Attorneys Serving
Southeastern Michigan
Since 1982
Southeastern Michigan
Since 1982
Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Livonia, Redford & Southeastern Michigan
If you or your child have been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately.
After consulting with a medical professional to ensure that you or your child are safe from further injury and infection, give our dog bite lawyers a call!
Our attorneys have been practicing personal injury law for over 30 years. In that time they have helped countless people get the most out of their injury claims, many of whom were bitten by dogs.
Call our dog bite attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION now! 734-743-8288.
Dog Bite Checklist
- As soon as possible, wash the dog bite wound thoroughly with anti-bacterial (if possible) soap and warm water.
- Call your physician for additional care and advice. If you fear the situation is grave enough, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.
- After ensuring your safety and health, report the dog attack to the Animal Control agency in your community. Tell the officer every detail you know about the dog. If you know the name and address of the dog’s owner, be sure to include those details.
If the dog is a stray, you may not have a case, but you still should make a report to your local Animal Control agency to protect others from getting bitten as well.
Tell the animal control officer what you know about the dog. What it looked like, where you saw it, whether you have seen it before, and the direction it went after the attack. - The final step is to call our dog bite lawyers as soon as possible so they can begin building your case.
Dog Bite Statistics in America
People get attacked and bitten by dogs more often than most people think. A national study revealed that approximately 4.5 million people in America are bitten by dogs every year.
About 1 in 5 dog bite victims requires medical attention; and unfortunately half of the total victims that require medical attention are children.
If you or your child were attacked by a dog, you are not alone! Call our dog bite attorneys to get help today! 734-743-8288
Michigan Dog Bite Laws
What the Statute States
The Dog Bite Statute, MCL 287.351, states:
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.
The Two Essential Elements to File a Claim
- That a dog bite occurred and
- That the defendant is the owner of the dog that executed the attack.
Statute of Limitations of Dog Bite Cases in Michigan
Michigan law allows a dog bite victim to take legal action against up to 3 years from the date of the attack. It is not wise to delay; your case is on the line. Seek immediate legal help if you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite attack.
There are certain exceptions to the above statute of limitations, allowing the victim of a dog bite to file a claim after the statue of 3 years has expired.
For instance, if a child under the age of 18 is bitten by a dog, they receive more time to file their personal injury claim. As a legal minor, a child bitten by a dog has until his or her 19th birthday to start formal legal proceedings.
However, waiting to file the dog bite case is not always in the best interest of the child.
A parent or legal guardian of the child involved in the dog bite attack should seek legal counsel to discuss what is the best course of action.
How Much is Your Dog Bite Case Actually Worth?
There is no definitive answer to this question as each dog bite injury case is different. For example, the courts in Livonia are different from the courts in Redford and Farmington Hills. Each of these courts has different judges who reward injury cases in different ways.
Additionally, the cost of medical bills resulting from the dog bite attack are not always a good indicator of what your personal injury case is worth, because there may be long-lasting damage that will affect your life for many more years to come.
In order to get the most out of your dog bite case, you need to contact personal injury attorneys who are well versed in Michigan personal injury laws and have the experience of handling various dog bite cases in various cities.
You need to call our personal injury lawyers for help! Call 734-743-8288 now!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites in Livonia & Redford Michigan
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take to Close?
Each dog bite case is different. The length of time it takes for your dog bite case to be completed is dependent on the severity of your injury, the costs of the medical bills, the situation in which the bite occurred, and other particulars of the case.
Typically, we help our clients complete the dog bite case process in 6 months to a year.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Case Cost?
Our attorneys don’t charge you a fee unless they win!
What Damages are Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases?
In most dog cases in Michigan, the following items are recoverable: medical bills incurred, future medical expense, pain, disability, emotional distress, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, and disfigurement.
Not all of the above will be recoverable in your dog bite case. It is always best to call an experienced personal injury calculator to discuss the particulars of your case and help you decide what the best course of action is for you.
Am I at Fault If I was Petting the Dog Before the Attack?
As long as you were not provoking the dog, then you are not at fault. Some examples of provocation in Michigan would be hitting the dog with either a part of your body (your foot or hand) or an object, pushing a stick at the dog or at its face, or yelling at the dog. Often times a child pulling on a dog’s tail can be enough to provoke them into biting.