Child Dog Bite, Claims Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI

Child Dog Bite, Claims Overview

When a dog bites, it is a traumatic event, especially for a child. Small children are most often the victims of serious dog attacks for several reasons. They are energetic, noisy and make quick, unpredictable movements that can scare dogs.
 
If your child has been seriously injured or killed following a dog bite or attack, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Howard Law Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are dedicated to providing you with aggressive representation. We will help you defend your rights, and do our very best to recover damages from the party responsible.

Michigan Dog Bite Laws

Often, a dog bite case will result in permanent scarring, nerve damage or infection, in addition to pain and suffering. Many times, psychological harm lasts well beyond the physical personal injury. See your doctor if you have been seriously injured after an attack by a dog or other animal.

Owners and keepers of dogs in Michigan are strictly liable for dog bites and attacks. This means that the dog bite victim does not have to prove that the owner was negligent, only that he or she was bitten or attacked and did not provoke the animal. There are also strict Michigan leash laws that hold the dog owner liable if their unleashed dog bites or attacks an innocent person.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) List of Most Dangerous Dogs

• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Huskies
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Doberman Pinschers
• Chow Chows
• Great Danes
• St. Bernards
• Akitas

The breeds considered most likely to kill are pit bulls and rottweilers, and the CDC reports that a chained dog is more likely to bite than an unchained dog. Additionally, the majority of dog attacks happen at home or in a familiar place.

After a Dog Attack or Bite

If possible, try to gather as much evidence as you can once you or the dog bite victim has received appropriate medical attention. Useful evidence can include:

• The name and address of the dog owner
• The dog owner’s insurance carrier
• Names and addresses of people who witnessed the attack
• Photographs and descriptions of the place where the attack occurred
• Photographs of the injury
• Evaluation of the injury by a physician

Do not permit the dog to be destroyed until after it has been tested for rabies. In some circumstances, DNA testing may also
have to be performed and a cast of the dog's mouth obtained in order to prove your case.

Protect your legal rights and get the knowledgeable representation you need by calling Howard Law Group today at 616-827-7028. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence a suit.

Other Frequent Case Types

• Breach of Warranty, Defense in Grand Rapids, MI
• Foreclosure in Grand Rapids, MI
• Health Care Fraud, Medicaid Fraud in Grand Rapids, MI
• Unfair Debt Collection in Grand Rapids, MI

Areas of Practice

• Child Dog Bite, Claims
• Personal Injury - Plaintiff