If a dog bites and injures you, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other financial and personal losses. Obtaining full and fair compensation can be critical in the wake of a dog attack, where the long-term outcomes may be uncertain. At Christensen Law, we help Michigan accident victims recover the money they need to pay for quality medical care and prepare for the future. If you suffered injuries in an animal attack, call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
Does Insurance Cover Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Michigan?
Whether insurance covers a dog bite depends on the dog owner’s insurance policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies typically cover expenses from dog bites up to the policies’ limits. However, every insurer is different, and some decide on a case-by-case basis whether to cover dog bites. While some insurers will not cover homeowners with certain dog breeds, it is illegal in Michigan for insurers to impose a surcharge on owners of service animals.
If a dog attacked you and the dog owner does not have insurance covering dog bites or your losses exceed the owner’s policy limits, you could still have options for seeking compensation. An experienced dog bite lawyer can review your case and determine whether you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner.
Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Case in Michigan
Under Michigan law, the owner of a dog that bites a person without provocation and on public property is liable for the losses suffered by the victim, even if the dog was not previously vicious or its owner was unaware of its propensity to be vicious. Michigan’s dog-bite statute makes a dog owner strictly liable for any injuries or damages their dog causes.
To prove liability in a dog bite case in Michigan, a plaintiff must show that a dog bite caused their injuries, the bite was unprovoked, and they were on public property or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred. Documentation of your dog bite injuries, such as medical records, photographs, and witness statements, could prove that the owner is responsible. An experienced dog bite attorney can investigate your case and gather evidence to prove liability.
What Should I Do If a Dog Bit Me in Michigan?
Seek medical attention immediately if a dog bites you. Also, take photos of your injuries and the scene where the attack occurred. Get copies of your medical records and keep all bills and invoices related to treatment for the dog bite.
The statute of limitations in Michigan gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from a liable party. However, contacting a dog bite attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that important evidence gets preserved and witnesses can provide statements while their memories are still fresh.
Discuss Your Dog Bite Claim with a Skilled Dog Bite Attorney
The attorneys at Christensen Law thoroughly understand Michigan dog bite case law and what responsibilities owners have to keep the public safe. Let us review your dog bite case and gather evidence to prove liability. Call or contact us now for a free consultation.
