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If you or your loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite in Sterling Heights, Michigan, you’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. Since Michigan law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause to others, you probably have a valid case to recover compensation. However, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer in Sterling Heights to help you navigate the legal complexities and get the money you need.
At Goodman Acker P.C., our Sterling Heights dog bite lawyers understand Michigan’s dog bite laws and how to apply them effectively to your case. We also understand the considerable hardships you and your family are going through, and you can rely on us for compassionate but assertive representation to increase your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Goodman Acker P.C. for a free case evaluation. We’re committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover the damages you’re entitled to under Michigan law.
Michigan’s Dog Bite Laws
Under Michigan’s dog bite statute, the owner of a dog is liable for damages if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past. This is known as “strict liability.”
To have a valid claim under this law, your attorney must prove:
- A dog bite caused the injury
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred
- You didn’t provoke the dog
It’s worth noting that this law only applies to injuries caused by dog bites. If you were injured by a dog in another way (like being knocked down), your case would fall under general negligence laws.
Michigan also has a “dangerous animal” statute. If a dog has a history of attacking people or other animals, the owner can face additional penalties if their dog causes harm again.
Due to complexities and nuances within the law, you need a lawyer to explain how these laws apply to your specific situation and use them to build a strong case on your behalf.
If you need a Sterling Heights Dog Bite Lawyers, contact our team online or call at (586) 261-8457.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause serious injuries that have long-term effects on your health and life. Some common dog bite injuries we’ve helped clients recover damages for include:
- Puncture wounds: When a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, it can create deep, narrow wounds that can lead to serious infections if not properly treated.
- Lacerations and skin tears: A dog bite can tear away flesh or create deep cuts and lacerations. These may require stitches or even reconstructive surgery.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, leading to infections like cellulitis, tetanus, or even rabies in rare cases.
- Nerve damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, potentially leading to loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites, especially to the face or other visible areas, can result in permanent scarring.
- Broken bones: Large or powerful dogs can exert enough force to fracture bones, particularly in children or older adults.
- Emotional trauma: The psychological impact of a dog attack can be significant. You or your child could suffer anxiety, fear of dogs, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
No matter how serious the dog bite injury, you must have a medical professional examine and treat it. After that, you need to contact a dog bite lawyer at Goodman Acker P.C., to discuss your options for seeking compensation.
Why You Need a Sterling Heights Dog Bite Attorney
For any legal action resulting from a dog bite, you must have a Sterling Heights personal injury attorney on your side to help you make informed decisions and protect your rights and interests. Some benefits of working with an attorney include:
- A lawyer who knows dog bite laws inside and out can build a stronger case for you.
- They can assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- They can negotiate effectively with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- They can collect and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and any history of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
- If you must take your case to court, an experienced litigator can file a lawsuit for you correctly and handle all court procedures.
- They can also build and present a compelling case effectively to a judge or jury to help you get maximum compensation.
Additionally, having an attorney can provide peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures and can focus instead on your recovery or tending to your child.
GET HELP TODAYWhy Choose Goodman Acker P.C. to Handle Your Sterling Heights Dog Bite Claim
You want to choose the right law firm to handle your Sterling Heights dog bite claim. Some reasons so many people throughout Michigan have trusted us with their important legal matters include:
- We’ve served injured Michigan residents for over 30 years, and our attorneys have more than 150 years of collective personal injury law experience. We’ve handled numerous dog bite cases and understand the nuances of these claims.
- We have a history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they do show our commitment to maximizing our clients’ compensation.
- We treat each client with compassion, dignity, and respect. You’re not just a case number to us–we’re invested in your recovery and well-being.
- We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you.
- We have the financial and professional resources to thoroughly investigate your case and bring in experts when needed.
- We keep our clients informed throughout the legal process. You’ll always know the status of your case and what to expect next.
- As a Michigan-based personal injury firm with a law office in Sterling Heights, we understand the local laws, courts, and community dynamics that can impact your case.
At Goodman Acker P.C., we’re your advocates, supporters, and partners in seeking justice. You can count on us to fight hard for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Dog Bites You in Sterling Heights
Immediately after a dog attack, report the incident to the dog owner and a local authority, such as law enforcement or animal control. Be sure to get the dog owner’s contact information. Then, get prompt medical treatment and call an attorney.
If you’ve already received medical treatment and reported the incident, here are the next steps you should take:
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, medications, and any other expenses related to your injury. Take photos of your injuries as they heal.
- Don’t wash or discard the clothes you were wearing during the attack. They may be useful evidence.
- Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This is important for your health and strengthens your claim.
- Keep a journal detailing your physical symptoms, emotional state, and how the injury impacts your daily life.
- Avoid posting about the incident or your injuries online. The dog owner or their insurance company could see these posts and potentially use anything you say against you.
As mentioned, you must contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the incident. They can:
- Assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Handle all communications with insurance companies or at-fault party, protecting you from potentially saying something that could harm your claim.
- Start gathering evidence and building your case immediately, while memories are fresh and evidence is readily available.
- Accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Ensure all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and within Michigan’s statute of limitations.
Remember, the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. At Goodman Acker P.C., we’re ready to start working on your case right away. We’ll fight for your rights and work to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.
If you need a Sterling Heights Dog Bite Lawyers, contact our team online or call at (586) 261-8457.
What Types of Compensation We Can Help You Recover
At Goodman Acker P.C., we’ll work to recover damages that cover all aspects of your injury and its impact on your life. These may include:
- Medical expenses, including future medical costs
- Lost wages and potential loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modification expenses
We will work closely with you to understand all the ways the dog bite has impacted your life and fight for compensation that truly reflects the full extent of your damages. Our goal is to secure a settlement that not only covers your current expenses but also provides for any future needs resulting from the injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling Heights Dog Bite Claims
According to Michigan’s statute of limitations, you have three years to file a dog bite injury lawsuit in civil court. Some exceptions may apply, but you need to begin the claims process as soon as possible while evidence is fresh. If you fail to have an attorney file suit for you before the deadline, you risk losing your right to seek compensation.
If the dog owner can prove you provoked the dog, it could affect your claim. However, the definition of “provocation” is often debated in court. Actions like petting a dog or accidentally stepping on its tail typically don’t count as provocation. We’ll work to counter any unfounded claims of provocation.
Yes, as long as you were lawfully on the property. This includes being invited onto the property or being there for a legitimate business purpose (like delivering mail). Even if you were trespassing, you might still have a claim under certain circumstances.
Many homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bites. If the dog owner didn’t have insurance or their policy doesn’t cover dog bites, we can explore other avenues for compensation. This may include filing a lawsuit directly against the owner.
Too many factors can influence a claim’s worth, such as the severity of injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and the impact on your life. We need to thoroughly assess your case before we can offer an estimate. Rest assured, we will fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Get Help from an Experienced Sterling Heights Dog Bite Attorney Now
If a dog attack hurt you or your child, you need strong legal representation to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Our seasoned Sterling Heights dog bite attorneys at Goodman Acker P.C. understand the complex laws surrounding these cases and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
We recognize the profound impact a dog bite can have on your life, affecting your health, well-being, and financial stability. Our dedicated team is committed to shouldering the legal burden, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, gather compelling evidence, and skillfully negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Don’t let time slip away. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can pass. The sooner you reach out, the stronger we can make your case.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our payment is contingent on obtaining compensation for you. Let us fight for the justice and restitution you deserve.
If you need a Sterling Heights Dog Bite Lawyers, contact our team online or call at (586) 261-8457.
Goodman Acker P.C. – Sterling Heights Office Location
Address:113854 Lakeside Cir suite 240
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: (586) 261-8457
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 ]
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