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Dog bite injuries can leave permanent scarring and sometimes require significant medical treatment to prevent serious infection and other complications. If a dog bit you or your loved one, its owner should pay for damages — not you or your family. Christensen Law can stand up for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
For over 30 years, our firm has protected Michiganders by fighting for the personal injury damages they need and deserve. Our Southfield dog bite lawyers can evaluate your case, identify your losses, and fight for full and fair monetary awards.
Can You Sue Someone for a Dog Bite in Michigan?
You can sue a dog’s owner for injuries and damages caused by a bite. However, many dog bite cases begin with a homeowners’ insurance claim because those policies cover dog bites—including injuries that did not occur on the insured property.
Although many dog bite cases do not need to go to court, keep Michigan’s statute of limitations in mind. According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, you have three years to file a lawsuit to recover personal injury or wrongful death compensation. So, you want to leave ample time to work through your claim and still have a window to file a lawsuit if necessary.
Our firm can help you get started the same day you reach out. Our experienced attorneys and compassionate staff will handle every detail of your claim or lawsuit, leaving you free to concentrate on your health or your injured loved one.
Dog Owners Are “Strictly Liable” for Bite Injuries
Michigan Compiled Laws § 287.351 holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries. This statute outlines how a dog’s owner is financially responsible for damages arising from a bite, regardless of whether the owner behaved negligently or knew their pet had the potential to act aggressively. However, the statute spells out exceptions to the strict liability principle:
- An owner is not liable for bites if the victim provoked the dog.
- An owner is not responsible if their dog bites someone illegally on the property (e.g., a trespasser).
In addition, strict liability only applies to bites, not all dog-attack injuries. For example, if you fell because a dog chased (but did not bite) you, you will need to prove the owner was careless, reckless, or knew (or should have known) their dog could act viciously.
Our Southfield dog bite lawyers can help you build a case establishing your right to compensation:
- We will collect evidence proving your bite occurred and resulted in financial losses.
- If necessary, we will show that the dog’s owner was negligent, or the animal had a record of aggressive behavior.
- We will pursue the maximum compensation available for your losses.
Potential Dog Bite Damages
Dog bites can cause severe injuries, including deep wounds, broken bones, severe infections, and nerve damage. If you received treatment for a bite or contracted a dog-bite illness or infection, you should not have to suffer financial hardship caused by mounting medical bills, lost income, and other economic damages. You also deserve compensation for your pain, suffering, and inconvenience.
Our lawyers will fight tirelessly to secure every cent owed to you, including compensation for the following:
- Emergency transportation and treatment
- Hospitalizations
- Medical procedures
- Doctor’s visits
- Prescription medications
- Mobility aids
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain
- Emotional and mental suffering
- Stress and anxiety
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death
How Much Should You Get for a Dog Bite?
Every dog bite case is different, and awards vary based on numerous factors, including the extent of your medical care, the length of your recovery, and whether you sustained a permanent or disabling injury . Therefore, we must know more about you and the details of your injury to estimate the value of your case.
However, we can tell you that the Insurance Information Institute (III) ranks Michigan fifth in the nation for the number of dog bite homeowner’s insurance claims. III also reports the average cost per claim is nearly $50,000.
Christensen Law promises to pursue every available option for securing compensation for you or your hurt loved one. We prepare every case for trial and will not hesitate to take legal action when necessary. In addition, we spare no resources when fighting for you. We prioritize justice and fair financial recovery over settling for less.
Why Choose a Southfield Dog Bite Attorney with Christensen Law?
We know you have many choices when selecting a lawyer. So, when you choose Christensen Law, we take your trust in us seriously. For example, we take the time to listen to our clients and understand their needs so we can provide personalized representation. We don’t just want to win your case—we want you to know you have an advocate and ally by your side.
We Get Financial Results
Over more than three decades in practice, our firm has secured settlements for thousands of clients, won more than 100 trial verdicts, and recovered millions of dollars in personal injury damages, including record-setting case outcomes. We will put this experience and tenacity behind your case.
We Are a Voice for the Unheard
Our mission is to help those who otherwise might not have access to justice. To that end, we make our services affordable, regardless of your current financial situation. For example, we work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today for Help Seeking Dog Bite Injury Damages
Let us remove the stress of a dog bite claim and be your voice in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Christensen Law today or call us for a free consultation. A team member is available 24/7 to tell you more about how our Southfield dog bite lawyers can protect your rights and safeguard your future.
