Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Those Who Have Sustained Dog Bite or Animal Attack Injuries
Dog bites, or bites or attacks by other animals are serious and can result in devastating injuries or even death. If you have sustained injuries as the result of a dog or other animal bite, it is important that you contact a Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer right away. At The Law Offices of Berry and Berry, PLLC, we handle these types of cases, and we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (313) 996-5300 to schedule your free consultation.
Have you sustained injury due to a dog bite?
Under Michigan law, there is a specific provision that governs dog owner liability for dog bites. The statute essentially states that to establish a dog owner's liability for their dog's bite, you must be able to prove the following:
- The dog bite caused an injury
- You did not provoke the dog
- You were either in a public place or a private place with permission when the bite occured
Since Michigan is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, it means that an owner can be held liable even if they had no reason to know that their dog might bite another person.
It is important to note that this law applies only to dog bites and not in instances where a dog might jump on you and knock you over causing injury. While you may be able to hold the dog's owner liable for negligence due to the fact that they could not control their dog, if the injury is serious enough, the attack may warrant a finding that the dog is a “dangerous animal.”
Michigan defines dangerous animals, in part, as dogs or other animals that bite or attack people, or bite or attack and cause serious injury or death to another dog. Like the dog bite statute, there is no liability if you were trespassing or you provoked the animal or dog. Moreover, the owner cannot be held liable if the animal was simply protecting its owner in a manner that would be considered reasonable and ordinary under the circumstances, such as if the owner was being assaulted. However, if the owner of an animal that meets this definition of a dangerous animal ends up causing a serious injury to another, the owner can be charged with and convicted of a felony, which is punishable by up to four years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. If the animal bite or attack results in a fatality, the owner can be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter which is punishable by up to fifteen years in jail and a fine of up to $7,500.
At The Law Offices of Berry and Berry, PLLC, we are ready to obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
If you have sustained serious injuries due to a dog or other animal bite or attack, it is imperative that you seek the advice and consult of a Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible. These incidents can be serious and can result in severe disfiguring and long-lasting injuries and in some extreme cases, a dog or other animal attack may cause a fatality. When you choose The Law Offices of Berry and Berry, PLLC, you can expect dedicated service from a knowledgeable Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer who will not only guide you through the legal process but will work hard to achieve the best possible results in your personal injury case. Contact us at The Law Offices of Berry and Berry, PLLC today at (313) 996-5300 to schedule your free initial consultation and learn what we can do for you.