Dog bite injuries can be devastating, often resulting in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If this sounds like your situation, The Law Offices of Christopher Trainor are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
In Michigan, dog owners can be held liable for injuries and damages caused by their pets. Fortunately, our skilled Lansing dog bite lawyers have the knowledge and expertise necessary to successfully navigate the complexities of dog bite laws and protect your rights.
If you've been injured in a dog bite incident, seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates today for a free consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help you pursue justice and fair financial compensation.
Dog Bite Laws in Michigan
In Michigan, dog bite laws are governed by several unique laws, all of which will play factors in your potential dog bite case in Lansing:
One-Bite Rule: Michigan does not follow a one-bite rule, which requires evidence that the dog previously bit or acted aggressively before holding the owner liable. Instead, in our state, the owner can be held responsible for the first bite, regardless of the dog's past behavior.
Strict Liability: Michigan follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning that dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of its viciousness. This applies as long as the victim was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, including public places and the property of the dog owner.
Defenses: State law provides some defenses that dog owners can use to defend against liability for dog bites. These defenses include provocation by the victim, trespassing by the victim, or the victim's comparative negligence in causing the incident.
Owner's Liability for Damages: Dog owners may be held liable for damages resulting from a dog bite, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. The owner's homeowner's insurance policy may cover damages up to the policy limits.
Dangerous Animal Designation: In addition to civil liability, state law allows for the designation of a dog as a dangerous animal if it causes serious injury or death to a person or another animal. Owners of designated dangerous animals are subject to additional legal requirements and may face criminal penalties for subsequent violations.
Understanding Michigan's dog bite laws is essential for both dog owners and victims of dog bites. If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, consulting with a knowledgeable Lansing dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options for seeking compensation.
Dog Owner’s Legal Responsibilities
In Michigan, dog owners have legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of others and prevent injuries caused by their pets, such as:
Control of the Dog: Dog owners must maintain control over their pets at all times, whether on their property or in public places. This includes keeping the dog on a leash or under control when in public and preventing the dog from running loose or roaming freely.
Preventing Attacks: Dog owners also have a duty to prevent their dogs from attacking or injuring others. This includes properly training and socializing the dog to reduce aggressive behavior and taking steps to prevent the dog from biting or attacking people or other animals.
Supervision of the Dog: Owners are responsible for supervising their dogs to prevent them from causing harm to others. This may involve keeping the dog in a secure enclosure when unsupervised, especially if the dog has a history of aggression or has shown tendencies to escape or roam.
Vaccinations and Licensing: Owners are required to ensure that their pets are up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations, as required by state and local laws. Additionally, dog owners must obtain a license for their pets from the local animal control agency or municipality.
Proper Identification: Dog owners must ensure that their pets wear identification tags or are microchipped with up-to-date contact information. This helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and ensures that responsible parties can be held accountable in the event of an incident involving the dog.
Compliance with Local Ordinances: Pet owners must also comply with any local ordinances or regulations governing the ownership and control of dogs in their area. This may include leash laws, noise ordinances, and proper dog care and treatment requirements.
Failure to fulfill these legal responsibilities can result in liability for injuries caused by the dog, as well as potential legal consequences such as fines, penalties, or criminal charges.
Where to Report a Dog Bite Injury In Lansing
After being bitten by a dog, it is important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities to ensure that it is properly documented and investigated. Depending on the circumstances under which you received the bite, the appropriate agency to report to could be:
A Local Animal Control Agency: Contact your local animal control agency or animal services department to report the dog bite incident. Animal control officers are responsible for enforcing animal-related laws and regulations, including those related to dangerous dogs and dog bite incidents. They can investigate the incident, collect relevant information, and take appropriate action to ensure public safety.
Local Law Enforcement: In addition to reporting the dog bite to animal control, you may also want to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency, such as the police department or sheriff's office. Law enforcement officers can document the incident in an official report and may be involved in any subsequent investigation or legal proceedings related to the incident.
Healthcare Provider: Seek medical attention for your dog bite injuries as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will document your injuries, provide necessary treatment, and may report the incident to the appropriate authorities on your behalf, especially if the injuries are severe or if there is concern about rabies or other infectious diseases.
Your Local Health Department: Depending on the severity of the dog bite and the circumstances of the incident, you may also need to report the incident to your local health department. Health department officials can provide guidance on the necessary steps to take after a dog bite, including rabies prevention and treatment if applicable.
Reporting an unprovoked dog bite will help protect public health and safety by identifying potentially dangerous dogs and holding owners accountable for their dogs' actions.
Process for Filing a Lansing Dog Bite Lawsuit
Filing a dog bite lawsuit in Michigan typically involves several key steps, outlined below:
Seek Medical Attention: If you've been bitten or injured by a dog, your first priority should be seeking medical attention for your injuries. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures your health and well-being but also creates documentation of your injuries, which is essential for your lawsuit.
Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible about the dog bite incident. This may include photographs of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog itself. Obtain contact information for any witnesses who may have observed the incident.
Report the Incident: Report the dog bite incident to the appropriate authorities, such as animal control or law enforcement. This helps create an official record of the incident and may lead to an investigation into the dog's history and the owner's liability.
Consult with a Lansing Dog Bite Lawyer: Contact a qualified lawyer in Lansing with experience handling dog bite cases. They can review the details of your case, assess your legal options, and advise you on the best course of action for pursuing compensation.
File a Lawsuit: If negotiations with the dog owner or their insurance company are unsuccessful in reaching a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit against the dog owner. Your lawyer will prepare and file the necessary legal documents, including a complaint outlining the details of the incident and the damages you're seeking.
Discovery: During the discovery phase of the lawsuit, both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This may include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Negotiation and Settlement: Throughout the litigation process, your lawyer will negotiate with the dog owner or their insurance company to try to reach a settlement agreement. The case may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Trial: If the case goes to trial, both parties will present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. The judge or jury will then determine liability and damages based on the evidence presented.
Appeal: If either party is dissatisfied with the trial's outcome, they may appeal the decision to a higher court.
Throughout the process, it's important to work closely with your Lansing dog bite lawyer, follow their advice, and keep them informed of any developments related to your case.
Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Incidents
After a dog bite incident in Michigan, you may be entitled to various forms of damages, both economic and non-economic, to compensate you for damages, including:
Medical Bills: You may be entitled to financial compensation for your current and future medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other necessary medical care.
Lost Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working or result in a loss of income, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity. This includes wages lost due to time off work for medical treatment or recovery, as well as any future income you may lose if your injuries affect your ability to work in the long term.
Pain and Suffering: You could also be entitled to damages for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the dog bite incident and your resulting injuries. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional toll of the accident, including pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects.
Disfigurement and Scarring: If the dog bite results in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or other visible injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional effects of the scarring, as well as any costs associated with cosmetic procedures or treatments to minimize the scarring.
Property Damage: If the incident resulted in damage to your personal property, such as torn clothing, broken eyeglasses, or damaged belongings, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged items.
Loss of Consortium: In some cases, if your dog bite injuries have a significant impact on your relationship with your spouse or family members, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of consortium or loss of companionship.
The specific damages you may be entitled to will depend on the circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, along with other factors.
What Will Happen to the Dog if I Report a Bite?
In Michigan, the consequences for the dog involved in a bite incident can vary depending on the severity of the incident, the dog's history, and local ordinances. Here's what may happen to the dog if you report a bite:
Quarantine: After a bite incident is reported, the local animal control agency or law enforcement may require the dog to be quarantined for a period of time to monitor for signs of rabies or other diseases. Quarantine periods typically range from 10 to 14 days, during which the dog may be kept at a local animal shelter or veterinary clinic.
Investigation: Animal control or law enforcement may conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bite incident, including the dog's behavior, any previous incidents involving the dog, and the owner's level of responsibility and compliance with local animal control laws.
Dangerous Dog Designation: If the dog has a history of aggression or has been involved in previous bite incidents, it may be designated as a dangerous dog under Michigan law. This designation imposes additional legal requirements on the dog's owner, such as keeping the dog securely confined, posting warning signs, and obtaining liability insurance.
Euthanasia: In cases where the dog poses a serious threat to public safety or has caused severe injuries or fatalities, animal control or law enforcement may order the euthanasia of the dog. However, euthanasia is typically considered a last resort and may only be ordered after careful consideration of all factors involved.
Owner Responsibility: Regardless of the outcome for the dog, the owner may be held responsible for any damages or injuries caused by the dog's actions. This may include compensating the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the bite incident.
If you've been bitten or injured by a dog, seeking medical attention and reporting the incident to local authorities are important first steps. It's important to report a dog bite incident promptly to ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect public safety and hold the responsible parties accountable.
When The Dog Belongs to a Friend or Relative
If the dog that bit you belongs to a friend or relative, it can create a delicate situation. However, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being, as well as take appropriate steps to address the incident. If you were bitten by a dog that belongs to someone you know, you can:
Communicate with the Dog Owner: It's important to communicate with the dog owner about the incident in a calm and respectful manner. Explain the bite and the extent of your injuries, and discuss the next steps for addressing the situation.
Document the Incident: Keep detailed records of the incident, including photographs of your injuries, medical records, and any communication with the dog owner or other parties involved. This documentation may be useful if you decide to pursue legal action or seek compensation for your injuries.
Consider Legal Options: Depending on the circumstances of the incident and the extent of your injuries, you may have legal options for seeking compensation from the dog owner for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Consulting with a dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Preserve Your Relationship: While addressing the incident and holding the dog owner accountable for their pet's actions is important, you may also want to consider the impact on your relationship with the friend or relative. Open communication and a willingness to find a resolution that satisfies both parties can help preserve your relationship while addressing the consequences of the dog bite incident.
Ultimately, your health and well-being should be your top priority after a dog bite incident, regardless of the relationship with the dog owner. Taking appropriate steps to address the incident and seek necessary medical treatment can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the care and compensation you need.
If Your Dog Attacks a Delivery Driver
If your dog attacks a delivery driver, it can have serious legal and financial consequences. Here are some important steps to take if your dog attacks a delivery driver:
Ensure the Safety of the Victim: If your dog attacks a delivery driver, your first priority should be to ensure the victim's safety. Immediately intervene to stop the attack and assist the victim, including offering to call for medical help if needed.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact information with the delivery driver and obtain their contact details, including their name, phone number, and address. This information will be important for any follow-up communication or legal proceedings.
Report the Incident: Report the dog attack to your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible. Most homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for dog bite incidents, and reporting the incident promptly can help ensure you receive coverage for any resulting claims or lawsuits.
Cooperate with Authorities: If local animal control or law enforcement becomes involved, cooperate fully with their investigation. Provide any requested information or documentation, and comply with any orders or recommendations they provide regarding the handling of your dog.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult a qualified Lansing dog bite lawyer to understand your legal rights and obligations following the incident. A lawyer can advise you on potential liability for the dog attack and help you navigate any legal proceedings or claims that arise as a result.
Take Steps to Prevent Future Incidents: After a dog attack, it's important to take steps to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of others. This may include securing your dog in a fenced area or on a leash when outdoors, providing obedience training for your dog, and taking other measures to address any aggressive behavior.
Consider Settlement: If the delivery driver files a claim or lawsuit against you for damages resulting from the dog attack, consider working with your insurance company and legal counsel to negotiate a settlement. A settlement can help resolve the matter efficiently and avoid the time and expense of a lengthy legal battle.
In the event that your dog attacks a delivery driver, it is important to take the incident seriously and take appropriate steps to address the consequences. By cooperating with authorities, seeking legal advice, and taking steps to prevent future incidents, you can help protect the safety of others and mitigate the potential legal and financial consequences of the dog attack.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, our team of Lansing dog bite lawyers is here to help you pursue justice and ensure full and fair financial compensation for your injuries and other damages. We will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the cause of the incident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
We take all personal injury matters, including dog bite cases, on a contingency fee basis, which means you will never be asked to pay upfront fees or retainers for us to begin work on your case. If we don’t win you a settlement or favorable verdict, you will owe us nothing for our services.
Contact us right away at (248) 886-8650 or via our online contact form to schedule a free case review.
