The Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman

Dog Bites

A recent study of dog attack injuries revealed that dogs bite approximately 4.7 million people in our country each year. In fact, about 800,000 dog bite victims require some form of medical attention. Each year, 1.8% of the U.S. population is bitten by a dog. One (1) out of every six (6) dog bite victims has to see medical care because of an attack by a dog. Sadly, almost half of all dog bite victims are small children.A dog bite is a traumatic event. It often results in serious injury. Vicious dog attacks can and do cause numerous deaths every year. A bite often results in permanent scarring, nerve damage, and a significant risk of infection. Many times, there is psychological harm that lasts well beyond the physical injury.

the basics of dog bite law.

Our dog bite law in Michigan is considered a strict liability dog bite law. That means that a Michigan dog owner is responsible for any damage caused by an attack from their dog.

the elements.

a. That the defendant was the owner of the dog in question, and b. That a dog bite occurred.

how we prove the case.

Although sometimes difficult, the dog owner usually can be identified with licensing and vaccination records, as well as the testimony of witnesses. In most dog bite cases, the second element can be established with photographs, medical records, witness statements or other evidence that the dog caused substantial physical harm.Many people believe that "every dog is allowed one bite.” This is simply not true under Michigan dog bite law. A dog’s “good behavior” before an attack does not shield the dog owner from responsibility.

One of the frequently asserted defenses is provocation. It is common for an insurance company to assert that a child in some manner "provoked" the dog and is actually responsible for a resulting bite. However, this assertion is almost always incorrect. We will take every appropriate step to protect your claim and protect your interests.