Dog Bite Attorney
Protecting victims of dog bites
According to the Center for Disease Control, over 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. Nearly 1 million dog bites per year require significant medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery. Dog bites can cause disfigurement, scarring, emotional injuries and even death. Unfortunately, the victims of dog bites are oftentimes children.
Michigan has a strict liability statute which holds the dog owner responsible for any damages caused by a dog attack. If a dog bites a person without provocation, while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the property of the dog owner, the owner is liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of whether the dog has behaved viciously in the past, and regardless of the dog owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.
If you, or a loved one, are bitten by a dog, you need knowledgeable and aggressive representation. If you have been bitten, the law may entitle you to damages for medical expenses, scarring, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Dog bite victims are often hesitant to pursue their claims because they have a relationship with the dog owner. It is important to know that under most circumstances, the injury will be covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company.
Before giving statements, you should speak with an attorney at the Goldin Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected. It is common for dog owners’ to allege their dog was provoked by the victim. Under Michigan law, provocation does not need to be intentional to be a defense and can completely bar you from receiving compensation for your injuries.
Determining the value of a dog bite can be complicated. To maximize your recovery, you will need an experienced dog bite lawyer in your corner. The attorneys at the Goldin Law Firm have extensive experience in evaluating and litigating dog bite cases and have obtained substantial settlements for their clients. Call today for a free consultation. We don’t collect a fee unless we win for you!
To learn more about dog bites and how to prevent them, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html
