Question 1

How To Understand State Dog Bite Laws?

Accepted Answer

Dog bite liability falls under state laws, and each state has different rules for dog owner liability. Some states hold dog owners strictly liable for the harm their dogs cause, while others follow the one-bite rule. Other states, like Michigan, have multiple theories of liability. For example, Michigan has three legal theories to prove liability in a lawsuit. The first is common law based on negligence. This means that the dog’s owner didn’t act as a reasonably prudent person would have in the same case. It also includes not putting the dog on a leash and not keeping it separate from visitors. The second legal theory is common law, which is based on strict liability. This holds the dog owner liable for a dog attack if the victim was legally on the property and didn’t provoke the animal. The third legal theory is strict liability or automatic liability. It doesn’t matter if the dog has a history of aggression. Michigan Statute 287.351 notes three elements that must exist to prove the dog owner is liable for a dog bite according to strict liability principles: The dog attack caused your injuries. You didn’t do anything to provoke the dog. You were lawfully on public or private property when the attack happened. Also, the law states that the dog owner can be liable for the first bite or attack if the victim was legally on the property and didn’t provoke the animal. Under the law, the victim only must prove that the dog owner knew or should have known the dog can be aggressive. The law governing dog bite injuries in Michigan is complex, so you should seek advice from an experienced perso

Question 2

How Much You Can Sue For In A Dog Bite Attack?

Accepted Answer

If a dog bit you and you have damages and injuries, you can receive compensation in a lawsuit. Dog bite attorneys can go after the following damages in a settlement or lawsuit: Medical costs: This compensation may include bills for hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, etc. You also can be compensated for future treatment costs. Loss of income for your recovery: If your dog bite injuries mean you cannot work, you can receive money for loss of income. You also may be entitled to future lost income. Non-economic losses: You also can get money for your pain and suffering, mental trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. How much you can receive in compensation for your dog bite injuries will vary widely according to the case circumstances. While looking at average dog bite settlements is interesting, it is not the best way to determine what you can receive. Instead, you should understand the kinds of things that you can receive compensation for: Medical bills incurred: The more medical bills you have for your injuries, the more you can receive in a dog bite settlement or lawsuit. Lost earnings and earning power: If your dog bite injuries require you to be off work for months, you can receive more money. If your injuries mean you have to take a lesser job in your company, this also can affect your compensation. Pain and suffering: Deep dog bites that damage deep tissues can be immensely painful. Your attorney will rely on your medical reports and physician statements to prove the degree of pain and suffering. Emotional anguish: Being severely injured by a dog can be traumatic, especially if you suffer a bite on the face. You can receive more compensation if you have severe injuries to the neck and face that cause depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Other factors can influence how much money you get for a dog bite: Insurance coverage: Renters’ or homeowners’ insurance often pays for dog bite injuries. However, the insurance policy for the owner or landlord will only compensate the injury victim up to policy limits. If the owner has minimal or no insurance, it can be difficult to obtain a fair settlement. Liability: The owner or landlord is only liable if you prove they are responsible. If evidence is lacking, you may not get as much in the claim or lawsuit. The above factors are most important to determine how much you can sue for after a dog attack. Also, the Insurance Information Institute reports that the average insurance payout for dog bites in recent years was in the tens of thousands of dollars. But your claim can be worth more or less than that, as everyone’s injuries are unique. Your attorney will advise you regarding any settlement offers you receiv

Question 3

What To Do After A Dog Bite?

Accepted Answer

What you do immediately after the dog attack can influence your compensation in a claim or lawsuit. You should do the following: Get Away From The Animal After the dog bites, you should get away to safety as quickly as possible. But you shouldn’t turn your back and run, or this can provoke the dog further. Instead, back away slowly and get indoors. Clean The Bites And Scratches If the skin gets broken with bites and scratches, you must thoroughly clean them. One of the biggest risks of a dog bite attack is an infection. If you have deep wounds that bleed, press a clean cloth against them and call 911. Get The Dog Owner’s Contact Details You need to have the dog owner’s contact information to file a claim. You should get their name, phone number, and address. Also, find out if the dog has had its shots. If the dog owner is unavailable, talk to witnesses and see if they know who owns the dog. You should also get eyewitness contact information.

Question 4

Why Retain A Dog Bite Attorney?

Accepted Answer

skilled attorney can explain your legal rights and seek compensation in a lawsuit. Also, an experienced dog bite attorney will empathize with your situation and offer critical legal advice during the claim or lawsuit. More reasons to hire a trusted dog bite attorney are: Our lawyers know how to handle insurance companies: After a dog bites or injures you, it’s probably necessary to talk to the owner’s insurance company. Insurance companies for the defendant can be difficult to deal with, and you can expect them to lowball or deny your claim outright. Dog bite attorneys know insurance company games and will negotiate aggressively for you. Our attorneys have years of experience with dog bite cases. Dog attack cases are often complicated, and several parties can be involved. You may need to sue the dog owner, landlord, and others. Experienced attorneys know how to deal with these complex cases so you can get the most money. Our lawyers are ready to go to court if necessary. Most dog bite cases end in a settlement, but your lawyer can take the case to a jury if the insurance company doesn’t pay fairly. Our attorneys will handle all legal details for you. You shouldn’t worry about all the legal ins and outs when you’re hurt and out of work. An attorney will deal with all of it for you. Insurance companies use a common tactic in dog bite attacks called the provocation defense. They may use this argument to claim you provoked the dog and are responsible for the attack. To use this defense effectively, the insurance company has to prove that the attack’s aggressive nature was proportional to how you provoked the dog. For example, striking a dog with a branch until it bites can be considered a proportional provocation. But if you gently petted the animal and it bit you, this should be considered disproportional. Our experienced dog bite attorneys know this legal strategy and can refute the provocation defense. They can prove who was liable for the attack and use attack evidence, such as medical records, videos, pictures, and eyewitness testimony, to prove the animal attack for no reason.

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