A dog bite can lead to deep lacerations, damaged nerves, and broken bones. Large dogs may knock a victim to the ground and cause back and neck injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Some dog attacks can even lead to fatal blood loss or dismemberment injuries. Recovering from a dog bite may take time and mean expensive medical bills for treatment and lost wages due to missed work.
If you or someone you love has suffered an animal bite, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical care. A personal injury attorney from the law office of Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., can offer legal guidance about Michigan laws regarding a dog bite claim and take legal action so you can receive a fair settlement.
Michigan is one of many states with specific statutes about animal attacks, especially dog bite attacks. Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law states that the pet owner bears full responsibility for their dog’s actions, regardless of any previous history of aggressive behavior like biting.
According to Michigan law, the animal owner is the at-fault party in a personal injury claim under these circumstances:
Michigan’s strict leash law provides a reasonable standard of care for all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes unless they perform service-related work.
Personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations in Michigan. If you fail to file your claim before this time, the legal system may reject your claim. Contact experienced personal injury lawyers who can offer personal attention and legal representation as soon as possible after your dog bite incident. They can assist you in the legal process of filing your personal injury claim and protect your rights to compensation.
An experienced dog bite accident lawyer can advise you on proceeding with your personal injury claim based on Michigan’s dog bite laws and regulations. A dog bite injury lawyer can also negotiate settlements to help secure the best possible legal solution.
The key responsibilities of an experienced lawyer knowledgeable in dog bite laws include:
Review the facts of the case relevant to Michigan law: Although Michigan uses a strict liability policy for dog bites, a lawyer may also try to establish the dog owner’s careless actions. Your lawyer can present evidence such as accident scene photos and witness testimony that the dog was not kept on a leash in public at the time of the attack.
Connect your injuries to the dog bite: Medical bills and notes from medical professionals provide critical information for filing an insurance claim or if the owner resists paying your fees. Eileen Kroll, a trial lawyer and a nurse attorney, can evaluate the documentation and advise you on whether to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner.
Determine the liable parties: A landlord may bear responsibility for a dog bite on rented property if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and could have removed it. Consult a dog bite lawyer if you plan to sue another party other than the dog’s owner.
Negotiate with the insurance company: The insurance provider may offer a settlement that includes damages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering compensation. Our skilled attorneys can take aggressive action to help you obtain an excellent settlement to pay for medical treatment, costly hospital bills, and loss of wages under Michigan law.
Compensation for dog bite injuries varies according to the severity of the damage suffered during the bite incident and the level of pain and suffering the dog bite caused. Dog bite victims can recover:
If the dog owner is a relative or friend, you should still consider filing a claim to hold them responsible and prevent further injuries to other parties. If the dog owner has home insurance, their insurance company covers the payout.
The law office of Cochran, Kroll, and & Associates helps dog bite accident victims obtain the maximum settlement possible. Our seasoned dog bite attorneys have the legal expertise to help accident injury victims suffering trauma due to a dog bite. They can assist you throughout the entire process, giving you and your family peace of mind.
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 (1-866-642-4529) and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
