How Much Is My Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth in Michigan?

An unprovoked dog attack can be a very traumatizing experience. On top of the medical bills and physical injuries, the panic and pain can linger long after the attack, and dog bite victims may experience PTSD as a result.

Common dog bite injuries include jagged lacerations that require immediate medical attention and leave visible scars. These types of serious injuries can make dog bite cases valuable to pursue for financial compensation. We know this from experience: in one recent dog bite case taken on by CBH Attorneys and Counselors, the court approved a $325,000 compensation package for our client.

There are several factors that influence the settlement amount for a dog bite claim, but at the very least you can expect to recoup your medical expenses if the dog owner has insurance coverage. Keep reading to find out more.

How Much Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Michigan?

There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question, since the circumstances of each case are unique.

In general, though, the most important factors in your dog bite lawsuit are liability (in other words, who was responsible), how much you can claim in damages, and how much insurance coverage is available.

Liability

Michigan is considered a “strict liability” state for dog bite claims. This means that regardless of how well-behaved a dog seems to be, the dog owner is considered responsible for the actions of their animals.

Some states do not follow strict liability, and instead they have what’s known as the “one bite rule” for dogs. Under the one-bite rule, a pet owner is only responsible if they knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog was aggressive. If it’s the first time their dog has bitten anyone, and the dog never showed any other obvious signs of aggression, the owner may be able to argue they aren’t responsible.

Strict liability removes one of the biggest defenses dog owners may try to use against your claim. However, Michigan’s dog bite laws do provide a few additional defenses for dog owners:

• Provocation. If the dog bite victim provoked the animal into attacking, they generally cannot recover damages against the dog owner. Antagonizing or abusing an animal means the victim bears responsibility for the attack.
• Trespassing. In general, the dog owner is only liable if the victim was on public property or lawfully on private property—for example, as an invited guest, postal carrier, or government employee. If a person is bit while trespassing or is on the premises for the purposes of committing a crime, they typically cannot recover compensation.

Damages

Many dog bite injuries result in medical bills. If you are paying for those as out-of-pocket expenses you may be wondering if it is worth it to file a claim against the dog owner.

Unfortunately, dog bites can also cause invisible injuries and emotional distress, even if the dog attack did not result in severe injury. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you with the specifics of your case, but you should expect a fair dog bite settlement to cover the following:

• Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment you receive, including physical therapy, should be compensated. If your health insurance covered your medical costs, they may be entitled to a portion of your settlement.
• Lost Wages: Medical treatments may have caused you to miss work, or disability could prevent you from doing your job.
• Mental Health Therapy: Bite victims often suffer PTSD, anxiety, and more. In CBH’s recent case, our plaintiff also received treatment for acute distress disorder and insomnia as a result of his dog bite. These ongoing treatments factored into the total compensation.
• Pain and Suffering: Lasting effects of the dog attack may disrupt a person’s daily life. These damages may be harder to calculate, but are an important component of obtaining fair compensation for personal injury victims.

If you are considering a personal injury claim against a dog owner, they may try to talk you out of a lawsuit. You might be tempted to smooth things over, especially if the dog owner is your neighbor or someone you see regularly. However, dog attacks can leave you with lasting injuries and medical debt. Even if you do not believe it is an aggressive dog, by taking action you may prevent another person from becoming a victim.

It’s important that you know your rights and you understand how valuable fair compensation can be.

Available Insurance Coverage

If you file a claim against a dog owner, typically the personal liability coverage portion of their renters insurance or homeowners insurance will cover dog bites. They may also have an umbrella policy that provides additional coverage.

It’s also possible to sue a dog owner directly for damages in excess of their insurance coverage. However, dog owners who do not have insurance coverage and only have a few hundred dollars in the bank are often not worth pursuing. If the owner’s personal assets are not adequate, you may have no way to collect the judgment against them.

Dog Bite Settlement Amounts

CBH Attorneys have handled countless dog bite cases ranging in damages from thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, in attorney Justin Maxim’s recent case, he was able to obtain a settlement of $325,000.00 for his client. Again, it’s important to understand that each case is unique. The best way to learn what your case might be worth is to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer. Your personal injury attorney can help you discover the value of your dog bite case, as well as the insurance companies that may pay out the compensation you deserve.

RELATED: Personal Injury Attorneys Fighting for Injured Victims in Michigan

If You’ve Suffered a Dog Bite in Michigan, Call Us Today

If you are the victim of a dog attack, you may have questions about what your case is worth. Not all attorneys have experience with dog bites, but at CBH Attorneys and Counselors, we will make sure your personal injury lawyer has the expertise you need.

We know how painful and stressful it can be to recover from an attack, and we will compassionately handle your case to ease your recovery. It is tempting to settle the case as fast as possible if you are facing medical debt, but settling too early can also cause financial problems. We have experience in estimating your future medical costs to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog attack, get in contact with our office today for a free consultation. To speak with a member of our team, fill out our contact form or call us at (616) 608-3061. Once we hear your story, we can advise you on your best steps to move forward.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.