Many people love dogs in Michigan. Towns like Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and Detroit are known as dog friendly places. With that comes the potential for dog bites. In Michigan, there are two ways an owner can be responsible for injuries relating to a dog bite; through the dog bite statute, and common law. In some states there are rules where each dog is entitled to one bite. The concept is that once the owner knows the dog will bite people, then the owner has to take special care to prevent the dog from taking future bites. This rule doesn’t necessary apply in Michigan as explained below.
Michigan Dog Bite Law
In Michigan, a dog owner can be liable for injuries relating to a dog bite under the Michigan Dog Bite Law. There are two requirements; the person was allowed on the property, and the dog wasn’t provoked. If the person was trespassing, then that is a defense. If the dog was provoked, even unknowningly, then that is also a defense. The idea is that if you are doing something that would bother a normal dog to the point of biting, you won’t get compensated .
Here is the link for Michigan Dog Bite Statute MCL 287.351: click here.
If you’re searching for a trusted “dog bite lawyer near me,” our office is proud to offer skilled legal guidance from a top-rated dog bite lawyer in Michigan.
Ordinary Negligence
In Michigan, a dog owner can be liable for a dog bite, even on the first bite, if the owner knows or should have known that the dog had a propensity to bite people. Here ordinary negligence would apply. In negligence, an injured person would have to show that the owner had at duty to keep people safe from their vicious dog, that they violated that duty, didn’t warn or take precuations to keep people safe, the dog actually bite someone and that person was injured as a result of the dog owners negligence. If you need a seasoned dog bite attorney in Ann Arbor, MI, our legal team is equipped to help you pursue justice and compensation.
If you were bitten by a dog in Ann Arbor, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Brighton, Howell, Fowlerville, Plymouth, Northville, Belleville, Ypsilanti, or in the surrounding Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee counties, then call me for a free consultation. I will help you understand if you have a dog bite case in Michigan. There are many dog bite lawyers in Michigan, but I will personally be there for the whole process and fight aggressively for you. If you’re located in Washtenaw County and searching for a dog bite attorney, our office is just a call away. We take pride in being your dedicated lawyer during this difficult time.
Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti, MI, today, and let us help protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dog bite lawyer in Ypsilanti MI do?
How soon should I contact a dog bite attorney in Ann Arbor MI?
It’s best to contact an Ann Arbor MI dog bite attorney, such as Hermanowski Law, right away to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
Can an Ann Arbor MI dog bite attorney help if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?
Yes. An Ann Arbor MI dog bite attorney will usually work with the dog owner’s insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about creating personal conflict.
What evidence does a dog bite lawyer in Ypsilanti MI need?
A dog bite lawyer in Ypsilanti MI will typically need medical records, photos of injuries, witness statements, and animal control reports.
How long does a dog bite case take with a Ypsilanti MI dog bite attorney?
The timeline depends on your case details, but a Ypsilanti MI dog bite attorney will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while pursuing fair compensation.
