While many dogs fully live up to their reputation as “man’s best friend,” some can be anything but friendly if they are not trained properly or if they think another person or animal is infringing on their territory. Fortunately, Michigan state law is fairly generous to people injured by aggressive dogs when it comes to their right to take legal action and demand financial restitution for their injuries from the dog’s owner.

That said, getting the best possible result can still be difficult, especially if you do not have assistance from an attorney. No matter how your bite injury happened or what specific losses you need to recover, a dedicated Macomb dog bite lawyer could provide the support you need to achieve a favorable case result.

Common Causes and Effects of Dog Bite Injuries

Any dog, regardless of their breed, size, or history of aggressive behavior, has the potential to cause serious, long-lasting, and potentially life-altering trauma. Bites alone can cause deep lacerations and puncture wounds that may get infected without immediate professional medical treatment. Larger dogs could cause soft-tissue injuries like muscle and ligament tears, broken bones, and even permanent injuries like nerve damage or lost fingers or limbs.

On top of that, dog attacks can leave both physical and psychological scars that may never completely heal, especially if the targeted individual is a young child or an elderly adult. Even attacks that do not directly involve a bite—for example, a dog running at someone and knocking them over—can still result in harm, which could serve as the basis for civil litigation.

On that note, a comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand over a dog bite could account for both economic and non-economic forms of harm:

  • All past and expected future expenses for medical care and long-term injury management
  • Lost work income or working ability
  • Personal property damage
  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • Emotional trauma and psychological suffering
  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Various effects of permanent disfigurement or disability

A Macomb dog attack attorney could go into further detail during a private consultation about the damages a person could factor into their claim.

How State Law Governs Dog Bite Litigation

Michigan does not have a “one-bite” rule, which only holds dog owners liable for bites if the dog in question had attacked someone before. Instead, Michigan Compiled Laws § 287.351 imposes strict liability on dog owners for any injuries and subsequent losses that someone else suffers because of the owner’s dog attacking them. An exception applies in situations where the bitten person was provoking the dog or where the bitten person was trespassing on the owner’s private property at the time of the attack.

It is also possible to pursue a dog bite claim based on common-law negligence if the bite occurred because of the dog owner’s extreme carelessness in failing to properly control and restrain their pet. Guidance from a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Macomb can be key to getting favorable results from both types of cases.

Macomb County also sets forth the county dog bite laws. According to Macomb County, any animal that bites or otherwise causes serious injury to a person or other animal is considered dangerous. Any dog that “bites” a person is in violation of the ordinance. The violation of this ordinance will be used as evidence in a civil lawsuit.

Seek Help from a Macomb Dog Bite Attorney

Being attacked by a dog under any circumstances is a potentially life-changing experience, especially if it results in serious physical injuries on top of emotional and mental trauma. If you were hurt in this way recently, understanding your right to demand compensation is an important first step.

A qualified Macomb dog bite lawyer could work diligently on your behalf throughout every stage of your legal proceedings. Call today to get started with a free consultation.

We handle Macomb County dog bite and dog attack cases in Armada, Center Line, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Fraser, Harrison Township, Macomb, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Haven, Ray, Richmond, Romeo, Roseville, Saint Clair Shores, Utica, and Washington.

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