​Bloomfield Hills Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites are a serious public safety concern, affecting thousands of individuals each year in Michigan and across the United States. While dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” some circumstances can lead to aggressive behavior that results in bites.

If you or a loved one suffer harm in a dog bite incident, do not wait to seek guidance from a Bloomfield Hills dog bite lawyer. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking justice and compensation.

What is a “Dangerous Dog?”

Lawyer, Michael A. Sawicky

A “dangerous dog” is typically defined as one that has a history of aggressive behavior, such as biting or attacking humans or other animals without provocation. Under Michigan law, a dangerous dog is one that:

  • Bites or attacks a person, or
  • Bites or attacks and causes injury or death to another dog while the other dog is on the property or under its owner’s control. 

Certain breeds are often stereotyped as more dangerous, though it is essential to remember that any dog can bite under the right circumstances. Dog behavior is influenced by factors such as training, environment, and owner responsibility rather than just breed alone.

Breeds Most Associated with Dog Bites

While any dog has the potential to bite, some breeds are more frequently involved in bite incidents, according to various studies. These include:

  • Pitbulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Bulldogs
  • Huskies

It’s important to note that these statistics often correlate with the popularity of these breeds and irresponsible ownership rather than an inherent tendency to bite. If you are bitten by any dog in Bloomfield Hills, no matter the breed, our lawyers can help.

Why Do Dog Bites Happen?

Unfortunately, dog bites happen rather frequently. Dog bites occur for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Fear: Dogs may bite when they feel threatened or cornered.
  • Territoriality: Protectiveness over their home, owner, or possessions can trigger aggression.
  • Lack of training: Untrained or improperly trained dogs are more likely to exhibit problematic behaviors.
  • Owner negligence: Irresponsible ownership, such as failing to leash or restrain a dog, can lead to bites.

Regardless of the reason for the dog attack, suffering a dog bite can have serious consequences for victims. If you are harmed by a dog, our lawyers can help ensure owners are held liable for their dog’s behavior.

Injuries Often Resulting from Dog Bites

Attorney, Thomas Stroble

Dog bites can result in severe and sometimes life-altering injuries. Some of the injuries common to these incidents include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations
  • Nerve damage
  • Disfigurement or scarring
  • Emotional trauma

Dog bites often require immediate medical attention. Injuries caused by these incidents can result in complications, such as infections like rabies.

In extreme cases, dog attacks can lead to permanent disability or even death, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. This is particularly true if the injuries inflicted by the dog are catastrophic or victims suffer injuries while trying to escape, like falls.

When you suffer an injury from a dog, you deserve compensation for related losses and expenses. Our Bloomfield Hills dog bite attorneys can help ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Liability for Dog Bites in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Michigan law is strict when it comes to dog bite liability. The state’s statutes ensure that victims of dog bites have a pathway to compensation, provided certain conditions are met.

Understanding who can be held liable and how Michigan law addresses dog bite cases is critical for victims seeking justice. Our lawyers can provide clarity on the matter, helping you understand what to expect.

Who Can Be Liable for a Dog Bite?

Under Michigan law, the dog’s owner is the primary party responsible for a dog bite. In some cases, additional parties may also be held accountable, such as:

  • Caretakers: Individuals temporarily responsible for the dog, such as a pet sitter or dog walker.
  • Property owners: If the dog bite occurred on someone’s property, and the property owner was negligent in preventing access to a dangerous dog, they can share liability.

Our dog bite lawyers can investigate the incident to ensure no responsible party can evade liability for their wrongdoing. This, in turn, helps ensure you can recover adequate compensation.

Michigan’s Dog Bite Statute

Attorney, Nick Kyriakopoulos

Michigan operates under a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that a dog owner is automatically liable for injuries caused by their dog if:

  • The victim was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred (e.g., not trespassing), or the victim was on public property.
  • The victim did not provoke the dog.

Unlike some states that require the owner’s knowledge of their dog’s prior history of aggression to establish liability, Michigan does not require the dog to have previously bitten someone. This makes it easier for victims to hold dog owners accountable for their injuries.

If the requirements set forth under Michigan’s law are met, the dog’s owner is liable, and you can pursue proper financial recovery. Our dog bite lawyers can gather all the evidence to show strict liability and argue against any defenses the dog’s owner may present.

Damages Dog Bite Victims Can Obtain

Dog bite victims in Michigan may be entitled to various types of damages, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the attack. These damages fall into two primary categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate victims for the financial losses they have suffered due to the dog bite. These may include:

  • Present and future medical expenses (e.g., emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy)
  • Lost earnings due to time off work to recover
  • Future losses of earning capacity if the injury results in long-term disability
  • Property damage (e.g., torn clothing or damaged personal items)

Our lawyers can gather evidence of your financial losses, including medical records, bills, and pay stubs, to prove your damages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages generally address the emotional and psychological impact of a dog bite. These may include:

Because these damages are non-financial, more evidence is needed to substantiate these losses. Our lawyers can present favorable evidence of your non-economic damages to ensure you get the compensation you’re owed.

Pursuing Compensation for a Dog Bite

You may have several options when it is time to pursue compensation for your dog bite. Our dog bite attorneys can thoroughly review the details of your incident to determine the best course of action.

Potential legal options for seeking financial recovery include:

  • Filing a claim with the dog owner’s insurance: Many homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies cover dog bite claims. Filing a claim with the owner’s insurer is often the first step in seeking compensation.
  • Negotiating a settlement: In many cases, a settlement can be reached without going to court. An experienced attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
  • Filing a lawsuit: If the insurance company or opposing party is not cooperating and settlement is not possible, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover full compensation.

In some cases, filing an insurance claim and then a lawsuit may be necessary, depending on the situation. No matter your claim’s direction, you can trust our Bloomfield Hills dog bite lawyers will be with you every step of the way. We will protect your best interests from beginning to end, working diligently to get you the most favorable case result.

The Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

Attorney, Pete Verros

Navigating the legal process after a dog bite can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with painful injuries and emotional trauma. Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer offers several key benefits and ensures that your rights are protected.

Some of the more notable advantages of hiring legal representation include:

  • Legal understanding: Dog bite laws can be complex, especially when insurance companies attempt to dispute liability or minimize payouts. A skilled lawyer understands Michigan’s strict liability rules and how to build a strong case.
  • Maximizing compensation: An attorney can calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and non-economic losses, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
  • Negotiation skills: Insurance companies often employ sneaky tactics to try to limit liability and settle claims for as little as possible. A lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively to secure a just settlement.
  • Court representation: If you file a lawsuit and your case goes to trial, having a seasoned attorney on your side can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome. 
  • Peace of mind: With a lawyer handling your case, you can focus on your recovery while they manage the legal details.

A lawyer gives you a substantial advantage, especially when you are up against insurance companies and opposing parties with legal representation. When you hire our dog bite lawyer, you are getting a fierce supporter and representative.

Simply put, legal representation after a dog bite matters. Without proper legal representation, dog bite victims risk:

  • Receiving far less compensation than they deserve 
  • Facing delays in the claims process
  • Being unfairly blamed for the incident

An experienced dog bite attorney will fight tirelessly to protect your interests and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the legal process. By hiring a lawyer, you are putting yourself in the best possible position to get the monetary recovery you need.

Why Choose Our Bloomfield Hills Dog Bite Lawyers?

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog bite in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a local attorney who understands the community and state laws. A Bloomfield Hills dog bite lawyer can provide the following:

  • In-depth knowledge: Our attorneys are familiar with Michigan’s dog bite laws and local courts. 
  • Personalized attention: Our local lawyers prioritize building strong relationships with clients and tailoring their approach to meet your unique needs. 
  • Proven results: Our Bloomfield Hills lawyers have a track record of successfully representing dog bite victims and securing substantial settlements.

Our attorneys understand the difficulties that come after suffering dog bite injuries, including the physical toll and financial burdens. We are passionate about helping clients like you get the justice they deserve and receive a fair monetary recovery to move on with life.

How Do I Know Whether I Have a Dog Bite Case?

If you’ve suffered an injury from a dog, there is a good chance you have a valid case. However, the best way to know definitively is by scheduling a consultation with one of our Bloomfield Hills dog bite lawyers.

During your consultation, our attorney can get to know your case better. We will review any available evidence, ask all the right questions, and gather the information we need to evaluate your case properly. Our lawyer can also answer your questions and address your concerns, helping clarify the situation and alleviate some of your stress.

It is important to note that time is limited to file a lawsuit for dog bite cases. Michigan law sets a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, so it is essential to act quickly. The sooner you hire our dog bite lawyer, the quicker we can begin working on your case.

Take the First Step Toward Justice After Suffering a Dog Bite in Bloomfield Hills, MI

 Thomas L. Stroble - Attorney for Dog Bite Injury cases in Lansing MI area
Thomas L. Stroble Bloomfield Hills Dog Bite Lawyer

When you sustain injuries in a dog bite incident, the physical, emotional, and financial suffering of a can be overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to bear the burden by yourself. Legal help is more accessible than you may believe. A skilled Bloomfield Hills personal injury lawyer can provide the support, guidance, and advocacy you need to secure the compensation you are entitled to.

There are specific laws and regulations that vary from state to state and even from city to city. In Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, there are statutes in place to protect individuals who have suffered injuries due to dog attacks. 

Contact our Michigan Injury Lawyers team at (313) 438-4357 to schedule your initial consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward holding negligent dog owners accountable and achieving the justice you deserve.