Man’s best friend can sometimes quickly become man’s worst enemy. Dog bites and dog attacks that occur toward someone not provoking the dog and not trespassing on personal property form the basis of dog bite personal injury claims.
The dog owner’s failure to properly secure the potentially dangerous dog makes them liable for any injuries that occur as a result of the dog attacking someone. Depending on the circumstances, other liable parties in a Warren dog bite case could also include a property owner or someone else who was left in charge of the dog.
At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we have decades of experience helping people who get injured due to the negligence of others. We know how to properly investigate a dog bite claim to ensure you get fair treatment. That should include compensation for the medical bills and lost wages that have resulted from your dog bite injuries. Call our Warren dog bite lawyer today for a free case review and get started on putting this harrowing experience behind you for good.
Dog bite victims in Michigan do not have to pay any upfront cost to obtain legal counsel and representation because our dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only owe legal fees if you win your case, and your payment will be taken as a percentage of your final payout, meaning you will never have to pay upfront fees or retainers.
The CDC reports that more than 4.5 people experience dog bites every year; over 800,000 of these dog bite victims require medical attention, and most victims are children. 12,480 dog bite victims are hospitalized every year due to dog bite injuries.
Warren, being a northern suburb of Detroit in Macomb County, is generally considered quiet and safe to live in. However, the state of Michigan ranks highly in terms of dog bite attacks in the nation. In 2022, it was number 10 in postal worker dog bite attacks; in 2023, it was number eight. Detroit, which is in Wayne County and a more urban area, was number 10 for the most dog attacks for cities in the United States in 2023. The data from Detroit Animal Control showed that the number of dog bites in March 2023 was double those reported in March 2020.
62.4 percent of people in Michigan own pets, 41.9 percent of these being dog owners and with an average of 1.6 animals. Dogs make up a large number of the hundreds of animal attacks that occur in the state each year. Additionally, Michigan reports multiple deaths from dog maulings every year.
Any dog can bite when it feels threatened or provoked as a defense mechanism. However, certain breeds are more commonly involved in vicious dog attacks, dog bites, and aggressive behavior in general.
The most dangerous dogs are medium and large breeds with strong, muscular, heavy bodies, a thick muzzle, and strong jaws with a high bite force and shaking of the head after latching on that can maul, maim, and kill. These breeds can include both purebreds and hybrid “designer” breeds with ancestry of working dogs used as guard dogs and hunting dogs, which tend to have a high prey drive. The dogs that contribute to the majority of serious injury from bites are large breeds.
The most dangerous dogs in Michigan and the nation are the so-called “pit bulls.” They are not a specific breed in and of themselves but are multiple related breeds with shared characteristics. They include Bulldogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Pit Bull Terriers, as well as mixed breeds with one or both parents having ancestry from either.
Some other breeds with a reputation for being dangerous dogs are:
These breeds are most commonly involved in Michigan dog bite cases. Contact our law firm if you have any questions regarding dog bite attacks or need help with a dog bite case in Warren, Michigan.
Here are some facts about dog bite attacks, where they occur, and who their victims tend to be:
It is easy to assume that someone’s familiarity with a dog and their owner translates to the dog not biting them, but unfortunately, it is not always true. Dogs attack humans out of fear, territorial possessiveness, anger, pain, or frustration. They may suddenly attack humans due to sudden fright, such as Chihuahuas, who can be easily startled. They may also attack because their warning signs are being ignored, although some dogs attack without any provocation or warning. Additionally, there are also studies that suggest dogs are more prone to biting anxious people.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe. Victims can also experience psychological difficulties. The law states that those who have experienced a dog attack due to the negligence of a dog owner have the right to seek compensation for their losses. Here are the damages they are allowed to claim:
Economic damages are those that can be easily calculated and have documentation to back them up, like medical bills. Here’s the full list:
Non-economic damages refer to those losses that are less tangible but still just as valid as the economic damages. We can calculate these damages based on case precedent and the severity of your injuries.
The cumulative impact of a dog attack is not always fully apparent immediately afterward. You may end up having more damages than you initially realized, particularly if you find yourself struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder after being attacked.
Hence, one of the best things a dog bite victim can do after seeking immediate medical treatment is to discuss their case with a Warren dog bite lawyer. We can represent you from the beginning of your healing journey, making sure you get the medical care you need to recover and ensuring your right to compensation is protected.
The type of dog bite injuries victims have depends on many factors, often including the victim’s age and size. Adults tend to sustain dog bite injuries to their lower extremities more often due to their height. These injuries can result in fractures, broken bones, and crushing wounds from dog bites.
Children, on the other hand, often sustain injuries on their upper extremities and face due to their small size and the fact that they often approach dogs face first. These types of injuries are far more dangerous and severe and can be permanently disfiguring. They also have a much higher risk of fatality, especially if they involve the throat.
The risk of infection from dog bites is low when the bites are closed. However, when a vicious dog clamps down while biting and shakes its head, it easily punctures the skin with its teeth, and mouth bacteria enter the wound. The risk of contracting rabies is also a serious concern.
Pit bulls are responsible for 60% of all injuries and 63% of ocular injuries that humans experience in dog attacks. Attacks from pit bulls have more serious injuries, higher medical expenses and hospital charges, higher morbidity rates, and a higher risk of death than attacks from other dogs.
Bite force has an impact on the level of compensation you may be able to recover as a dog bite victim. The average human bite force is 150 to 200 pounds per square inch. The dogs with the highest bite force and can inflict the most damage with their bites, even without shaking their heads, are:
Bite force has been broken down into dog bite severity levels, which increase the risk of infection, disfigurement, or death as the level reaches 3 or higher. Victims may also sustain multiple wounds of varying dog bite severity levels. Here are the levels describing the severity of dog bites.
A proper and accurate evaluation of a dog bite victim’s injuries helps to recover fair compensation, so seeking medical treatment immediately after the incident is important. If a dog bit you and you have questions about the severity of your injuries, visit a doctor or hospital immediately to be carefully evaluated. Consider calling a Warren dog bite lawyer if you were injured by a dog or you sustained other injuries resulting from the attack that did not involve bites, such as a slip and fall accident.
A responsible dog owner does not allow their dog to run loose on public property. On their private property, they should enclose or harness their dog if there are people around and they are aware they have a potentially dangerous dog. Michigan leash laws require that all dogs over six months old must be licensed, wear a collar with an approved tag, and be properly leashed unless they are training a working dog. Any female dog in heat must be leashed when outside the dog owner’s premises.
There are also local statutes to consider depending on where you live in Michigan. Warren ordinances state that it is unlawful for dogs to run at large. Tethering dogs outside must have the tether be at least three times the dog’s body length to avoid abuse from excessive tethering or chaining and decrease the risk of dog bites, according to Penal Code 750.50.
Although neither the state of Michigan nor Warren has breed-specific legislation at this time, statute 287.321 defines a dangerous dog or vicious dog as one that has attacked or bitten a person or domestic animal without provocation or has engaged in multiple incidents of aggressive behavior and hence threatens public safety. Failure to properly secure or isolate a dangerous dog from people who are not trespassing or provoking the dog on the dog owner’s property can result in a premises liability claim if the dog attacks anyone.
Dangerous and vicious dogs must be contained when on the dog owner’s property, have warning signage, be leashed and muzzled when off the dog owner’s property, and have liability insurance.
In Michigan, there is no specific "one bite rule" when it comes to dog bite attacks. Instead, Michigan follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the owner of a dog is generally liable for any injuries caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten someone before. However, there are certain defenses available to dog owners in Michigan, such as trespassing or provocation by the person who was bitten. It's always best to consult with a Warren dog bite lawyer for specific advice on dog bite laws in Michigan.
If you need help, call us today for a free case evaluation. From start to finish, our legal team will work tirelessly on your case and keep you informed every step of the way.
Most dog bite attacks are preventable, and adults and children can learn how to reduce the risk of being bitten. All dogs require proper training, socialization, and jobs that fulfill their instincts. Dogs, especially medium and large dog breeds, should not be unleashed around babies and small children if they have not been properly trained and socialized or have a high prey drive. They should also never be left unsupervised around small children.
Furthermore, children should be trained on how to behave around dogs. A few tips for teaching children how to behave with dogs are:
It is up to responsible dog owners to carefully research their dog’s breed, their breeding history (if available), their background, and any existing or potential health issues. They should make sure that the dog breed they choose will suit their household, lifestyle, and the area they live in. If they have strangers or anxious people in their home, they should take care to secure their dog away from them.
Most of the time, dogs will warn before they attack. However, you must know what to look for so you can prevent an attack from happening. A few warning signs given by dogs for people to stop touching them or to stay away are:
They often communicate their needs through body language and are more likely to attack if they are in pain or stressed. Responsible dog owners should learn about their dog’s body language and act accordingly for their own safety, the safety of other animals or children, and the safety of other people.
Negligent dog owners are responsible for incidents in which their dog bites someone without provocation or trespassing, according to Michigan’s strict liability law. You can recover compensation for damages by filing a dog bite claim with the dog owner’s insurance company or seek maximum compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
To seek compensation for a dog bite injury in Michigan, you must file your claim within three years of the dog attack. Dog bite injury victims who are children have until their 19th birthday to pursue a claim. However, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the attack.
Yes, you can recover compensation for a dog bite if it resulted in any physical or emotional injuries, lost wages, or medical expenses. As long as you file your dog bite claim by the deadline, it is within your legal rights to seek financial compensation.
Seeking medical attention should be your first priority. Next, seek help from a Warren dog bite lawyer to find out your options for compensation.
Delivery drivers have implied permission to enter someone’s private property for the lawful purpose of delivery, so they are exempt from being considered trespassers while on the clock. An owner of a dog that attacks or bites any delivery driver who is on duty is legally liable for damages.
Dogs that bite are not usually required to be euthanized unless they have been deemed a dangerous dog and are repeat offenders. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, it is best to seek medical care as well as legal representation after being attacked by a dog.
If you or a family member were bitten by a dog, you deserve fair treatment. We can help. At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we believe your dog bite claim should be as stress free a process as possible, and we seek maximum compensation for all of our injury clients. Warren residents can have a free consultation from an experienced Warren dog bite lawyer when they contact us using the online form or call us anytime at 248-886-8650.
