer is yes. At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, we are passionate about advocating for dog bite victims.
We remove the stress of managing a dog bite claim from your shoulders and handle the details for you. You are free to focus on healing and the recovery process. Working with an experienced dog bite lawyer can make all the difference in the world and increase your chances of recovering the money you need.
Different states have different dog bite laws. Typically, two dog bite statutes apply to dog bite claims: the one-bite rule and strict liability. Michigan subscribes to the strict liability system in dog bite cases. Strict liability means dog owners are automatically responsible for the damage their dogs inflict when the animal bites someone, so you don’t have to prove negligence on the part of the dog’s owner to obtain compensation. Michigan’s strict liability rules also mean that dog owners are responsible for their pets, even when the owner has no reasonable way of knowing whether their dog poses a threat or danger to others.
However, like most rules, there are a few exceptions to strict liability. In Michigan, dog owners may not be liable for injuries or damage caused to others when the dog bites or attacks someone who is trespassing on private property. Dog owners may not be liable when an individual provokes a dog into biting or attacking.
Civil liability is not the only consequence for some Michigan dog owners. The state can bring criminal cases against pet owners with “dangerous” dogs.
What is a dangerous dog?
Criminal penalties for a dangerous dog felony conviction include significant fines and prison when the animal injures or kills someone.
Dog bite injury statistics in Michigan are shocking. The United States Postal Service lists Michigan in the top ten states for dog bites affecting letter carriers and postal workers. Data from the Insurance Information Institute also places Michigan in the top five states for the number of homeowners’ insurance dog bite claims filed annually.
Animal and dog bites are more common than people think, and unfortunately, bites can cause a host of injuries and medical complications that may affect a person for the rest of their life.
Dog bites and attacks can also leave a person with mental trauma in the form of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Children are especially prone to these conditions, as well as insomnia related to the frightening trauma associated with a dog attack.
Additionally, dog bites can cause other significant medical concerns, such as illness and infection. Dog saliva can harbor numerous colonies of dangerous bacteria. When a dog bite breaks the skin, the bacteria can enter the body, causing significant medical complications such as infection, sepsis, and disease. Reports indicate that as many as 5 to 25 percent of dog bites become infected. Signs of infection can include fever, swelling, pain, oozing of the wound site, and redness near the wound.
Rabies contracted from domestic dog bites are rare in the United States. However, you should always seek immediate medical attention following any dog bite wound. Medical professionals can thoroughly clean and dress the wound and administer prophylactic measures to prevent illnesses like rabies when necessary. Rabies infections are 99 percent fatal when left untreated and symptoms develop.
Uncovering the value of a personal injury claim following a dog bite can be challenging. Remember, insurance companies are not on your side and may attempt to take advantage of your vulnerable and financially uncomfortable position by offering you less than what your claim is worth. Before you accept a settlement offer from an insurance company or third party, discuss the circumstances of your situation with an experienced dog bite lawyer serving the Kalamazoo area.
An attorney can take stock of your case and evaluate the factors that can influence the value of your claim, such as the severity of your injuries, the cause of the dog bite, and the duration of your recovery. Instead of accepting a lowball offer from an insurer, a dog bite attorney can advise you of your legal rights, calculate the fair value of your claim, and negotiate for the money you deserve.
At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, we don’t want to put a dollar amount on your claim until we review the details of your unique situation. However, we can help. Our outstanding verdict and settlement results speak for themselves.
| 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. |
Personal injury cases like dog bite claims can feel overwhelming. At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, we want you to know we are here to help. Our legal team dedicates itself to helping Kalamazoo area dog bite victims pursue the money they need to improve their lives and hold careless dog bite owners accountable.
Contact our office today and arrange a free consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
