Protections for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite attacks can leave victims with serious injuries and damages. For that reason, victims and their families should be familiar with legal resources available that can help them with their damages, including physical, financial and emotional damages.

Dog Bite Liability in Michigan

Michigan is considered a strict liability dog bite state which means that dog owners are strictly liable for the harm their pet causes in most circumstances with a few exceptions. Provided that the victim did not provoke the dog, the dog owner will be liable for the damages caused by the dog and the victim will not be required to prove that the dog owner was negligent.

Factors Impacting Dog Bite Damages

The dog bite victim may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages through a personal injury claim for damages. The damages available can depend on the severity of the victim’s injuries; whether or not the victim’s injuries are permanent; and other factors including the victim’s scarring or disfigurement suffered or the emotional distress suffered by the victim. A dog bite attack can be unexpected and traumatic. It can also leave the victim with disabling and disfiguring injuries. Both can be lifelong.

Because of the severity of the injuries and harm commonly caused by a dog bite attack, it is essential for victims to be familiar with the legal protections available to them. Personal injury legal protections can help victims as they face the challenges ahead following a dog attack when they have suffered dog bite injuries.