Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyer

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While dogs are known as man’s best friend, they are animals, and their behavior may be unpredictable. Unfortunately, even the most docile dog can unexpectedly bite a person and cause significant injuries. If you or your child suffered injuries after a dog bite, you may recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

Consult a trusted Grand Rapids dog bite lawyer from Goodman Acker P.C., to discuss your case during a free consultation. We’ll explain your legal rights and options for financial compensation.

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Grand Rapids Dog Bites Guide

• How Common are Dog Bite Attacks?
• Most Common Breeds of Aggressive Dogs
• Damages Available to Grand Rapids Dog Bite Victims
• How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
• How Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Grand Rapids Can Help You
• Contact the Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. Today

Why Choose Goodman Acker P.C. for Your Grand Rapids Dog Bite Case

Our past clients know how hard our personal injury lawyer in Grand Rapids works to secure settlements that give our clients the compensation they need to recover from potentially life-altering injuries.

Led by our founding partner, Barry J. Goodman, we never cut corners when building a case for our clients. We know the best way to achieve a successful outcome in your case is through significant preparation. You can trust that we will never go into a negotiating session or a court case without having prepared for every potential twist the case could encounter.

Simply Put: We Get Results

Throughout our history of representing clients and achieving winning results in personal injury cases, we’ve won numerous seven- and eight-figure settlement amounts in cases like car accidents or truck accidents. We even won a six-figure dog bite settlement for a client. It would be unethical to guarantee that you will win a certain amount in your case, but we do guarantee that we will work tirelessly on your behalf to try to win the largest possible settlement for you.

Our client testimonials tell you everything you need to know about how our team represents our clients. We listen to our clients’ concerns, investigate their cases thoroughly, and take the time to put together a strong strategy that we believe will result in the outcome we seek.

How Common are Dog Bite Attacks?

Dog bites are more common than many realize. In the U.S., approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with nearly 1,000 requiring emergency care daily. About 12,400 are hospitalized yearly for their injuries. Nearly 20% of dog bites become infected, and an estimated 30 to 50 cases are fatal annually.

The medical costs for treating dog bite victims can be substantial. The average hospitalization cost due to a dog bite injury is $18,200—about 50% higher than for accident-related injuries. Collectively, victims suffer up to $2 billion in financial losses each year.

When dog bite victims seek compensation, the dog owners’ homeowners’ insurance policy typically covers the claim. Each year, dog owners pay roughly $900 million in dog bite liability claims to dog bite victims.

Grand Rapids, Michigan Dog Bite Laws

Michigan has specific laws addressing dog bite incidents, which are crucial for victims to understand:

Strict Liability in Michigan Dog Bite Cases

Under Michigan Dog Bite Statute MCL 287.351, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause. Strict liability means the dog owner must pay for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether they were negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The strict liability rule doesn’t apply if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

Conditions for Owner Liability

To hold a dog owner liable, the victim must demonstrate:

• The dog must have bitten the victim, causing an injury.
• The injury doesn’t have to be severe but must be more than just a scratch or minor bruise.

Where the accident happened is also important. The law protects the victim if the bite occurs in any public area. In private property, the victim must have entered the property lawfully.

This includes:

• Invited guests
• People performing duties (mail carriers, utility workers)
• Individuals with implied permission to enter (delivery persons)

The victim must not have provoked the dog. However, provocation is judged on a case-by-case basis and can include physical actions or threatening behavior. Accidental provocation—such as inadvertently upsetting or angering the dog by stepping on its tail—generally doesn’t disqualify the victim from seeking compensation.

To hold the dog owner liable, the victim must also identify the correct owner of the dog. In some cases, property owners or landlords might be held liable if they knew of a dangerous dog on their premises.

Dog Owners Must Reasonably Control Their Dogs

Failure to use reasonable care in controlling the dog is another key to establishing negligence in a dog bite case. If the dog bite occurred because of the owner’s inability to supervise the dog properly, put a leash on the dog, or warn of the dog’s aggressiveness, the owner could be liable for damages. 

The bottom line is that it’s difficult to prove negligence in a dog bite case, which makes it all the more important to retain an experienced dog bite lawyer in Grand Rapids to protect your rights and seek the settlement you deserve. 

Most Common Breeds of Aggressive Dogs

While any dog can bite, it’s important to be aware that several breeds are known to be more aggressive than others. These breeds include:

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Common Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite injury can range from minor to severe. Sometimes, an injury can resolve with treatment, but in other cases, a dog bite can result in long-lasting effects. The most common dog bite injuries include:

If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a dog bite attack, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can become infected and lead to serious complications. Furthermore, documenting a doctor’s visit strengthens your case should you choose to pursue compensation for your medical bills and other damages through a dog bite injury claim.

Damages Available to Grand Rapids Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims in Grand Rapids may be entitled to various types of compensation. Understanding these potential damages can help victims seek appropriate restitution for their injuries:

• Medical Expenses:

• Immediate treatment costs
• Future medical care related to the injury
• Reconstructive surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling

• Lost Wages or Income:

• Income lost due to recovery time
• Potential future earnings if the injury affects long-term work capacity

• Pain and Suffering:

• Physical pain from the injury
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety or PTSD related to the incident

• Scarring and Disfigurement:

• Compensation for permanent scars or disfigurement
• Potential impact on quality of life

• Property Damage:

• Replacement or repair of items damaged during the attack (e.g., clothing, personal belongings)

• Loss of Consortium:

• Compensation for the impact on the victim’s relationship with a spouse

The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the injury, its long-term impact, and other factors specific to each case. 

How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

Many elements of a dog bite injury could affect the compensation you can receive in a Grand Rapids dog bite case. The more severe the injuries, the more potential for a higher settlement amount.

Some clients believe that only a full-fledged dog attack can become a legal case. However, even one bite can cause serious injury and merit a legal claim. If you or your child suffered dog bite injuries, play it safe by consulting a lawyer to discuss the merits of your case.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Grand Rapids, here are some steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention

Clean the wound immediately to prevent infection, then seek professional medical care, even if the bite seems minor. Follow all medical advice and keep detailed records of your treatment. This not only ensures your health but also provides crucial documentation for any potential legal claim.

Identify the Dog Owner

Obtain the owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination, and if possible, take photos of the dog. This information is vital for both medical and legal reasons.

Document the Incident

Take clear photos of your injuries, write down exactly what happened while the details are fresh in your memory, and note the location, time, and any witnesses present. This documentation can be invaluable if you decide to pursue legal action.

Report the Bite

Contact Grand Rapids Animal Control or the local police to file an official report. This will create a record of the incident and help prevent future attacks by the same dog.

Gather Witness Information

If there were any witnesses to the attack, gather their information. Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened. Their statements could prove crucial in supporting your version of events.

Preserve Evidence

Preserve any physical evidence from the attack. Keep any torn or bloodied clothing, and don’t wash items that may contain the dog’s saliva. These items could be important pieces of evidence in your case.

Document Your Recovery

Maintain a journal documenting your physical and emotional state, and save all medical bills, receipts, and records related to your injury. This information can help demonstrate the full impact of the attack.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Avoid making statements about who was at fault, and refrain from posting about the attack on social media. The insurance company can use anything you say or post against you in legal proceedings.

Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

Don’t give recorded statements without first consulting a lawyer, and be wary of quick settlement offers. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so it’s important to understand your rights before engaging with them.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

Contact a lawyer, such as those with Goodman Acker P.C., who handles dog bite cases as soon as possible. They will ensure your legal rights are protected. 

How Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Grand Rapids Can Help You

Throughout our decades of service as a Grand Rapids dog bite lawyer, we know the importance of our work in helping victims of these kinds of animal attacks. When you are facing a long recovery and missed time at your job while recovering from your dog bite, you need an advocate to stand up for your legal right to seek compensation.

Some of the services we provide for victims of dog bites who hire us include:

• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Helping you find the best medical treatment
• Helping you understand your rights
• Developing a strategy for seeking compensation
• Taking over all communications with the insurance company, so you can focus on healing.

We Will Work Toward Helping You Win the Compensation You Deserve

When trying to calculate the settlement we are going to request from the insurer, our dog bite lawyer in Grand Rapids will seek compensation for items such as:

Contact the Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. Today

Dog bite attacks can be traumatic experiences with lasting physical and emotional consequences. At Goodman Acker P.C., we understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping you navigate this difficult time. Our experienced team of Grand Rapids dog bite attorneys has a proven track record of successfully representing victims and securing the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Grand Rapids, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. Contact Goodman Acker PC today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free consultation. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Grand Rapids Office

1500 E Beltline Ave SE #235
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Phone: (248) 831-1507

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]