Dearborn Heights Dog Bite Settlement

We recently settled a dog bite claim for a woman who was attacked in Dearborn Heights, Michigan by her neighbor’s dog.  The woman was walking her own dog in her neighborhood when an unleashed dog attacked both her and her dog.  She suffered bites to her hands and legs.  Her dog was also bitten and required veterinary care.

In Dearborn Heights, there are laws that apply to dog owners. A full completed list of pit bull ordinances can be found on the Dearborn Heights City website. Specifically, some laws are as follows:

Sec. 6-148.

1. Any person who shall have in his possession an animal which has contracted rabies or has bitten any person shall, upon demand of the animal warden or any police officer, produce and surrender the animal for observation for a period of ten (10) days. Before any animal impounded by reason of the foregoing provision shall be released, the owner shall be required to pay a fee for each day the animal is impounded, which fee shall be specified by council resolution.

1. A person who violates any portion of Sec. 6-148 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Code 1969, § 9.114; Ord. No. H-02-10

Sec. 6-162.

Dearborn Heights considers dangerous or vicious animals to be canines that are exposed to rabies, previously found to be a dangerous or vicious animal, or any animal which is capable of inflicting death or serious injury on a person or domesticated animal and which possesses one or more or the following characteristics:

1. Has attacked or bitten a person engaged in lawful activities.

1. Has left the property of its owner and killed or seriously injured another animal.
2. Has chased, confronted, or approached a person on the street, sidewalk, or public property in a menacing fashion such as would put a reasonably prudent person in fear of attack.
3. Has exhibited a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack, cause injury, or threaten the safety of persons or other domesticated animals.
4. Has acted in a manner that causes or should cause its owner to know that it is potentially vicious and/or dangerous.

Ord. No. H-02-24, § I, 7-8-03; Ord. No. H-09-09, § 1, 10-27-09

On her behalf, we filed a claim against the owner of the attacking dog.  His insurance company agreed to pay a settlement for the pain and suffering caused by the attack and the resulting scars.  The insurer also paid the medical bills for all treatment related to the attack.

For more information about your rights after a dog attack in Dearborn Heights or throughout the State of Michigan, call our top rated Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. attorneys now at (800) 606-1717.  We will discuss your case with you and explain your legal rights.  We will start working on your case immediately gathering all the evidence and witness statements to prove and win your case.  Call today for your free, no obligation evaluation of your case.