Did you know that Detroit ranks among the top 10 US cities with the highest number of dog bite incidents per month? Yes, you are more likely to get a serious dog bite in Detroit Michigan than anywhere else because, well, Michiganders love their furry friends!

According to official data from Detroit Animal Control, at least 60 dog bites are reported around Detroit every month with a good number taking place in public areas like parks. If you work for the postal service or do home deliveries, you are also considered to be in danger of getting a dog bite.

With all that said, what does the law say about dog bites in Michigan and what are your rights? Can you get compensated for a dog bite in Detroit? From the best dog bite lawyer Detroit has to offer, this post discusses the Michigan law regarding dog bites. Your rights, what you can do to get justice and much more. Let’s get started!

Michigan has Strict Liability Laws for Dog Bites

From the onset, you can rest assured that experiencing a dog bite or being the owner of the offending dog will get the full attention of Michigan law! There are very strict and clear laws for all dog bite cases in Michigan putting the dog owner as the person responsible for everything. The law does not recognize arguments about the offending dog’s previous aggressive behalf or lack thereof!

Michigan’s dog bite law is rightfully put under the strict liability statute and it puts the dog owner as the liable party for any bites they cause but with some exceptions. One of the exceptions recognizes trespassing and direct provocation. In other words, if you get bitten by a dog while trespassing, or it is proven that you provoked the dog, then you have no case because the owner will not be liable.

The dog bite strict liability statute was designed to protect you as a resident if you ever get bitten and to make sure dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets even when they think their dog is not aggressive. Sometimes, dog breeds known to be non-aggressive do bite so be careful if you are a dog owner!

What are the Medical and Economic Damages for Dog Bites in Michigan?

If you get bitten by any dog in Detroit, or anywhere in Michigan, you have the right to sue and get compensated for damages. Michigan’s strict liability for dog bites law outlines damages for things like lost wages, medical expenses and other losses you suffer as a result of the dog bite.

The medical expenses you can claim from a dog bite lawsuit according to Michigan law can include things like:

•  Emergency treatment expenses- ER expenses are usually quite high even for minor procedures so ensure you get your money back!
•  Hospitalization covers all expenses you incur if hospitalized for a dog bite
•  Surgery and medication- all procedures and medication you pay for as part of your treatment from a dog bite will be reimbursed
•  Rehabilitation- for serious dog bites that require you to be rehabilitated
•  Ongoing medical care
•  Lost wages during your recovery

You can also claim non-economic damages in a dog bite case if you have a good dog bite attorney who knows how to navigate. Some examples, include emotional distress, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and any short-term or long-term psychological trauma you experience after a dog bite. Select a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling dog bite cases for a comprehensive damage list.

Michigan’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases

One thing you must not forget when dealing with your dog bite case is the statute of limitations. It outlines the timeframe within which you or your lawyer must register your claim or pursue legal action. This is usually within three years from the date when you got the dog bit. Don’t waste time or ignore the whole case and come back a decade later to sue a dog owner. Get justice as soon as you can!

Finally, if you are a dog owner being sued for a dog bite you also do have a right to defend yourself. For instance, you can rely on the one-bite rule which generally allows you to claim that your dog had no prior history of aggressive behavior. Another option is to argue and prove that the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. All the best!