A typical dog attack consists of a person being chased by a dog and suffering severe injuries while running away and trying to avoid the attack. Injuries can be dangerous and include nerve injuries, fractured bones, and other injuries caused by falls.
Some may be serious and will require long hospitalizations or ongoing physical therapy. When this happens, the victim is eligible under Michigan law to pursue a dog bite case against the dog owner.
Michigan law is written so that the person who owns, keeps, or harbors the dog responsible for a dog attack, regardless of prior knowledge (called, “strict liability” laws) of the fierceness of the animal. Also, the negligence law is used to hold the owner responsible for the attack. This means that the dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably inconsiderate in regulating the dog.
Michigan has a leash law that requires all dogs to be on a leash, which means the owner is reasonable to enforce this law by keeping their animal securely on a leash and under control when in public areas. Unfortunately, many dog owners do not follow this law appropriately and allow their dogs to run freely in streets and parks.
When a person is injured after being pursued by a dog, the dog owner is accountable for the injuries suffered in the attack. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, a scar or disfigurement, and payment of medical expenses related to the dog bite attack. The amount of compensation can be determined by a judge or jury, depending on the case.
If you were chased by a dog in Michigan and suffered injuries as a result, you should get the legal guidance you need to understand the compensation you may be owed. It is important to contact a dog bite attorney from Bashore Green Law Firm as soon as possible after the attack. One of our dog bite lawyers can explain your legal rights to you and begin the investigation of your claim.
Learn more by calling us at 248-487-1887.