Dog bites are a common occurrence because of the large number of dogs in Michigan and the United States in general. They are so common that state law has been enacted, commonly called the Dog Bite Statute, to specifically deal with the problem. The law provides that if a dog bites an individual and if that individual was 1) not provoking the dog and 2) legally where they could be, then the owner of the dog is responsible for the injuries.

Often it is the dog of a friend, neighbor or family member that has bitten someone and often the dog owner or the dog itself is familiar with the injured victim. When this occurs, sometimes the victim is concerned about pursuing a claim. This concern is unnecessary because if the dog owner has homeowners insurance, then there is generally coverage to compensate for the injuries. Since one of the purposes of insurance is to compensate injured persons, the owner of the dog should not hesitate to make a claim.
Further, if a dog owner was aware of their dog's propensity to injure people, he may be held liable under a separate cause of action.
Mr. Elliott has represented hundreds of individuals who have sustained physical injuries from dog attacks that range from minor to severe. Almost without exception, Mr. Elliott understands that it is very difficult to ever forget the trauma of being bitten.

Click here to contact Attorney James O. Elliott for a free legal consultation. He looks forward to speaking with you.