Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies and Malamutes
There are more than 60 millions dogs in the U.S. 40% of all U.S. Households own one. They are man's best friend. However, there are 300,000 reported dog bites per year requiring medical attention. Sixty (60%) of all victims are small children. We do not believe a dog is entitled to the first bite. If you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite or animal attack, please contact the Livonia law office of James P. Montagne, P.C. toll free at 1-888-345-7246.
Compensation for a Michigan Dog Bite Injury
If you are involved in a dog bite, you need to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future medical bills, including plastic surgery, psychological counseling, loss of earnings, pain and suffering and disfigurement.
If you were lawfully on the property when the attack occurred and you did not provoke the dog, you are entitled to receive compensation. You can recover even if the dog never bit anyone before and the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive nature.
Steps to Take to protect Your Rights
Everything happens so fast in an animal attack. Here is a list of steps you need to take to protect your rights:
- Identify the dog that bit you. If the dog is not tested, you may have to undergo rabies shots,
- Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the person that owns the dog,
- Get the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Take photographs of the wounds, bloody clothes, and the dog, if possible.
- Report the incident to the police immediately. The police will take a report which will help in establishing what happened. If the dog has not had its shots, they will quarantine the dog.
- Be careful who you talk to. Do not say anything, or sign anything for an insurance company before consulting with the Livonia law office of James P. Montagne, P.C. tollfree at 1888-345-7246.
Theories of liability in Michigan
There are two theories of liability in Michigan. The first is based in common law or simple negligence, that is, the owner knew of the dangerous propensities of the dog and failed to protect you from the dog. The second, is statutory, that is, the law that imposes strict liability on the dog owner. Provocation is the only defense to an action brought under the dog bite law. Contributory negligence is not a defense under the statute.
Don't let the high price of medical expenses take a bite out of your wallet, contact the Livonia office of the law firm of James P. Montagne, P.C. toll free at 1-888-345-7246.