Dog bites can cause severe injuries, particularly when the victim is an elderly person or a child. In the state of Michigan, victims may be eligible to hold the dog’s owner liable for their damages (medical expenses, physical pain and mental suffering, lost wages and more).

If you have been injured in a dog attack, contacting an experienced Clare dog bite attorney from Southern Injury can be an important step in the recovery process. We offer a free consultation and do not charge any legal fees unless we can successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

The attorneys at Southern Injury have over 150 years of combined legal experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims throughout the state of Michigan and successfully recovered more than $500,000,000 on behalf of our clients, including a $98,000 recovery for a 5 year old child that suffered facial injuries in a dog attack.

Our Clare dog bite attorneys can help determine if you have a valid claim and charge no upfront fees if we take on your case.

How Do I Know if my Case Qualifies for Compensation?

Under Michigan’s dog bite statute, if a person is bitten by a dog without provocation on public property, or on private property and the person was legally allowed to be on the property, the owner may be held liable for any damages sustained by the victim.

If you were illegally trespassing on someone else’s property at the time you were bitten by the dog, you may not have a viable claim. However, if you were attacked on public property or as an invitee at the home of a friend or relative, you may qualify to seek compensation for your damages, such as any past, present or future medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages from missed time from work.

There are times where the dog owner may try to blame the victim, saying he or she provoked the dog to attack, however, the dog owner would have to prove this was the case.

If you are unsure whether you have a case, give us a call to discuss the details of your situation. Our knowledgeable Clare dog bite lawyers are available to answer your questions.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

The amount of compensation you may receive from a dog bite claim depends largely on the severity of your injuries. However, weighing the severity of an injury and its effect on a dog bite victim is a complex task, and many victims benefit from having their situation reviewed by a qualified lawyer with a proven track record.

Personal injury compensation is usually broken into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are the financial costs incurred because of the injury, such as:

• Any past, present or future medical expenses
• Doctor visits
• Surgeries
• Hospital visits
• Travel to and from medical appointments
• Medical tests such as blood work, urine samples, etc.
• Prescription costs
• Medical devices and equipment
• Caregiver needs during recovery
• Loss of income from missing work
• Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to work
• Property enhancements due to your injury
• Property damages related to the attack

Non-economic damages are the physical and emotional damages that a victim may suffer, such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our attorneys understand the physical, mental and financial challenges individuals and families may face after a serious bog bite.