Southfield Dog Bite Lawyer

WE’VE ACHIEVED MILLION-DOLLAR RESULTS

Dogs are man’s best friend until they bite someone. When that happens, a beloved creature becomes a dangerous menace. And if you or your child are on the wrong side of those teeth, the consequences could be terrifying. Even the weakest of dogs can do significant damage to a person. And when a dog bites, it rarely stops biting until it has caused significant harm. If you or a loved one suffered dog bite injuries, a Southfield dog bite lawyer from Goodman Acker, P.C. can help you seek justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. 

Southfield Dog Bites Guide

• The Alarming Frequency of Dog Bite Incidents
• The Six Degrees of Dog Bites
• Southfield Dog Bite Legislation: What You Need to Know
• Understanding Dog Breed Tendencies in Southfield
• Southfield Dog Bite FAQs
• Contact the Southfield Dog Bite Lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. Today

Why Choose Goodman Acker P.C. for Your Southfield Dog Bite Case?

At Goodman Acker, we don’t think of ourselves as lawyers who happen to work in Southfield. We think of ourselves as part of the Southfield community first. Giving back to our neighbors and being a part of the community has always been the highest priority at Goodman Acker. And that is why we take it so personally when anyone in our community suffers a dog bite. You aren’t just a client. You are a friend, neighbor, or relative. That means you deserve to be protected and served by a law firm with experienced attorneys you can trust.

And that is what we aspire to every day. We don’t just want to win cases. We want to help the members of our community fully recover from the harm they suffered. We want to be the first name that comes to mind when they talk about law firms they can trust to protect themselves and their loved ones. We do this by:

• Giving back to our community in several different ways
• Treating clients like family
• Successfully settling or winning at trial in 99% of our cases
• Providing free case evaluations and consultations with no obligation to hire our law firm
• Being available 24 hours a day if clients have emergencies
• Maintaining a legal team with over 150 years of combined experience
• Following the ideals of hard work and compassion instilled in us by founder Barry J. Goodman.

You don’t need to take our word for this. We invite you to speak to any of our past clients, read their testimonials, or watch the news reports about our law firm and past cases. At Goodman Acker, we are proud of the reputation we have earned in Southfield and nearby areas.

The Alarming Frequency of Dog Bite Incidents

Many Southfield residents may be surprised to learn how prevalent dog bite attacks are in our community and across the nation. Each year in the United States, an estimated 4.7 million people fall victim to dog bites. This translates to approximately 1,100 individuals requiring emergency medical attention every day due to these incidents. Alarmingly, about 14,000 people are hospitalized annually for severe dog bite injuries.

The health risks associated with dog bites are significant. Nearly one in five dog bite wounds become infected, leading to potentially serious complications. Even more concerning, between 30 to 50 cases result in fatalities each year, underscoring the grave nature of some of these attacks.

The financial impact of dog bites is equally staggering. On average, a hospital stay for a dog bite injury costs around $19,000—notably higher than many other accident-related injuries. Collectively, dog bite victims in the U.S. face financial losses of up to $2.5 billion annually.

The Six Degrees of Dog Bites

At Goodman Acker P.C., our Southfield dog bite lawyers understand that not all dog bites are equal. The severity of a dog bite can vary widely, which is why medical and legal professionals often refer to the “Six Degrees of Dog Bites.” Understanding these degrees can help victims comprehend the seriousness of their injuries and the potential compensation they may be entitled to.

• First Degree: These are the least severe bites, characterized by aggressive behavior from the dog but no skin-to-skin contact. While there may be no physical injury, the emotional trauma can still be significant.
• Second Degree: In this case, the dog’s teeth make contact with the skin but don’t break it. There may be visible marks or bruising, but the skin remains intact.
• Third Degree: This involves a single bite with punctures from the dog’s canine teeth. The punctures are shallower than the length of the tooth, indicating the dog did not fully clamp down.
• Fourth Degree: These bites are deeper, with punctures from the canine teeth that are deeper than the length of the tooth. There may be up to four punctures and slight tearing.
• Fifth Degree: This severity involves multiple bites with deep punctures. There’s usually significant tearing and lacerations, potentially resulting in more severe tissue damage.
• Sixth Degree: The most severe category, involving flesh being torn away (avulsion). These bites can lead to disfigurement, require reconstructive surgery, and potentially be life-threatening.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Common injuries from dog bites include:

Remember, even seemingly minor dog bites can lead to serious complications if not properly treated. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Southfield, seek medical attention immediately, then contact our office to discuss your legal options.

Southfield Dog Bite Legislation: What You Need to Know

Michigan’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold owners accountable. As a Southfield resident, it’s imperative to understand these laws if you or a loved one has been involved in a dog bite incident:

Owner Responsibility Under Michigan Law

Michigan Statute MCL 287.351 establishes a “strict liability” standard for dog bites. This means that in Southfield and throughout the state, dog owners are held responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s awareness of any aggressive tendencies. However, this rule doesn’t apply if the victim was trespassing or deliberately provoking the animal.

Requirements for Filing a Claim

To pursue a dog bite claim in Southfield, you must be able to show:

• The dog bit you, resulting in an injury
• The injury is more than just a superficial scratch or minor bruise

Location Matters

The circumstances of where the bite occurred are significant:

• Public spaces: You’re protected if the incident happens in any public area in Southfield
• Private property: You must have been lawfully present, which includes:
• Invited guests
• Individuals performing work-related duties (e.g., postal workers, meter readers)
• People with implied permission to enter (such as food delivery drivers)

Understanding Provocation

The concept of provocation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It may include intentional physical actions or threatening behavior towards the dog. However, accidental actions that upset the dog, like unintentionally stepping on its paw, typically don’t disqualify you from seeking compensation.

Identifying the Responsible Party

To file a successful claim, it’s essential to correctly identify the dog’s owner. In some situations, property owners or landlords in Southfield might be held liable if they were aware of a dangerous dog on their premises.

Understanding Dog Breed Tendencies in Southfield

While it’s crucial to remember that any dog, regardless of breed, has the potential to bite, certain breeds have been observed to display more aggressive tendencies. In Southfield, some of the breeds that often require extra caution include:

• American Pit Bull Terriers
• German Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Doberman Pinschers
• Akitas

Southfield, like the rest of Michigan, does not have breed-specific legislation. This means there are no legal restrictions on owning particular dog breeds within the city limits, even those with reputations for aggression. The only exception to this rule in Michigan applies to wolf-dog hybrids.

However, Southfield residents should be aware that some insurance providers take breed into account when determining homeowners’ policy rates. Certain companies may increase premiums or even decline coverage for incidents involving what they classify as “high-risk” breeds. This can potentially impact a dog owner’s liability coverage in the event of a bite incident.

Compensation Available to Southfield Dog Bite Victims

If a dog in Southfield has injured you, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The experienced dog bite lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair and comprehensive compensation for your injuries. Here are the types of damages typically available to dog bite victims in Southfield:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your treatment, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care. We also consider future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income. This also applies to future lost earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
• Pain and Suffering: Dog bites can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. While harder to quantify, these non-economic damages are an important part of your claim.
• Emotional Trauma: Many dog bite victims experience anxiety, fear of dogs, or even PTSD following an attack. Compensation may be available for psychological counseling and related treatments.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites often leave visible scars, which can have both emotional and practical impacts on your life. Compensation may be awarded for cosmetic surgeries and the emotional impact of permanent scarring.
• Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged during the dog attack (such as clothing or personal items), you may be compensated for repair or replacement costs.
• Loss of Quality of Life: If the dog bite has significantly impacted your ability to enjoy life as you did before the incident, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.

Each case is unique, and the compensation you may receive depends on the specific circumstances of your incident and the severity of your injuries. 

Southfield Dog Bite FAQs

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

Southfield is a wonderful community with friendly people and lovely parks and attractions. This makes it a great place to own a dog. Most dog owners are extremely responsible, caring for their pets and the people around them. However, not everyone is so responsible. 

If you or a loved one were bitten because of a Southfield dog owner’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses out of your savings. Consult our Southfiled personal injury attorneys at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free consultation to learn how we can help you get the money you deserve.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Southfield Office Location

17000 W 10 Mile Rd 2nd Floor
Southfield, MI 48075
(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 ]