- April 21, 2025
However, knowing where to start and what to expect is often a challenge when suffering from the severe injuries these assaults cause.
For those struggling to answer the many questions that come with animal attacks, such as, "Who is at fault?" or "Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?" you aren't alone.
Fortunately, legal insights and guidance from an experienced Detroit Dog Bite Lawyer at Goodman Acker, P.C., can help you pursue the compensation you could be entitled to without added stress or confusion.
How Do Dog Bite Laws Work?
Every state has specific rules about dog bite liability. The law tends to favor the victim in areas where strict liability applies.What Is Strict Liability?
Strict liability means the dog owner is held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, whether or not they knew the dog was aggressive or dangerous.
This concept simplifies many dog bite cases since you don't have to prove that the owner was negligent. If the bite occurred while you were lawfully on public or private property and you didn't provoke the dog, the owner may be liable for your injuries. For instance:
- A jogger passes by a house when a dog escapes from the yard and bites them near the sidewalk. The owner might be held accountable under strict liability.
- A visitor at a friend's home is unexpectedly bitten by their dog. Even if the dog has never acted aggressively before, strict liability could apply.
Essentially, this framework ensures that dog owners take responsibility for their pets, even when they are not actively at fault for the attack.
When Might Liability Be Challenged?
While strict liability is designed to protect victims, there are situations where the owner or their insurer might challenge a case. Some of the most common exceptions include:
- Dog provocation: If it's determined that you provoked the dog before the attack, the owner may argue they shouldn't be held responsible. Provocation can include behaviors like teasing, hitting, or otherwise distressing the dog.
- Trespassing: The owner might not be liable if you were unlawfully on private property when the bite occurred. For example, entering someone's fenced backyard uninvited could weaken your claim.
- Non-bite injuries: Most dog bite laws only cover injuries directly caused by bites. If a dog knocks you over and you're hurt in the fall, it could involve different legal standards that may require the assistance of a premises liability lawyer to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
- Local and regional ordinances: Some areas impose extra rules for certain breeds or dogs with a known history of aggression. Violating these regulations could increase the owner's responsibility, but proving non-compliance often requires legal assistance.
Strict liability laws are in place to protect victims like you. Whether your case is clear-cut or involves some gray areas, understanding how the rules work can help you confidently take the next steps. For more complex claims, don't hesitate to explore legal support to protect your rights and get the help you deserve. You need an attorney when liability is disputed, when injuries are severe, or when the dog owner’s insurance company pushes back harder than expected.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Dog Bite?
Dog bite claims generally include a wide range of damages, especially in cases where the injuries are serious and long-lasting. By understanding the types of injuries that often lead to higher settlements, you can see why pursuing a strong claim is essential to protecting your physical and financial future.
High-Value Injuries in Dog Bite Claims
Some dog bite injuries carry higher financial and emotional stakes, often leading to larger claim amounts. Examples of injuries that can significantly impact the value of a dog bite claim for compensation include:
- Serious infections: Bacteria from a dog bite can cause severe infections like cellulitis, rabies, and sepsis, often requiring extensive hospital stays, multiple treatments, and future care.
- Nerve damage: Bites that harm nerves, muscles, or tendons can result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or permanent disability, often requiring surgeries or long-term physical therapy.
- Severe scarring and disfigurement: Visible scars, particularly on the face or hands, not only incur high treatment costs but also carry emotional and psychological tolls.
- Psychological trauma: The aftermath of a dog attack can lead to anxiety, PTSD, or fear that disrupts daily life, with counseling or therapy costs adding to the claim.
- Loss of function or amputation: Catastrophic injuries resulting in loss of mobility or amputations can require prosthetics, physical therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Each of these injuries brings extensive costs in terms of medical care, therapy, and emotional recovery. Pursuing compensation ensures access to necessary resources while holding liable parties accountable.
Types of Compensation For Dog Bite Injury Claims
Dog bite compensation seeks to address the full range of your losses, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses: Covers the full spectrum of care, from emergency treatment to long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Accounts for income lost due to missed work and diminished future earning potential.
- Property damage: Reimburses items damaged during the incident, such as clothing or personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering: Reflects the physical and emotional toll of the attack.
- Scarring or disfigurement: Considers the psychological and life-altering effects of visible injuries.
- Mental anguish: Addresses lasting trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD, caused by the attack.
Every case is unique, but understanding the types of injuries that typically result in significant claims can ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. If your injuries are severe or you're unsure how to proceed, a skilled attorney can guide you through the process, protecting your rights and maximizing the outcome of your claim.
Are You Eligible to Claim Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury?
Many people don't realize they may be eligible to claim compensation for a dog bite. Maybe the full extent of injuries hasn't presented itself. It's possible that the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in upfront and lifetime medical bills hasn't caught up with them yet. That’s why you should get a lawyer involved early—to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and avoid being lowballed by insurance companies.
But considering the extensive medical bills, time away from work, pain, and suffering of these injuries, deciding you don't have a case is something that you shouldn't do on your own.
Detroit Dog Bite Lawyer evaluate a variety of legal and personal factors when determining the strength of a case and calculating potential damages. Scheduling a free case evaluation to explore these and other eligibility factors could help you understand if you can claim compensation for a dog bite.
Did the attack result in documented injuries?
Physical injuries are the foundation of any dog bite claim. Documented injuries such as puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, or scarring can support your eligibility. Medical records, photographs, and expert evaluations are critical in proving the extent and impact of your injuries.
Were you lawfully on the property where the attack occurred?
To qualify for compensation, you must not have been trespassing when the bite happened. If you were on public property, such as a park, or legally visiting private property, like a friend's home, your presence strengthens your claim.
Was there evidence of negligence or non-compliance?
Many cases may hinge on whether the dog's owner failed to follow laws or ordinances. For instance, they may have ignored leash laws or failed to secure a known aggressive dog. Any proof of negligence, such as prior complaints or citations related to the dog, can be key.
Did the bite cause emotional or psychological trauma?
Dog bites often go beyond physical injuries. If the incident has caused psychological issues such as PTSD, anxiety, or a lasting fear of dogs, these emotional factors add weight to your claim. Documentation from mental health professionals can bolster your case.
Were there long-term or life-altering impacts?
Severe injuries that permanently impact your daily life, such as loss of mobility, chronic pain, or disfigurement, can significantly enhance the value of a dog bite claim. Lawyers assess how these injuries affect your ability to work, enjoy life, and perform normal activities.
Did you gather evidence following the incident?
Collecting evidence at the scene, like photos of the dog, the location, and witness statements, can make or break your claim. A lack of evidence might lead to disputes over the severity of the attack or responsibility. If you couldn't do this, have you spoken to a Detroit Dog Bite Lawyer yet about how you can collect what is needed to support fair compensation?
Has the statute of limitations expired?
Each state enforces time limits for filing a dog bit claim. Some states may provide as many as three years, but certain circumstances could alter the time you have to file. Waiting too long can disqualify your case, regardless of its merits. If you are unsure when to file, speaking to a lawyer can clarify your eligibility to seek legal compensation.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite Attack?
Acting quickly and thoughtfully can help ensure your case is as strong as possible, even if legal challenges arise later. Here's what you should do after a dog bite attack:- Seek medical attention immediately: Visiting a doctor ensures proper care and creates medical documentation supporting your claim. If you delay seeking treatment, insurers or defense attorneys might argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim.
- Document the incident: Collect contact information from the owner and any witnesses. Without strong evidence, proving liability can become challenging. Thorough documentation strengthens your position if the dog owner or insurer disputes the event.
- Report the attack: File a report with the local animal control or law enforcement agency. This can establish an official record of the incident, essential for cases where ownership or liability is in question. Skipping this step may weaken your claim or make it harder to hold the dog owner accountable.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies alone:Be cautious about sharing details or accepting quick settlements, as they often undervalue what you may be entitled to. It's also worth considering whether your insurance will go up after an accident, especially if a claim is filed or you're found partially at fault.
- Understand legal time limits: If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation altogether. Acting early helps avoid unnecessary delays that could jeopardize your case.
Whether you face clear-cut liability or more complicated legal challenges, a strong claim begins with the right steps. If unsure whether you are doing enough to support your case for compensation after a dog bite attack, speak to a personal injury lawyer who can provide guidance and support.
Need Help With A Dog Bite Compensation Claim? Contact Goodman Acker, P.C. Today
Filing a claim for a dog bite is possible, but only if complex legal factors like state liability laws, evidence gathering, and long-term impact assessments are considered. Ensuring your case is built on a strong foundation is vital to pursuing the compensation you deserve.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we understand how life-altering a dog bite can be and are committed to providing victims with the guidance and support they need. Our team works diligently to help clients explore their options while holding negligent dog owners accountable.
Don't hesitate to seek legal support if you're uncertain about your rights or suspect your claim isn't being taken seriously. Contact experienced legal support for a free case evaluation online or at (248) 831-1507.