Introduction to Dog Bite Liability

If you or a loved one has been bitten or injured by a dog, you may be entitled to bring suit against the dog owner or possessor to recover for your injuries. Dog bite cases are based in tort, and require an injured individual to prove specific elements, which may change depending on the way their case is pled. 

Understanding the law of dog bites and attacks is obviously important for victims who have been injured by dogs. But if you're a dog owner, being aware of the liability to which your dog ownership exposes you will help you to understand your legal responsibilities regarding your dog, so that you can protect the safety of others and avoid exposing yourself to liability in the future.               

Types of Claims

In Michigan, dog bite claims may be pled in three different ways:

(1) Actions brought under the dog bite statute;

(2) Common-law strict liability claims; and

(3) Common-law negligence claims.

Dog Bite Facts which May Be Important

Each of these actions has its own requirements which must be proved to make the claim successful. As such, it is important that you and your attorney work together to establish the facts of the attack and determine the appropriate cause of action for your claim. Important facts may include:

(1) The date, time, and location of the attack;

(2) The names of the owner and/or the possessor of the dog at the time of the attack; 

(3) Whether the dog was provoked into attacking the victim; and

(4) Whether the victim was in a place that he or she was legally allowed to be in at the time of the attack.

Dog bite cases can be complicated, but the attorneys of the Sinas Dramis Law Firm have the experience you need to protect your rights and help you obtain the justice you deserve. Understanding your rights is the first step in making your claim successful. In this section, we help you know the law on Michigan Dog Bite claims.