Attorneys Advocating For People Injured Because Of Dog Bites

Few of us are prepared for the frightening reality of being attacked by a dog. Even though dogs often serve as a source of comfort and friendship, dogs can be extremely dangerous when they feel threatened. With a large percentage of Americans owning at least one dog, the sad reality is that there are still a number of dogs out there that can be dangerous. Even the most trusted dogs can cause serious damage to both adults and children when they attack, leaving devastating injuries that can severely injure and traumatize victims — and in many circumstances, these injuries can be fatal.

At Garton & Vogt, P.C., our dog bite attorneys have the knowledge and experience you need to help victims and their families pursue compensation that can help aid in the process of recovery. Our personal injury experts have a complete understanding of all relevant Michigan laws that govern dog bites, animal attacks, and personal injury claims so that you can be in a position to seek justice for both the injuries and the trauma that you’ve been through. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Pursuing Compensation Through A Dog Bite Lawsuit

Unsurprisingly, many states have specific laws and statutes that govern how individuals can pursue an injury claim for a dog bite or animal attack. Michigan has a “strict liability” statute that is intended to hold the owner of any dog liable for the dog’s actions and behavior when an attack is unprovoked.

As long as the person who was bitten had not teased the dog, or given it reasons to attack in self-defense, the dog owner will be held liable for any injuries or damages that the dog causes. It does not matter where the attack occurred, or if the attack is the dog’s first reported incident.

It’s also important to remember that in many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company will typically pay the settlement when compensation is awarded. This is important because, oftentimes, the dog that attacks is owned by a neighbor, friend, or even a family member.

Sometimes, victims do not want to pursue a dog bite lawsuit because they don’t want to force a family member or friend to pay any compensation out of pocket. Luckily, the money may not have to come directly out of the dog owner’s pocket, as homeowners’ insurance can often cover the cost of compensation.

What types of injuries does a dog bite lawsuit cover?

Victims who suffer a dog bite attack can experience a variety of different injuries that can range from fairly harmless to potentially life-threatening. The victim can recover compensation for all of these injuries, but the most common injuries that we see include:

• Puncture wounds
• Skin lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Rabies virus

We understand that sometimes accidents just happen. Animals can be unpredictable, and sometimes an attack can occur when you least expect it. Unfortunately, most dog bite victims aren’t even aware that they have legal options available to them that can aid in the process of recovery. When you’ve been attacked by a dog, and that attack was unprovoked, you should not be held financially responsible for the medical treatment you need to recover.

Don’t Face Your Dog Bite Injuries Alone

The dog bite and personal injury team at Garton & Vogt, P.C. consists of attorneys with an in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations that govern dog and animal attacks. We are here to help you seek the justice you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, call our office today for a free consultation and find out how we’ve helped countless others just like you.

Suffering injuries from a dog bite can have lasting effects, and can even be fatal. The good news is you don’t have to face the burden of recovery on your own. At Garton & Vogt, our personal injury experts can help you seek the compensation you deserve to aid in your recovery. If you’ve been injured by a dog, call our office at 586-315-2430 or email us to schedule a free case consultation.