Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney?

Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney? Grand Rapids, MI

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that almost 800,000 Americans get medical treatment for dog bites each year. If you or a loved one is included in this group, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney.

Most dog bites go unreported. But don’t let this deter you from getting the compensation you need. You have rights in these cases and you need to know what they are.

Here's why it’s always a good idea to call a lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases.

Improve Your Chances

You're more likely to get compensation after hiring a dog bite attorney.

Most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bites. But there has been a push from the industry to make it harder for dog owners to get insurance in the first place.

If the insurance company is reluctant to cover your claim, we can be your advocate.

We'll help hold the dog owner and insurance company accountable. That way, you can get the compensation you deserve.

Understand Your Rights

Most dog bite victims don't report their injuries. That's because many dog bites aren't deep enough to need medical treatment. Also, it's not uncommon for the dog to belong to a family member or friend. Other victims may not know that they're eligible to receive compensation.

A dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and how to get the compensation you need.

File a Dog Bite Claim

Michigan is a “strict liability” state. This means that dog owners are liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was likely to bite. You also don’t have to prove that the dog owner was negligent to receive compensation.

A dog bite lawyer can help you file your claim with the dog owner’s insurance company.

We can help you prove that:

  • The dog caused your injury
  • You didn't provoke the dog to bite
  • You were on public property at the time of the bite or on private property with permission

You have three years to file a personal injury claim in Michigan, starting from the day the dog bite incident occurred. That’s why it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

To learn more, check out our blog post on how to file a dog bite claim.

Reduce Stress

Many people love dogs and call them "man's best friend." That's why emotions can run high after a dog bite incident.

According to the CDC, children between the ages of 5 and 9 are especially at risk for dog bites. If a dog bites a child, this only elevates the emotion felt by the parents and other family members.

A dog bite attorney doesn’t have an emotional stake in the case. This means they’ll be able to remain calm and impartial to help you get the compensation you need.

For example, we can explain to the owner that their insurance company will process and pay for the claim. The owner would only pay out of pocket if the settlement exceeded their policy limits.

We can also explain that it's rare to remove the dog from their home or put them down after they've bitten someone.

The dog that bit you could be a beloved family pet, which is why it’s important to have an attorney talk to the owner.

The owner may feel initial anger toward your claim. But we can help them understand that an injury settlement is in everyone's best interests.

Request a Legal Consultation With Us

If you have recently experienced a dog bite and want to learn about your legal rights, don't wait. Our dog bite attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI, can help you plan out your next steps.

To request a legal consultation, call Beurkens Law at (616) 459-5344. You may also fill out our online contact form

This blog post has been updated.

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