Typically, the settlement is paid by the homeowner’s insurance company for the owner or keeper of the dog. Many dog bite victims are reluctant to file claims against relatives, friends or neighbors until they learn that the settlement comes from the insurance company.

For dog bite cases in Michigan, you typically have three years from the date of the dog attack to file your lawsuit against the owner or keeper of the dog. If the injury victim is a child, the child has until his or her 19th birthday to file their case, even if the attack happened when the child was very young.

If you or someone you know was attacked by a dog in Michigan they are entitled to compensation for dog bite injuries. Under Michigan law, the dog owner is reliable to pay for a victim’s pain and suffering damages, unless that person was a trespasser on private property or provoked the dog into the attack.

Pain and suffering damages often result in significant compensation for the victim. The amount of compensation a victim will receive does depend on a number of factors regarding the attack, including, but not limited to, the seriousness of your injuries, the type of medical treatment received for the injuries, including all future treatment, as well as the amount of the insurance policy limits available from the dog owner’s insurance policy.

Our firm has represented dog bite victims and their families for over 40 years throughout the State of Michigan, and has the knowledge, expertise, and experience in handling these types of cases. We have a track record of obtaining sizeable Michigan dog bite settlements and jury verdicts for our injured clients and providing the best service possible. For more information about our award winning law firm and to discuss your case with one of our best lawyers for your Michigan dog bite lawsuit, call our office now at (888) 797-8787.

You do not need an attorney to sue if bitten by a dog in Michigan; however it is must more beneficial to you if you do have an experienced lawyer represent you in your Michigan dog bite case. There are several reasons why having an attorney is important and they include:

• You will never want to sign a Release or any other paperwork with the insurance company without having it reviewed by a dog bite lawyer. Often times, included on a Release form is language that may in fact hurt you in the future for you dog bite claim. An attorney will be able to ensure you do sign anything that will haunt you in the future.
• If it was your child that was bitten by a dog in Michigan and you are filing a dog attack claim on your child’s behalf, you will have to go to court. The majority of individuals do not have experience in the court room, however an attorney does and if you hire an attorney that specializes in dog bite injury, they will have significant experience not only in the court room, but also specifically to lawsuits relating to dog bite injuries and attacks.
• You will often receive a higher settlement amount, even after paying attorney fees. This is because an experienced dog bite lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you receive the maximum compensation for injuries suffered.

If you or someone you know suffered injuries in a Michigan dog attack and need an attorney to sue after being bitten, call our top rated Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. attorney now at (888) 797-8787. We will discuss your case with you and explain all your legal rights. Call today for your free consultation!

Yes, you may file a lawsuit for psychological injuries from a dog attack in Michigan. Although most cases involve facial disfigurement, maiming, scarring, and nerve damage, psychological injuries can be just as severe and are valid reasons to file a claim.

After being attacked by a dog in Michigan, a person may not feel or behave normally for a significant amount of time. He or she may feel depressed, nervous or fearful — may cry, take dangerous risks or not get along with friends and family. There are many possible symptoms and classifications of this problem. “Post-traumatic stress disorder” is one such classification.

One of the most painful effects of a dog bite can be the resulting morbid fear of dogs. The emotional reactions of children who are the victims of, or witnesses to, dog attacks include fear, depression, withdrawal and anger. Some children and adolescents will have prolonged problems after a traumatic event. These potentially chronic conditions include depression and prolonged grief.

These problems can occur immediately or sometime after the tragic event. Many such children will develop post-traumatic stress. PTSD may resolve without treatment, but some form of therapy by a mental health professional is often required in order for healing to occur.

Being that these injuries are not visible injuries, it is important to choose a top rated dog bite lawyer in Michigan who has experience in these types of cases.