When a dog bites someone, severe physical and emotional trauma can result, often leading to costly medical bills, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery process. Davis Law Center is a personal injury law firm that understands the complexities of dog bite cases in Farmington Hills, metro Detroit and all of Michigan, and is committed to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve. In this blog, we will discuss dog bite laws in Michigan.

Michigan’s Dog Bite Statute

Michigan has a specific law addressing dog bite liability. This law dictates that a dog owner is responsible for whatever injuries their dog causes, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.

To recover compensation under the dog bite statute, the victim must prove:

• The defendant owned the dog.
• The dog bit the victim.
• When the bite occurred, the victim was on a property where they were legally allowed
• The victim did not provoke the dog.

Michigan’s dog bite law imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means that an owner is responsible for the injuries inflicted by their dog even if they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or if the dog had never bitten anyone before.

Exception 1: UnLawful Presence

To be eligible for compensation under the dog bite statute, the victim must have been legally on the property where the bite occurred, either public property or private property by invitation. This means that if the victim was committing a crime or trespassing at the time of the bite, they may not be able to recover damages.

Exception 2: Provocation

If the dog was provoked, the owner might not be held liable for the resulting injuries. Provocation can include actions such as teasing, abusing, or tormenting the animal.

Negligence Claims

Sometimes, a dog bite victim may also have a claim based on negligence. For a negligence claim to succeed, the victim must prove:

• The dog’s owner owed a duty of care to the victim.
• The owner breached that duty of care.
• The breach caused the victim’s injuries.
• The victim suffered damages as a result.

Examples of negligence in dog bite cases may include:

• Failing to train or socialize the dog properly.
• Allowing the dog to roam freely without a leash (Michigan Leash Law MCL 287.262)
• Failing to warn others of a dog’s aggressive tendencies.

Damages in Dog Bite Cases

People who are bitten by dogs in Michigan may be entitled to various types of compensation, including money for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Farmington Hills or Oakland County, Michigan, follow these steps:

• Obtain medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor.
• Report the incident to animal control or the local police department.
• Gather information about the dog and its owner, including names, addresses, and contact details.
• Take videos or pictures of your injuries and document your medical treatment.
• Contact a skilled dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options.

How Davis Law Center Can Help After a Dog Bite

At Davis Law Center, we have extensive experience with dog bite cases occurring throughout Michigan, including our neighbors in Farmington Hills. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog attack can have on victims and their families. We are dedicated to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve.

When you work with our firm, you can expect:

• A free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.
• Thorough investigation and evidence gathering to build a strong claim on your behalf.
• Skilled negotiation with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
• Aggressive representation in court if a trial is necessary.
• Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Michigan, don’t hesitate to contact Davis Law Center. Let our firm protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations. Neil has also been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers and is a life member in The Top Trial Lawyers In America Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all of these things for his clients and would be honored to discuss your case with you.

Dog bites are especially serious when they occur in young children. Many children love animals and try to play close to a dog’s face. The dog, not realizing the child is only playing, might instinctively snap and bite a child in the face. This can leave permanent scars on a child’s face that require follow-up surgeries and more to correct.

It is important to note that a person cannot recover damages if they are provoking the animal. If a person is trying to make a dog angry or otherwise riling a dog up, a jury may ultimately rule that the injured person is responsible for their injuries. Therefore a person should always be careful not to provoke an animal.

If you have been injured in Farmington Hills or anywhere in the Detroit area, a dog bite lawyer at Davis Law Center can help. We know how serious the injuries caused by such a bite can be and will fight aggressively to get you or your child every penny you deserve. For a free consultation to discuss your injuries, contact Davis Law Center today.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.