If a dog attacks and injures you or someone you love, Christensen Law will hold the animal’s owner liable for your damages. While you focus on your health, our dog bite lawyer in Livonia, MI, will focus on your claim.
Our law firm has served clients in Michigan since 1991. We provide compassionate representation backed by decades of experience and a winning case record. Contact us online or call 24/7 to learn more about how we will fight for you. We offer free initial consultations.
Christensen Law Will Handle Your Dog Bite Injury Case
At Christensen Law, we know that our clients rely on us to protect their rights and secure their futures. We do not take this responsibility lightly. We want you to rest assured knowing we will do everything possible to build your case, ease your legal burden, and get the money you need.
When you work with our Livonia personal injury lawyers, you get an advocate who will:
- Investigate the dog attack and collect evidence to support your claim
- Identify the liable dog owner
- Identify all of your recoverable damages
- Draft and file insurance claims
- Aggressively negotiate for the maximum settlement possible
- File a lawsuit in civil court and represent you at trial if necessary
We Will Fight for Your Dog Bite Damages
Dog bite injuries can be severe, and there is a high risk of infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around half of dog bites introduce dangerous bacteria, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, and Pasteurella.
Bite victims may need expensive and ongoing medical treatment and may not be able to work while they heal. In addition, their injuries can take a toll on their mental and emotional health and interfere with their daily lives.
If you or someone you love was bitten, you deserve compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. In general, our lawyers can seek awards for the following:
- Medical treatment, including ambulance transportation, prescription medications and antibiotics, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and nursing
- Lost income, including income from missed work and the loss of your future earning capacity if a permanent or disabling injury prevents you from returning to your job
- Pain and suffering, including monetary compensation for chronic and severe pain, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, loss of enjoyment, and reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death of a loved one, including healthcare bills, funeral and burial expenses, your loved one’s lost income, support, and services, and survivors’ pain and suffering
An attorney with Christensen Law can tell you more about seeking compensation for your personal injury. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Michigan
Mich. Comp. Laws Ann § 287.351 establishes strict liability for dog bites. Strict liability means that dog owners are financially responsible for damages arising from a bite injury. Victims do not have to prove the owner acted negligently or that they knew or should have known their dog had the potential to be vicious to win compensation.
There are exceptions to strict liability. Dog bite owners may not be liable for damages if:
- The victim was trespassing at the time of the attack
- The victim provoked the dog to bite
Owners are also not liable for any other injuries besides bites. So, for example, if a dog chased you and caused you to fall and break your leg, strict liability would not apply to that injury. Our lawyers would have to prove owner negligence.
Our Livonia Attorneys Can Answer Your Dog Bite FAQs
Should I Report My Dog Bite Injury?
Yes, you should report dog bite injuries to the Livonia Animal Control Office. The office, which is a division of the Livonia Police Department, will investigate the bite incident and make a report that will be essential evidence in your case. The office may also be able to tell you more about the involved animal, including whether or not the dog was up to date on its shots and vaccinations.
What Is the Dog Bite Statute of Limitations?
If legal action is necessary to recover dog bite compensation, Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805 establishes a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
If the deadline passes, the court will usually bar your case. You lose your leverage over the insurance company if you cannot sue, so the time limit will also affect insurance claims.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement?
There is no average dog bite settlement because every case is different. Your recoverable compensation will depend on unique factors, including:
- The severity of your bite injury
- The cost of your medical treatment and estimated future medical expenses
- Your lost wages and benefits from missed work
- Whether or not your injury interferes with your long-term work capabilities
- Ways your injury affects your daily life and overall well-being
- The available insurance policy limits
Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
You are not legally required to hire a dog bite lawyer to handle your personal injury case. However, hiring our lawyers can send the message to the insurance company and opposing counsel that you will not settle for less than you deserve. Our attorneys can also advocate for your best interests, protect you from bad-faith tactics, and communicate on your behalf so you do not unintentionally say something that could hurt your case.
