If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog bite in Lansing, Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Experiencing a dog bite attack firsthand can be very traumatic. You are probably still in pain, have emotional trauma, medical bills that need to be paid, unable to work, and unsure of what to do next. In the State of Michigan, the owner of the dog is almost always responsible for the expenses related to the attack even if the dog has no history of past aggression.
At The Clark Law Office, our experienced Lansing injury attorneys are here to fight for you and help you collect the maximum compensation possible. We offer free consultations, and you will nothing unless you win your case. Text or call us today to get started today!
A personal injury lawyer who is experienced handling dog bite cases can provide invaluable insight and help if you’ve been injured via a dog attack. We understand how overwhelming it is to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite. We assist dog bite victims across Michigan – discover how our Michigan dog bite lawyer can help. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and your recovery. Here is a short list of things a Lansing dog bite lawyer will do to help you win your case:
Trying to receive a fair settlement for your injuries without the help of an attorney can be extremely difficult. An experienced dog bite attorney will even the playing field and fight for your rights.
Michigan Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Your Legal Rights
It’s important to know and understand the Michigan dog bite law that you will be dealing with in a dog bite claim. Michigan follows what is called strict liability for bites under MCL 287.351. This means that the dog owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone. This applies even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
Strict Liability for Dog Owners
In Michigan, dog owners are held to a standard of strict liability when their dog bites or injures someone. This means that the dog owner can be held responsible for the victim’s injuries, even if the dog has never bitten or shown aggression before. According to Michigan statute MCL 287.351, the dog owner is liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressive behavior. This law ensures that dog bite victims have a clear path to seek compensation for their injuries, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Michigan Dog Leash Law
The Michigan Leash Law, MCL 287.262, requires dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash unless they are on their own property or in a designated off-leash area. This law is designed to prevent dog bites and other incidents by ensuring that dogs are under control at all times. Additionally, the law mandates that dogs must be licensed and wear a collar with an approved tag. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties for the dog owner. In the context of a dog bite lawsuit, non-compliance with the leash law can be used as evidence to establish the dog owner’s negligence, potentially strengthening the victim’s case.
Standard of Proof
Under the strict liability law, the victim of the dog bite does NOT have to prove negligence and the dog owner is automatically responsible, but there are a few things that you must show before you can consider filing a lawsuit.
If you were not in a public place and instead in a private place, the other attorney will most likely try to prove that you weren’t there legally. A person is considered to be lawfully in the owners private place if any of the following conditions apply:
Statute of Limitations
There is a limit to how long after the dog bite that you are legally allowed to pursue a lawsuit. In Michigan, the claim must be filed within three years of the attack.
Essential Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Lansing, MI
The moments immediately following a dog attack or bite can be chaotic. It’s understandable that you aren’t thinking as clearly as normal after such an event. If a dog has bitten you or someone that you love, you must take the following steps to protect both your health and legal rights:
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
If you are bitten by a dog, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including lacerations, puncture wounds, and broken bones. Beyond the immediate physical damage, dog bites can also lead to severe infections such as rabies, tetanus, and cellulitis. Prompt medical care is crucial to prevent these complications and to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment for your injuries. Additionally, medical records from your treatment can serve as vital evidence in your dog bite claim, documenting the extent of your injuries and the necessary medical interventions.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Lansing?
In most instances, the dog’s owner will be the one legally responsible for a bite. You will either be collecting from their home insurance policy if they are homeowners or you will be seeking compensation directly from them if they have enough assets or cash to pay the settlement amount. However, other parties may also be liable, including:
Negligence and Liability
In a dog bite lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the dog owner was negligent in allowing the dog to bite them. Negligence can be established by demonstrating that the dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the bite, such as keeping the dog on a leash or providing adequate training. The plaintiff must also show that the dog owner’s negligence was the direct cause of their injuries. This means proving that the dog owner’s actions, or lack thereof, directly led to the incident and the resulting harm. Establishing negligence is a critical component of a successful dog bite lawsuit, as it directly impacts the liability and potential compensation.
Available Insurance Coverage
In Michigan, dog owners are often required to have liability insurance to cover damages caused by their dogs. This insurance can provide coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the dog bite. If the dog owner has a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, it typically includes liability coverage for dog bites. However, if the dog owner does not have insurance, the plaintiff may need to seek compensation through other means, such as a lawsuit against the dog owner’s personal assets. Understanding the available insurance coverage is crucial for dog bite victims to ensure they receive the compensation needed to cover their expenses and recover from their injuries.
How Much Is Your Lansing Dog Bite Case Worth?
Each case is unique and there is no way to determine an accurate dog bite settlement amount. Settlement for dog bites can reach hundreds of thousands or more, but that is not what you should expect. A dog bite victim in Michigan is eligible to recover compensation for:
The biggest factor that will determine how much your case is worth is the extent of your dog bite injuries. If you only have some mild injuries such as bruising, the value of the case will be limited. On the other hand, if you have suffered substantial dog bite injuries such as broken bones, permanent scarring, or disfigurement that requires extensive medical treatment such as surgical procedures, you will be entitled to a larger settlement. Regardless, we will fight to maximize your compensation and ensure you get what you deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and How to Seek Compensation
Just about any type of injury is possible when you are the victim of a dog attack. You can just be walking down the street, in your own yard, or a delivery truck. Most dogs instinctively bite using their teeth and often aim for exposed areas such as the face, head, hands, arms, legs, and feet. Facial injuries are extremely common. In Michigan, dog bites can result in serious consequences, especially in residential areas, public spaces, and dog parks. Other frequently seen injuries include:
Filing a Dog Bite Claim Against a Friend or Neighbor in Lansing
Many dog bites occur at the home of a friend, neighbor, or family member during social gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a normal everyday visit. In some instances, the dog in question has never shown any type of aggression previously.
Filing a claim against a friend or a loved one can understandably be very uncomfortable. It’s important to remember that you are NOT going after their personal assets or livelihood. You are simply filing a claim against their homeowners insurance policy. Almost all dog bite settlements in Lansing are handled by insurance companies. This means that your friend will not have to pay out of pocket. Instead, their insurance company will be the one paying for your injuries. Homeowner’s insurance rates typically do not increase with this type of claim…. unlike an automobile accident.
It’s important to approach the situation with your friend, neighbor, or even family member calmly and with mutual understanding. You do not want to ruin a friendship over a dog bite and there is no reason why you can’t pursue compensation for your injuries (medical expenses and pain/suffering) while maintaining a good relationship. Consulting with experienced Lansing dog bite attorneys can help you navigate this process smoothly, ensuring that you gather essential evidence and understand your legal rights to secure fair compensation for the injuries sustained.
Contact a Lansing Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Lansing or anywhere in Mid-Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. However, dealing with insurance companies and navigating Michigan’s strict liability laws can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to heal. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a Michigan dog bite lawyer immediately after an attack to navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation.
At The Clark Law Office, our experienced Lansing dog bite lawyers are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation for victims of dog attacks. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’ll handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to trial if necessary. 📞 Call (517) 575-8131 for a Free Consultation
How to Find The Clark Law Office: Driving Directions to Our Lansing Office
Our office is conveniently located in downtown Lansing at 910 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48915. No matter where you’re coming from, getting to our office is easy. Follow the directions below based on your location.
Helpful Resources for Lansing Dog Bite Victims
