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Dog Bites

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers In Grand Rapids, Michigan

When a dog attacks a person, whether an adult or child — the results can be catastrophic. Dog bites often cause significant physical injuries (like lacerations, puncture wounds and scarring) as well as emotional injuries to the victim. At McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC, we know how to make sure any victim, whether adult or child, is properly compensated for a dog bite injury.

Under Michigan law, there are two theories to recover damages for dog bite injuries. The first avenue for recovery is under MCL 287.351, Michigan’s dog bite statute. It states that owner of dog shall be responsible for damages suffered by a person bitten by an unprovoked dog, regardless of whether the owner had any knowledge of the dog’s vicious tendencies. As such, the statute places absolute liability on the dog owner, except where the dog bites after being provoked. The attorneys of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC, are experienced with the Michigan dog bite statute and imposing this strict liability on the dog’s owner.

The second avenue for recovery is under a common law negligence case. Under this theory, a victim of a dog bite may recover damages for injuries after a dog bite injury if the owner knew, or had reason to know, that the dog could be dangerous. At McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC, we are experienced in handling dog bite cases and will make sure that dog bite victims are properly compensated.

When a dog lashes out, it can lead to physical injuries such as lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, facial injuries, permanent scarring and other serious disfigurements. It can also lead to emotional injuries such as mental anguish and anxiety. The treatment for dog bite injuries, whether physical or emotional, can be time-consuming and expensive. Review of a victim’s medical records is imperative in determining the full extent of a victim’s dog bite injuries. At McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC, we are experienced in reviewing all of the medical records and can make sure that a victim is fully compensated for the dog bite injury.

In addition to the out-of-pocket expenses associated for dog bite injuries, a victim may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. These expenses may be compensable as part of a personal injury claim. The experienced attorneys at McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC, are familiar with all damages a dog bite victim may be entitled to receive.

Free Attorney Consultation

To discuss your dog bite injury with a lawyer at the law firm of McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane, PLLC, call 616-426-9609 or fill out the contact form on this site. From our office in Grand Rapids, we represent clients throughout the state of Michigan.