Christensen Law will fight for the money you need to heal if you suffered a dog bite injury. Our dog bite lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI, will handle every detail of your insurance claim or lawsuit and aggressively seek compensation for your damages.
Our experienced trial lawyers have achieved record-setting case results for clients in Michigan. We care about getting justice and will not settle for less than you deserve. We are here to listen to your story, protect your rights, and do everything possible to win your claim. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation.
Michigan Dog Owners Must Pay for Bite Injury Damages
If a dog bit you or someone you love, our Kalamazoo personal injury lawyers will pursue compensation via a homeowners’ or renters’ insurance claim or a dog bite lawsuit. According to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann § 287.351, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries. Strict liability means owners are financially responsible for damages if their animal bites someone, regardless of whether they acted negligently or knew or should have known about the dog’s viciousness.
In general, we will seek the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses – including hospitalizations, surgeries and follow-up procedures, doctor fees, prescription medication and antibiotics, physical therapy, and nursing services
- Lost wages and benefits – including income from missed work and the loss of your future earning capacity if your injury interferes with your work capabilities long-term
- Pain and suffering – including monetary compensation for stress, depression, anxiety, scarring, disfigurement, severe physical pain, permanent and disabling injuries, and reduced quality of life
Sadly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an average of 43 people die every year from a fatal dog attack injury. If your loved one was fatally injured, our wrongful death lawyer in Kalamazoo will seek compensation on behalf of qualifying survivors. Damages may include medical costs, funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and the loss of your family member’s services, support, and other intangible benefits.
Exceptions to Strict Liability
Dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries but not for other types of animal attack injuries. So, for example, if a dog scratched you and you needed treatment for an infection, you would need to prove that the owner negligently kept or handled their pet to recover compensation. Dog owners are also not liable for bite damages if the victim provoked the dog or the bite occurred while the victim was trespassing on private property.
Christensen Law can build dog bite claims based on strict liability or negligence and defend you from blame for causing your injury. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation and connect with a lawyer near you.
How Christensen Law Helps Dog Bite Victims
Christensen Law has advocated for injury victims in Michigan since 1991. We will put our decades of legal experience to work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Our law firm is a voice for the unheard, and we give every client the focused attention they deserve. When you work with our Kalamazoo dog bite lawyers, you can rest assured that our team is doing everything possible to secure your damages. We will:
- Investigate the animal attack – We will investigate your dog bite incident and prove your right to recover compensation using evidence. Proof may include police reports, eyewitness accounts, and medical bills and records. We will identify liable parties and establish their responsibility for the animal.
- Aggressively negotiate your claim – Insurance companies are aggressive when it comes to defending claims, but so are we. We will tirelessly negotiate for the maximum settlement possible and will not allow insurers to pressure you, lowball your offer, or engage in bad-faith tactics. At every stage of your case, we will manage the related details, including preparing and filing paperwork, tracking deadlines, and communicating with involved parties.
- Take legal action – We are trial-tested and prepared to go to court if that’s what it takes to get the money you need.
Our Kalamazoo Attorneys Can Answer Your Dog Bite FAQs
When Should I File a Dog Bite Claim?
If the dog’s owner has an applicable insurance policy, you should file a claim immediately. If we must file a lawsuit to get full and fair compensation, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death applies. You only have three years to file your claim, according to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805.
How Much Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement?
Dog bite settlement amounts can range widely based on the facts of a case. Factors that can affect your recoverable compensation include the severity of your injury, the extent of your necessary medical treatment, your current age and average wage, and the ways your injury affects your overall well-being and daily life.
Will My Dog Bite Case Go to Trial?
You may be able to file a property insurance claim against the liable dog owner, even if the dog bite incident did not occur on the insured premises. If the owner does not have insurance or the insurance company offers you an unfair settlement, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
At any time during the legal process, we may still be able to reach a settlement agreement with the other involved parties. However, if we must go to trial, our lawyers will represent you and will not back down.
Can I Afford a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Our personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning we will handle your dog bite claim for nothing upfront or out of pocket. We only collect attorney fees when we win your case.
