Dogs are our best friends and many people’s companions. However, a dangerous dog can cause severe injury if they bite someone. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you need to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Detroit from Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan.
Your injuries may leave you in financial distress and chronic pain. We can help you file a claim against the responsible parties to recover your losses, including medical bills, lost work income, and more. Send us a message online to speak to a Detroit personal injury lawyer about your case.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Many people dismiss dog bites and attacks as not serious. The reality is that even smaller breeds of dogs can cause severe damage. Dogs’ irregular teeth and strong bite force can cause jagged wounds that scar heavily. Victims may require extensive reconstructive surgery, especially if injuries are on the head, neck, or face.
Common injuries from a dog bite include:
- Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Bruising and soft tissue injuries
- Torn muscles and tendons
- Crushed bones and fractures
- Infections from bacteria
- Loss of fingers or limbs
- Damaged genitals
- Emotional trauma
How Does Liability for Dog Bites Work in Detroit?
In Michigan, dog owners are strictly liable when their pets bite someone and cause injuries. Under strict liability, owners are responsible regardless of whether they were negligent or if the dog bit someone before. Unlike many other states, Michigan doesn’t have a “one bite” rule that guards against liability.
This means that if a dog bites you, the owner is automatically liable regardless of negligence. Short of any provocation, the only facts that matter are whether the dog belongs to the owner and whether the dog caused injury with a bite.
Liability for Non-Bite Injuries
Michigan’s strict liability rules only apply to dog bites. Dogs can cause injuries in other ways—for example, a large dog jumping and causing someone to fall. For other dog injuries, the typical negligence standard applies. Victims must show that the owner violated some duty of care through an act or omission when the dog caused injuries.
Defense to Dog Bite Liability in Detroit
Dog owners are automatically liable for injuries after a dog bite except in two circumstances: trespassing and provocation.
- If you were unlawfully on the property and trespassing, the owner may not be responsible for your injuries.
- If you provoked the dog into attacking you, it could shift liability away from the owner.
Compensation You Can Recover
Depending on your circumstances, you can recover financial compensation for the following types of losses after a dog bite:
- Emergency medical bills and future necessary medical expenses
- Lost work income and reductions in your lifetime earning potential
- Cost of replacement household services
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Discomfort and inconvenience from scarring or disfigurement
Unlike some states, Michigan allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages after a dog bite attack. This means you can recover money for your explicit losses and psychological losses (e.g., pain and suffering).
What to Do if You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog in Detroit
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to act quickly to preserve your ability to make a claim. After getting any necessary emergency medical attention, contact animal control and report the injury. Animal control will create an accident report you can refer to when making a claim.
Next, see a doctor as quickly as possible. You need a paper trail of medical documentation to prove your injury severity and medical losses. Get copies of all doctor’s notes, imaging results, prescription medication lists, and other relevant reports.
Next, contact a dog bite attorney in Detroit. A lawyer can gather any necessary additional information and guide you through the next steps of the claims process.
Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Detroit
Michigan’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you a maximum of three years to file a lawsuit for dog bite injuries. This is the maximum amount of time you can wait before you lose your right to recover financial compensation.
Three years sounds like a long time, but you need to act quickly. Evidence can fade quickly, and it becomes harder to prove your injuries if you wait to see a doctor. A lawyer can help you take the next steps in the claims process and reduce the risk of payment delays and complications.
Detroit Dog Bite Lawyers: Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan
A dog bite can cause severe financial losses and psychological harm. Victims deserve a chance to hold owners accountable and recover their losses. The team at Hirsch, Gaugier & Khan can be your advocate and investigate on your behalf, fighting for the compensation you need to heal and rebuild your life.
Contact a dog bite lawyer in Detroit today to receive a case evaluation. Consultations are free, and we don’t take a fee unless we win, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.
