Dog bite victims can hold pet owners financially liable for injuries caused by an animal attack. If a dog bites you or your loved one, Christensen Law can handle your claim for compensation.
Our dog bite lawyer in West Bloomfield, MI, will fight for your damages while you focus on getting better. We have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients and are prepared to take your case to court to get the money you deserve. Our West Bloomfield personal injury lawyers will hold the dog’s owner accountable for your bite injury. Contact us online or call 24/7 to learn more during a free consultation.
Michigan Dog Owners Are Financially Responsible for Bite Injuries
According to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 287.351, Michigan follows a strict liability doctrine regarding dog bites. Strict liability means that owners are responsible for dog bite damages if their animal attacks someone, whether or not they acted negligently or knew that their dog could be vicious.
In general, we will seek compensation for the following:
- Current and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost income and the loss of your future earning capacity
- Household services
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Our Experienced Attorneys Will Build Your Dog Bite Claim
Christensen Law has advocated for injury victims in Michigan since 1991. We are trial-tested, have achieved record-setting case outcomes, and will spare no resources when fighting for our clients. We are interested in getting justice, not settling for less. When you work with our West Bloomfield dog bite attorney, you get an aggressive legal team that will do everything possible to build a successful case. We will:
- Prove your right to recover compensation – You will not need to prove that a dog owner acted negligently to recover dog bite compensation. However, you will need to establish that you were bitten and that the bite caused financial damages. Our lawyers can do this by conducting an investigation and collecting evidence, which may include police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, surveillance or cell phone video of the attack, and proof of your losses, such as medical bills and pay stubs.
- File insurance claims and demand a fair settlement – Dog bite injuries are usually covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, even if the bite did not happen on the insured property. We can prepare and file insurance claims against the dog’s owner, demand fair compensation, and negotiate for the maximum settlement possible.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in civil court – If insurance refuses to provide fair payment for your damages or coverage is not available, we can take legal action and represent you at trial if necessary.
At Christensen Law, the Client Comes First
We put our clients and their needs above everything else. We know that an injury can turn your life upside down. We are here to listen to what you are going through and provide you with services and support to help set things right.
Read what others have to say about working with our law firm:
- “Excellent! From the first interaction with Christensen Law, it was a positive, wonderful experience! Dustin, Samantha, and the entire staff had my best interests at heart. They were kind, compassionate, and helpful. Well done, Christensen Law! You went above and beyond. Thank you.” -Susan Schroeder
- “I would definitely recommend Christensen Law! Very efficient…they keep in contact every step of the way. They know their job and do it well. A great team to work with.” -Daphne Baase
Contact Christensen Law to learn more about our attorneys in West Bloomfield. Call our offices for a free consultation.
We Know How to Stand Up to Common Dog Bite Defenses
There are a few exceptions to strict liability that a dog owner may use to diminish their financial responsibility. Under the law, owners are not strictly liable if the victim provoked their dog or was trespassing when the bite occurred.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system, outlined in Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.2959, and this could potentially apply to your dog bite case.
If a jury determines you are partly at fault for your injury, it will reduce your economic damages by your percentage of responsibility. So, if you have $100,000 in losses but are 25 percent liable, you would receive $75,000. Additionally, if a jury decides you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot collect any non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
Insurance companies will consider modified comparative negligence when offering you a settlement, so it will affect your case whether or not you go to court. Our lawyers can defend you from allegations that place blame on you for your bite injury.
