Recoverable Damages in Michigan Dog Bite Claims

Along with physical harm, a person might also suffer emotional trauma and financial strain following a dog attack. This means that the list of recoverable damages in a Michigan dog bite claim might be extensive.

However, calculating losses—such as pain and suffering and medical bills—and determining which might be included in a claim can be confusing, especially as a person recovers from their trauma. Therefore, if you or a loved one was the victim of a dog attack, seeking legal counsel might be beneficial. With the help of a knowledgeable and passionate lawyer, you could request full and fair compensation for your losses.

• Forms of Compensation Avaialable
• Special Damages
• General Damages
• Seek Legal Counsel About Pursuing Recoverable Damages

Proving Liability to Receive Damages

Before receiving compensation from a negligent dog owner, a claimant must be able to prove a series of legal elements. As per Michigan Compiled Laws §287.351, this includes:

• A claimant’s injuries are the result of the dog attack
• The claimant did not provoke the dog in any way
• The claimant was legally allowed to be in the location where the attack took place

To prove these elements, many injured individuals will hire a seasoned lawyer who is familiar with filing claims in pursuit of compensation for dog bite injuries.

Forms of Compensation Available

Damages are the basis of most civil legal claims. Essentially, a plaintiff seeks compensation based on the damages they have suffered at the hands of a negligent defendant, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To this end, the forms of compensation that might be available include special, general, or even exemplary damages.

Special Damages

Special damages are the financial damages a plaintiff incurred. These could be medical bills—such as plastic surgery, antibiotics, pain medications, ambulance services, therapy, and emergency room care—as well as lost income and wages. Furthermore, property damage and even travel expenses might be listed as recoverable damages in a Michigan dog bite claim.

General Damages

General damages—also known as pain and suffering or non-economic damages—are often more difficult to calculate than special damages. These might include:

• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Decreased quality of life
• Loss of companionship

Seek Legal Counsel When Pursuing Recoverable Damages in a Michigan Dog Bite Claim

If you or a loved one was bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog, you are likely to be traumatized and looking to understand your legal options moving forward. Instead of pursuing recoverable damages in a Michigan dog bite claim alone, a hardworking lawyer could help with each step—from calculating medical bills to assessing the extent of your pain and suffering.

However, because important deadlines exist for taking legal action, it is advisable that you file a claim as soon as possible. To begin building a case today, reach out to a legal professional at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. to schedule a consultation.