Lansing Dog Bite Lawyer

Trusted Lansing Dog Bite Lawyers

Helping Lansing Victims Seek Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs may be considered humans’ life-long companions, with so many people being dog moms and dads, but they are not always friendly. There are instances where dogs go from being man’s best friend to vicious animals capable of inflicting harm that lands a person in a hospital. In severe cases, a person attacked by a dog might suffer extensive physical injuries and disabilities, or the person might die.

One of the common ways dogs attack people is by biting them. When you suffer a dog bite injury, Michigan law allows you to file a compensation claim for personal injury against the owner. However, there are defenses available to the dog owner that make it hard for dog bite victims to receive compensation.

This is why it is always beneficial to work with an experienced attorney. Our Lansing dog bite lawyer has represented several dog bite victims and secured successful outcomes even when they used legal defenses. So, if you or a loved one sustained a dog bite injury, contact us immediately.

We will carefully examine your case to determine its strengths and weaknesses and provide guidance. Call us at 248-286-8100 to learn how we can help you.

Why Choose Our Lansing Dog Bite Lawyers?

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we understand that no injury is easy to deal with, especially when it leads to hospitalization and loss of money. This is why we do not take our dog bite cases lightly. If a dog owner is negligent and their dog causes you harm, we will hold them accountable using our decades of experience and knowledge of the Michigan dog bite laws.

We have a 99% success rate with our cases, and our client testimonials show our dedication and commitment to each claim. We do not abandon our clients halfway and will be with you from the beginning of your claim until it concludes. Our communication system is easy, and we are accessible 24/7.

Also, our initial consultations are free, and you are not obligated to retain us. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can help you hold the dog owner accountable. Call us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case review.

Common Wounds Associated with Dog Bites

Dogs are adorable creatures, and they do not always bite. But when they do, whether provoked or unprovoked, the affected person will suffer injuries. The following are common dog bite injuries:

• Brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Bone fractures
• Muscle pain
• Scars and disfigurement.

Also, bacteria from the dog can enter the human body through the dog bite injury, leaving the victim prone to meningitis, rabies, cellulitis, lymphangitis, endocarditis, and tetanus. All these can be life-threatening, especially if not treated on time. However, treatment costs money, and you might suffer other damages, so ensure you exercise your right to compensation.

What Should You Do after a Dog Bite Injury in Lansing, Michigan?

The steps you take after a dog bite injury will, to a large extent, keep the wound from worsening. It also improves your chances of financial compensation if you file a claim. The following are the things to do after a dog bite injury in Lansing, Michigan:

• If there is a bleed, place a clean towel above it.
• Keep the injury area elevated to reduce blood loss, or tie a tourniquet above the injury site.
• Depending on the wound’s location and severity, wash the bite site with soap and water and apply a sterile bandage.
• Get treated at the hospital, urgent care clinic, or doctor’s office. If the dog bite injury is severe, you might be unable to take the steps mentioned so far and will need an ambulance to take you to the hospital. In such an instance, call 911 immediately after the bite.
• Inform Animal Control about the bite and the police department to have a written report about the occurrence.

It also helps to take photos and videos of your injury, the dog that bit you, and where the attack happened. Once you’ve done all these, contact our Lansing dog bite attorney to discuss your eligibility for a settlement.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury?

Under Michigan law, you can sue the dog owner, possessor, or keeper of the dog for an injury caused by a bite. However, two legal theories establish liability in dog bite cases. The first is the common law doctrine of negligence.

Under this doctrine, the law looks at whether the dog owner acted reasonably prudently and if another prudent person would have behaved the same way in similar circumstances. For example, a dog owner would have acted negligently if they did not put their dog on a leash and isolated it from visitors.

The second theory is the common law doctrine of strict liability. Under Michigan’s strict liability law, a dog owner is liable for any bite injury inflicted by their dog. However, the victim must be on the property legally as a visitor and must not provoke the dog. If you trespass on a property or provoke a dog and get bitten, you might be unable to recover compensation.

Also, under the strict liability law, a dog owner cannot escape liability by stating they were unaware of their dog’s dangerous nature or stating they took reasonable precautions to keep people safe from their dog. Note that the strict liability law only applies to bites. If a dog injures you by jumping and knocking you over, the rule will not apply.

Recoverable Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

You can recover economic and noneconomic damages with a successful dog bite claim. Your monetary damages would cover the money spent on medical bills and lost wages if you took time away from work to recover from the bite. If the injury affected your ability to return to the job you had, you can receive compensation for reduced earning capacity.

You can receive compensation for nonmonetary damages for the physical pain and suffering caused by the bite. Most dog bite victims develop PTSD and are unable to go near dogs after an attack. In such an instance, you will get compensation for mental anguish and trauma. Other recoverable damages are property loss and any out-of-pocket costs.

Lansing Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

If you’ve never dealt with a dog bite case, you’ll have questions about the claims process. Here are some common questions about dog bite claims.

What is the worth of my dog bite case?

Although the worth of your claim can be estimated, there is no fixed amount you can expect, as whatever amount you ask for is subject to negotiation by the insurance company. Also, several factors affect the worth of your claim, and we’ll explain what they are when you visit our law office.

Should I take a settlement or file a lawsuit?

Settlements conclude faster than lawsuits, making them a preferred option. However, before accepting a settlement, ensure the amount is fair and covers all your economic and noneconomic damages. If it doesn’t, and the insurance company is not budging, go to court.

What is the statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits? 

Under the Michigan statute of limitations, you have three years to file a dog bite lawsuit. The time starts counting from the day of the attack, and if you miss the deadline, you lose your right to sue the dog owner.

How much do dog bite lawyers in Lansing, Michigan, charge? 

Dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay until we win your case. Also, you will only pay a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation.

These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.

How Our Lansing Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You

Our dog bite attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C. will assess the circumstances of the accident to determine if you have a valid claim. We will gather evidence like medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage and use them to support your claim. Also, we will handle the negotiation for settlement with the dog owner’s insurer and file a lawsuit if we cannot settle.

We understand the stress of any legal process, so we will take the burden off you while you focus on other aspects of your life and recovery. We will also provide emotional support and guide you to make the best decisions for your case. So, take advantage of our experience, knowledge, and skills rather than handle your claim yourself.

Book a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team!

If you or a loved one gets bitten by a dog, our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C., can provide the representation needed to receive compensation. With us by your side, you have a better chance of a favorable outcome. Contact us at 248-286-8100 for a free case review.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]