White Lake offers plenty of outdoor space for dogs and their owners to enjoy a walk, jog, or a game of fetch. Residents can enjoy quality time with their furbabies from Highland State Recreation Area to Cedar Creek Trail. While many dog-human interactions are peaceful, some result in trauma.
If a dog attacked you or someone close to you, you know it's a disturbing event. At The Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we've fought for dog bite victims by holding negligent dog owners accountable.
A dog bite is not always a little nip on the ankle. Sometimes, these assaults require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and physical therapy. With this comes a pile of bills and time off work, so making ends meet becomes quite challenging. This new reality also brings a heavy dose of stress, fear, and even anger.
Our law firm is here to let you know you are not alone after suffering a dog attack. You deserve justice and compensation for your hardships; our White Lake dog bites lawyers have the resources to help you achieve that. Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us for a free consultation.
Dog attacks are a nationwide problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million individuals in the US get bitten by dogs every year. Children make up half of these victims. More than 800,000 of those cases need immediate medical attention.
Michigan lands in the top 10 among the states with the most dog bites. According to a 2022 U.S. Postal Service report, the Great Lakes State holds the number 8 spot for dog attacks against postal workers. These numbers reflect a widespread issue for our communities, including White Lake.
Common Dog Bite Scenarios
Dog bites in White Lake can occur in various settings. Truthfully, a canine attack can happen anywhere, ranging from public parks to private residences. This reality highlights the need to always remain mindful of interactions with our four-legged friends. Here are a few scenarios where these accidents are likely to occur.
Imagine a delightful afternoon at Hess-Hathaway Park. The kids scurry around the playground, pavilions, and volleyball courts. There are a few dogs out and about with their owners. One minute, all is well; then, a little child is caught in the grips of an aggressive canine. What makes a dog snap? One cause is unneutered male dogs. They account for 70% of dog bites. The following factors can also play a role in these assaults:
Dogs are cherished family pets in many households. Sadly, they are capable of violent outbursts without notice. Knowing these triggers impacting dog behavior encourages safer interactions.
Any dog is capable of a brutal attack. However, the hard truth is certain breeds are more aggressive than others. According to the World Animal Foundation, Rottweilers and Pitbulls account for 77% of dog bites. Those numbers are worth paying attention to. Below is a list of other aggressive breeds most often involved in dog bite accidents.
Many of these breeds are popular. In light of the potential dangers of having them as pets, owners must do their due diligence to maintain safety for all who come into contact with these canines. For example, proper training, breeding methods, and socialization can help restrain their aggressive nature.
Dog bite injuries take on various forms. They can range from minor cuts to debilitating wounds. Furthermore, the trauma isn’t limited to physical damage. There's an emotional and financial component that's equally painful for victims. Here are the frequent types of injuries that take place when dogs are involved:
Dog bites interrupt the daily routine of life for the injured victims. These accidents can overwhelm people with a mix of troubling thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Victims, especially children, may experience:
A dog bite is an event that can lead victims down a long road to recovery. The costs associated with these incidents can drain your bank account. The substantial expenses include the following:
White Lake families injured by dog bites encounter challenges that affect every area of their lives. The impact goes far beyond the initial physical injury. The incident also affects a victim's emotional well-being and financial stability. Here, the role of an experienced dog bite attorney becomes invaluable. A skilled White Lake dog bite lawyer can help ensure victims receive the comprehensive care and compensation they deserve, paving the way for a full recovery.
The following is a list of actions to take following a dog bite:
Step 1. Go to a Medical Doctor. Even a tiny bite can turn into a potentially fatal illness. A physician can evaluate and treat the wound to prevent infections like rabies or tetanus.
Step 2. Get Contact Details. Talk to the dog's owner. Request their name, phone number, address, and history of dog vaccinations. Are there witnesses on the scene? Make sure you get their contact information as well.
Step 3. Collect Evidence. Evidence is the cornerstone of a solid case. This step involves taking pictures of your wounds and the accident scene. Is there proof of the dog's owner's carelessness, such as an ill-fitted leash? If so, get images of that.
Step 4. Communicate the Event. Dial 911 for the White Lake Township Police Department. A police officer will make an official report of the accident. Also, file a Bite Report Form with the Oakland County Animal Control. This paperwork can support your case if you pursue legal action or an insurance claim.
Step 5. Keep a Record of Your Injuries and Expenses. Maintain a file for your medical treatments, receipts, and related costs. Missed work? Track the days you were out. Finally, jot down how the injury impacted your daily life.
Step 6. Get Legal Advice. Speak with a White Lake dog bite lawyer. They can walk you through the legal process to secure maximum compensation for your injury.
Michigan loves its dogs. Over 41% of households have at least one pooch. That said, minimizing the risk of dog bites is an issue for pet owners and others. There's always room to foster a safer community. Here are some proactive tips to curb these awful accidents.
These tips can reduce incidents of dog bites in White Lake. Pet owners can ensure their dogs are well-behaved and securely contained. Residents, especially children, can protect themselves by learning how to interact with dogs. Humans and dogs can coexist more peacefully, with everyone on the same page.
Michigan has a "strict liability" doctrine regarding dog bites. Under this law, a dog owner is liable for any damage a bite victim suffers. This liability applies even if there is no way to prevent the attack. A victim can recover damages whether the incident occurred on public or private property. However, this excludes people who didn't have a legal right to be on private property.
The law's purpose is to hold dog owners accountable for their pets' actions. Additionally, an attack that takes place on one's property falls in line with premises liability cases. Strict liability gives White Lake dog attack victims the right to take legal action. A personal injury lawyer can prepare a customized strategy to help you recover compensation.
There is a deadline for bringing a dog bite claim. The statute of limitations refers to this time frame. You have three years to file a claim. This window of time starts from the date of the accident.
A dog bite attack is a type of personal injury claim. A lawyer specializing in dog bites can help you file a lawsuit against the offending party. Remember, time is of the essence. You want to avoid putting your case on the back burner. You can lose your right to seek compensation if you miss the deadline.
How do dog bites impact my homeowner's insurance? That's a question many White Lake pet owners ask themselves. Here are a few facts to know:
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), dog bites and other serious injuries cost insured homeowners $1,136 million cumulatively in 2022. Home insurance can offer you a measure of protection if your dog goes on an attack and injures someone.
Victims of dog bites in White Lake may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and other damages. The average cost per dog bite claim increased to $64,555 in 2022, a 31.7% increase from 2021. This payment can cover:
You have two options for seeking compensation. One is filing a claim with the dog owner's homeowner's insurance. The other avenue is filing a lawsuit. Personal injury lawyers help clients pursue both paths.
A dog bite disrupted your life. Now you have problems on your plate you didn't have before. You're dealing with physical pain, doctor bills piling up, and questions of how to press forward. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide a helping hand to the dog owner responsible for their negligence. An experienced dog bite lawyer will know how to navigate the world of court and insurance to make sure you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
A White Lake lawyer is an asset when seeking a favorable resolution for your personal injury case. The attorney could have the right mix of experience, knowledge, and compassion. Plus, this legal professional could be relentless when pursuing a positive outcome for their clients.
What defenses would a dog owner use in a dog attack case?
Answer: There are three common defenses. One is proving the victim was trespassing or not lawfully on the property at the time of the bite. Two is demonstrating the victim provoked the dog. Finally, showing the victim was committing a wrongful act against the property or the dog's owner.
Does Michigan's dog bite laws target specific breeds?
Answer: Michigan's statute does not single out specific breeds. The law applies equally to all dog breeds with a focus on the circumstances of the bite incident rather than the dog's breed. However, some municipalities may have ordinances imposing specific regulations on certain aggressive breeds. For example, some White Lake residents have expressed the need for ordinances regulating Pit Bulls and Rottweillers restraints. Dog owners must know and comply with local breed-specific and state laws.
Does Michigan have a "one bite" rule?
Answer: No. The "one bite" rule means a dog owner’s liability is based on their knowledge of their pet’s potential for vicious behavior, but Michigan doesn't follow this rule. The state has a strict liability dog bite statute that holds the dog owner responsible for any damage or injury their dog causes. The canine's prior behavior isn't relevant. Exceptions to this rule involve situations where the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime at the time of the bite.
Are you struggling to cope with the physical and emotional scars of a dog attack? Are you dealing with the lingering trauma? Are you troubled by a constant reminder of the violent incident?
We're compassionate advocates who stand with the victims of dog bites and their families. Our dedicated team of lawyers can provide you with the support, guidance, and legal resources to achieve the best possible outcome for your needs.
Get started on the path to recovery with a free consultation. The Law Offices of Christopher Trainor and Associates is prepared to defend your legal rights so you can secure the full compensation you deserve. Call us at 248-886-8650 to schedule your free consultation.
