Seek Compensation After an Animal Attack in Ingham County
Dog attacks can be traumatizing, painful, and damaging for everyone involved. Sometimes animal behaviors are difficult to read, even if the animal in question is a pet you’re familiar with. Unfortunately, when a dog becomes threatened or aggressive it can lead to a very dangerous situation. Dogs are strong animals, and if they are improperly trained they can become destructive and unsafe. If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog, our Okemos dog bite attorneys may be able to help you seek justice and compensation.
Our Michigan dog bite lawyers at White Law PLLC always put our clients’ needs first. If you’ve suffered a dog attack and need legal help, it is our goal to make the process as quick and simple as possible so you can focus on your recovery. With more than 60 years of experience, we are confident our firm can help you obtain the reparation you deserve.
What are the Dog Bite Laws in Michigan?
Michigan dog bite laws protects victims of dog bites by imposing absolute liability on the dog’s owner. The law has two main goals. First, to prevent dog bites from occurring in the first place, and second to provide compensation for victims of dog bites. A dog owner is liable if his or her dog bites someone in a public place. The owner will also be liable if the dog bites someone on private property, as long as the victim is not trespassing. Michigan law does not require that the victim demonstrate that the dog had any previous vicious tendencies or had ever bitten a person in the past. Overall, Michigan law heavily favors dog bite victims. The only real defense for dog owners is to show that the victim provoked the dog into biting. In those cases, the owner is not liable for the victim’s injuries.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies and renter’s insurance policies provide coverage for dog bite claims. If you own a dog, you should consider reviewing your insurance policies or contact your insurance agent to ensure that you would be covered in the event that your dog bites someone.
If you have been bit by a dog or are concerned about a recent encounter your dog has had with someone, please do not hesitate to contact White Law PLLC with any questions regarding Michigan’s dog bite laws.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Common Dog Attack Injuries
If a dog attacks you, it can lead to serious damage, both physically and psychologically. Depending on the type of dog and the circumstances of the issue, it could cause any number of injuries. While an attack can quite certainly leave the victim in pain from physical injuries, it could also cause anxiety, fear of animals, and could trigger nightmares or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Common dog attack injuries may include:
- Bone fractures
- Nerve damage
- Rabies
- Infections
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Injuries that lead to severe scarring or disfigurement
- Death
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Establishing Liability After an Animal Attack
When pursuing legal action after an animal attack, it’s important to establish who is responsible for the harm you suffered. Typically, liability will depend on the ownership of the dog, and where the attack took place. For example, was the dog a stray or a pet, and did it occur in a public place or in the dog owner’s home?
With our ample resources, our firm will seek to investigate the ownership of the animal, any behavioral issues with the animal, reports of previous attacks, and any other relevant information.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
What To Do After a Dog Bite Occurs
Dogs can attack for any number of reasons. Whether a dog is feeling threatened and scared or simply aggressive, finding the right response to a hostile animal in the heat of the moment can be extremely difficult.
If you were attacked by a dog, you should take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Find a safe place away from the aggressive animal.
- If you are safe and do not need emergency medical attention, take note of the animal. Take a photo if possible, and describe the appearance and breed of the dog. Determine whether or not the dog has a collar, or nearby owner, and where the attack took place.
- If the dog owner is present, take down their information, including name, address, phone number, and homeowner’s insurance information.
- In the event that there were witnesses, take down their contact information as well.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, see your doctor for a professional opinion. Keep all documentation of your visit.
- Notify Animal Control or the police department of the attack and file an official report.
- Contact a personal injury attorney.
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