No. The only requirement is that the dog take a bite. If you have been bitten by a vicious or dangerous dog, you know how harmful dogs can be to people if the owner is irresponsible. Dog is considered "dangerous" because animals are unpredictable and presents an unacceptably high risk of serious injury, well before causing harm. Dogs by their animal nature are considered dangerous to some degree because of their potential for harm, not their history of harm. In Michigan, a dog is considered dangerous in the sense the dog is capable of biting you, not whether that particular dog will ever bite you. In Michigan, dogs don’t need to have a propensity or history of biting for the owner of the dog to be liable. The dog is automatically considered a risk of serious injury in Michigan, which is why the dog bite statute exists. You do not have to prove the dog has any tendency or history of biting before. The Michigan dog bite statute does not require serious injury either. The bites of even the smallest dogs are compensable under the Michigan dog bite statute. Some dogs are more vicious than others and even herding dogs (who use their mouths to seize and guide as opposed to crush and rip) can make the owner of the dog liable. Some vicious dogs that present the risk of serious injury inherent in their power jaws sometimes were bred for the specific purpose of biting and killing animals. this type of dogs is dangerous and presents the greats danger to people.
Again, the dog does not need to be a dangerous dog. A dog can be called dangerous or vicious based upon its behavior and actions. Pursuant to Michigan law the owner of the dog strictly liable for all damages caused by the dog bite. Michigan law does not classify the dog as "dangerous" or "vicious" for the owner to be subject to liability. You only need to prove the dog took a bite of you.
DOG BITE CASE FAQS
In Michigan, generally, there is a three year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a dog bite claim. If you don’t file a lawsuit within 3 years from date you were bitten then you claim has expired forever. Children have up to one year after their 18th birthday to either settle the claim or file a lawsuit.
In general, you should consult a dog bite lawyer before you make a statement to any insurance company. The insurance company will use your statement to deny or minimize your dog bite claim.
Every dog bite case is different. Our law firm has written about the formula generally used for determining how much a dog bite case is worth. The value of your dog bite case will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries. The economic losses you will sustain such as wage loss, medical bills, and other expenses throughout your lifetime. You should call us to speak to our dog bite specialist to make sure that the claim is properly handled and valued.
Generally, yes. If the dog’s owner has a homeowner’s insurance policy or renter policy, those types of insurance would normally pay for your damages.
Yes. Photographs will help prove the dog bit you and the resulting injuries. We recommended taking pictures over time to capture the initial condition of your wound and any scarring.
Yes. If you or family member are hurt in dog bite, you should immediately see a medical doctor. Your dog bite can lead to infection or disease. You should not wait to see a doctor after a dog bite, even if the flesh wound appears to be minor or just a scratch.
Generally, yes. As long as you didn’t provoke the dog, then you would still be entitled to all damages stemming from the dog bite.
It doesn’t matter under Michigan law. The dog does not need to have any history of being dangerous or vicious.
No. You can be on public property or private property when the dog bites you. The dog owner is still responsible to restrain the dog.
Yes. You should immediately report the dog incident to local animal control and police department. The authorities will hopefully investigate and document the dog’s ownership or any other information about the dog such as vaccines etc.
Yes, you should hire an experienced dog lawyer because your damages need to be properly determined, valued, and calculated. The insurance adjuster generally will not give you any fair offer because they know you have little idea about what your case is worth.
If you or a loved one have any damages from a dog bite call 866-HIRE-JOE to discuss your claim confidentially with the Michigan dog bite specialist regardless of whether the dog was dangerous or vicious. You have a strict right to compensation from the dog’s owner. Personal Injury Lawyers BBB A+ Rated.
