Most dog attack cases involve actual dog bites that leave scars and other injuries to the dog bite victim. However, individuals can also recover for injuries in dog attack cases where the dog bite victim was not bit by an animal.
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Claims for personal injury caused by dogs clawing or knocking someone over are also allowed in Michigan. Individuals in these situations may recover damages from the dog owner.
What is the Michigan Dog Attack Law?
In Michigan, there are three theories of liability for Michigan dog attacks. First, a person can bring a lawsuit under the Michigan dog bite statute, MCL 287.351. Second, a person can file a lawsuit under Michigan common law strict liability. Third, a person can file a lawsuit asserting basic negligence principals against the dog owner. The principal defendant in most Michigan dog bite and Michigan dog attack cases is the dog owner.
However, if a person is not bit by a dog, then the Michigan dog bite victim cannot make a claim for money damages using the Michigan dog bite statute. Instead, the victim must use one of the other two theories of liability. Typically, a Michigan dog attack lawyer will assert a negligence claim against the dog owner for not restraining his animal or otherwise acting responsibility in handling his dog.
To avoid getting attacked by a dog, there are a number of safety precautions you should utilize. These safety tips include:
- Never approach any dog while it is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
- Never try to pet a dog until you let it see you and smell you first.
- Never leave children alone with a dog.
- Never be aggressive with a dog, stare it in the eye, or run from it.
- If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball to protect yourself.
If a dog does bite or attack you, complete the following steps:
- Stay calm and do not further aggravate the dog or get in an argument with the dog owner.
- Identify the breed and name of the dog.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- File a police report or incident report with local authorities or animal control.
- Don’t make any recorded or written statements to the dog owner or any insurance company.
What Compensation Can I Expect from a Michigan Dog Bite Attack?
The amount of compensation you can expect from a dog bite attack depends on the severity of the injuries, the level of scarring, if the injuries are permanent, the amount of medical bills, wage loss and other factors. The amount of homeowner’s insurance the dog owner carries is also an important factor.
If you are injured because of a dog bite or dog attack, the dog owner can be held responsible for paying money damages for such things as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress and embarrassment.
Call a Michigan Dog Attack Lawyer
There are time limits in bringing a Michigan dog attack case. This is called the statute of limitations so it is important to contact a lawyer and protect your legal rights.
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm at 1-800-LEE-FREE are Michigan dog attack experts. Our experienced team of Michigan dog attack lawyers is dedicated to fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. Our Michigan dog attack attorneys have been representing individuals attacked by dogs for over 40 years.
Please call our Michigan dog bite lawyers at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form so we can answer any questions you may have about Michigan dog bite and Michigan dog attack law in cities like Detroit, Flint, and Saginaw.
We are the Michigan dog attack experts. You pay nothing until we settle your dog bite case. Let us help you today.
