Dog Bite Lawyer in Detroit
Experiencing an animal attack in Detroit can be traumatic, especially for utility, postal, and delivery workers, who face the highest risk of dog bites. In 2023, the United States Postal Service ranked Detroit as one of the top 20 worst cities for dog attacks on postal workers.
Injuries from dog attacks often include nerve damage, broken bones, torn tendons, missing digits, torn facial tissue, and deep lacerations. Even minor bites can result in infections like rabies and tetanus, leading to substantial medical bills, physical pain, psychological trauma, and time away from work.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, seek compensation with the help of an experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Detroit from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. We assist victims in obtaining the compensation they deserve from negligent dog owners, covering all aspects of recovery after a dog bite incident.
Liability for Dog Bites in Detroit
Responsible dog owners know they have a legal duty of care to protect the public from injuries caused by their pets. If they fail in this duty and their dog causes harm, the victim can take legal action with the help of a Michigan dog bite lawyer for damages.
Michigan law holds dog owners strictly liable for damages caused by their dog biting someone. This applies whether the bite happens on public property or when the victim is legally present on private property. The law enforces this liability even if the dog has never previously displayed aggressive behavior or if the owner was unaware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
You may need the help of a Dog Bite Lawyer in Detroit to file an insurance claim against the dog owner with their homeowner’s insurance policy. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance typically cover liability claims for dog bites. The upper limits for homeowner’s insurance usually range from $100,000 to $300,000. Some people also carry umbrella insurance covering damages above their liability policy limits.
How to Prove Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
The dog bite statute provides specific elements your personal injury attorney must prove to bring a dog bite claim. Dog bite victims must:
- Have a physical injury caused by a dog bite and not any other behavior of the dog
- Not have provoked the dog
- Had been in a public place or on the dog owner’s property legally when the attack occurred
In Michigan, you have three years from when the attack occurred to file a case within the statute of limitations. The court will likely only accept your claim if you file your bite lawsuit within the deadline.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Detroit
If a dog has injured you, you must take the proper steps to protect your health and well-being. These steps can also safeguard your right to compensation for your dog bite case.
- Document the incident as soon as possible. If possible, take pictures of your injuries, including tissue damage, punctures, scrapes, or breaks. Also, take photos of damage to your personal property, such as torn clothes or broken eyeglasses. Ask for the contact information of nearby witnesses so your lawyer can contact them for testimonies if necessary.
- Call the local authorities. Contact animal control or the police as soon as possible. They will investigate the incident and likely take the dangerous animal away from its owners. Animal control may order the dog to be put to sleep. Reporting the incident to the authorities can help keep an aggressive dog from attacking another person.
Calling animal control and the police can help you build a case for your personal injury claim. These organizations complete reports regarding the incident with the dangerous animal, which record the facts of what happened. You can access the police report and provide it to your lawyer so they can use it to build your case. - Seek medical care. If a dog bite injures you, seek immediate medical attention. Your injury may be more serious than it appears, and without medical attention, even a non-life-threatening injury can become infected and threaten your health. Although adrenaline from the accident might mask injuries, even minor puncture wounds can become infected if not treated immediately.
Your attorney can use your medical records to form the basis for your case. Our team at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. will support your claim with hospital or doctor’s records and prove that the dog bite caused your injuries and subsequent medical bills and pain and suffering. - Hire a dog bite injury attorney. After receiving medical care for your injuries, contact a dog bite lawyer to understand your legal options. A dog bite attorney from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can discuss your rights during a free consultation and determine your eligibility for compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Request
You can request several types of damages after a dog bite incident to help pay for medical costs and other losses. Our team at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you pursue the following:
- Medical expenses. You can request compensation for all medical costs related to the injury, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy. This also covers future medical expenses if ongoing treatment is necessary.
- Lost wages. If your injury causes you to miss work, you can claim lost wages for the period you were unable to work. This includes current and future lost earnings if the injury affects your long-term ability to work.
- Pain and suffering. These damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite. This includes anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts that reduce your quality of life.
- Property damage. If the dog attack damages your personal property, such as torn clothing or broken belongings, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of consortium. If the dog bite incident negatively affects your relationship with your spouse or family, you can request compensation for loss of companionship and support. This covers the emotional and relational impact of the injury on your personal life.
Why Do You Need a Dog Bite Attorney?
Having a dog bite attorney can boost your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Detroit dog bite attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help with the following to bolster your case:
- Experience in legal processes. Our law firm knows the regulations and legal procedures involved in dog bite cases. This knowledge ensures we meet all legal requirements for your claim and present your case effectively.
- Gathering evidence. We collect vital proof of your dog bite injury, such as medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This strategic approach strengthens your case by clearly demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the dog owner’s negligence.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to dog bite victims. Our experienced attorneys know how to negotiate with these companies, helping you receive a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Maximizing compensation. In addition to immediate medical costs, a dog bite attorney can help you claim compensation for long-term impacts such as ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
With Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., you’ll have Eileen Kroll in your corner. Eileen is a partner attorney and has been a member of the Association of Justice for nearly 25 years.
Her experience as a registered nurse gives her intimate knowledge of understanding medical records and the physical and emotional consequences of personal injuries. She can use her background to prove your damages, winning you the maximum amount possible.
Why You Deserve Compensation for a Dog Bite
Dog bites can be emotionally challenging, especially if the dog belongs to a friend or family member, making seeking compensation uncomfortable. However, securing compensation is essential for several reasons:
- Medical and financial burden. Dog bites can lead to substantial medical bills and other related expenses. Compensation helps alleviate this financial burden, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment without added stress.
- Fairness and justice. Regardless of the dog’s owner, you deserve compensation for the pain and disruption caused by the injury. A settlement is a rightful acknowledgment of your suffering and inconvenience.
- Ensuring proper recovery. The financial support from compensation can cover immediate medical needs and any long-term rehabilitation or therapy required for complete recovery.
- Protecting your future. Compensation ensures that your financial stability and quality of life are maintained, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward without lingering financial worries.
- Using homeowner’s insurance. Compensation for dog bites typically comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, not directly from their pocket. This means you can seek the necessary support without causing financial harm if the owner is your friend or family member.
Bolster Your Case With Our Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys
If you are a dog bite victim, the experienced Detroit dog bite attorneys with Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. will work to get you a maximum settlement award.
If you need to take legal action to get compensated for a dog bite attack in the Detroit area, contact an experienced lawyer with our firm. We can guide you through Michigan’s dog bite liability laws and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
FAQs
What Is a Dog Attack?
A dog attack is an aggressive action by a dog that causes harm or injury to a person. This can include biting, scratching, or mauling. Dog attacks can lead to serious injuries, infections, and psychological trauma, requiring medical treatment and legal intervention.
Why Do Dogs Attack?
Dogs may attack for various reasons, including fear, protection of territory or owners, feeling threatened, or due to pain and illness. Lack of socialization, poor training, or aggressive behavior from the owner can also contribute to a dog’s aggression.
What Should You Do After a Dog Attack?
After a dog attack, seek immediate medical attention. Clean the wound thoroughly, document your injuries, and collect information about the dog and its owner. Report the incident to local animal control and consider consulting with a dog bite attorney for legal advice.
How Do You File a Police Report?
To file a police report after a dog attack, contact your local police department. Provide detailed information about the incident, including the location, time, description of the dog, and the owner’s information. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
What if I was on Someone Else’s Property?
You might still be eligible for compensation if you were lawfully on someone else’s property when the dog attack occurred. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for visitors, including preventing dog attacks.
What if the Dog has Never Attacked Anyone?
Even if the dog has no prior history of aggression, the owner can still be held liable for the attack. Michigan has strict liability laws that hold owners responsible regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
What if I was Playing With/Touching the Dog Before it Attacked Me?
You might still have a valid claim if you were playing with or touching the dog before it attacked. Courts and insurers look at whether you provoked the dog and the dog’s history of aggression to determine liability. For instance, you may be able to seek damages if you were gently petting the dog or playing fetch, but not if you were being rough or teasing it.
Who Should I Report the Attack To?
Report the dog attack to local animal control authorities, the police, and your healthcare provider. Notifying these parties documents the incident and helps prevent future attacks by the same dog.
Should I Take Photographs?
Yes, take photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible. Visual evidence can support your claim for compensation and document the extent of your injuries.
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries From Dog Attacks?
Common injuries from dog attacks include puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, infections, and scarring. Severe attacks can lead to long-term physical and psychological effects, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
What Are Some Potential Defenses You Can Expect?
Potential defenses in a dog bite case include claims that you provoked the dog, trespassed on private property, or assumed the risk by interacting with a known aggressive dog. The owner might also argue that the dog was protecting itself or its owner.
What are the Most Dangerous Dogs?
While any dog can be dangerous, breeds often associated with higher risk include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers. Individual behavior varies, and responsible ownership affects a dog’s aggression.
I was Bitten by Someone Else’s Dog. Is the Owner Responsible for My Injuries?
Yes, the dog owner is typically responsible for injuries caused by their dog. Michigan holds owners accountable for their pet’s actions, especially if the attack occurred due to negligence or lack of control.
I was Bitten by My Neighbor’s Dog and was Seriously Hurt, But I Feel Guilty Taking Legal Action Against Them. What are My Options?
You can seek compensation through their homeowner’s insurance without directly impacting them financially. Discuss your concerns with a dog bite attorney, who can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you need for recovery.
A Dog Bit Me, But I am Afraid They Will Put it Down if I Report That It Bit Me. What Do I Do?
Reporting the bite is crucial for your health and safety. Animal control will assess the situation and determine the appropriate action. Reporting the incident can also help prevent future attacks and encourage responsible pet ownership.