While dogs are popular pets across the country, these animals maim, injure, and kill thousands of people every year. As such, states have enacted specific laws to make sure pet owners take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of others.
In Michigan, dog owners are held strictly liable for any harm caused by their pets. In other words, if a dog bites someone, provided the attack was unprovoked and the victim wasn’t trespassing on private property at the time, the owner is liable for any losses suffered by the victim.
However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t face any resistance when you file your claim. The dog owner’s insurer might employ many different strategies to minimize how much they have to pay out. For instance, they may assert that you incited the attack by provoking the animal. Alternatively, they might argue that you were trespassing on private property when you were bitten.
As such, it’s important to gather strong evidence to support your claim. Let’s look at a few types of proof that might play a role in your case:
- Photographs: Whether you took pictures of your injuries, the animal that bit you, or the area where the attack took place, such images can help demonstrate liability. For instance, if pictures show that you were attacked in a public area, opposing parties won’t have room to argue that you were trespassing. You should bring along such pictures to the initial consultation.
- Security Camera Footage: If there were surveillance cameras near the area where you were attacked, these recordings could help mitigate disputes. Additionally, if you or someone else captured your own footage of the attack, these videos could also play an invaluable role in your case.
- Medical Records: After an animal attack, it’s important that you visit the doctor as soon as possible. Firstly, this will ensure that you have paperwork documenting the severity of your injuries and the types of treatments you require. Secondly, these records can also help connect your condition to the attack. Finally, these documents will also demonstrate that you took your recovery seriously by seeking treatment within a reasonable timeframe after you were bitten.
- Incident Reports: Whether you reported the attack to the area’s animal control agency or alerted authorities, their reports on the incident could help support your version of events. If you have obtained copies of any reports, make sure to share these with your attorney during your first meeting.
Discuss Your Case with a Detroit Dog Bite Attorney
Were you seriously injured in an animal attack? Turn to the legal team at Seva Law Firm. We have decades of collective experience representing dog bite victims, arming us with the resources and knowledge necessary to prevail in even the most complex cases.
Our Detroit personal injury lawyers can help guide you through proceedings, build your claim, and provide tenacious representation from the first day until the final verdict. Contact us today at (248) 385-5704 or head over to our contact page HERE to request a free case review.
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