If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it can be very traumatic. You need an experienced attorney who can handle the details while you focus on recovery. The Lawyers of Garmo & Kiste, PLC have successfully represented victims of dog bites all over Metro Detroit. Once of the most important things you can do to preserve your case is to act quickly. Obtaining the name of the dog, dog’s owner, address, witness information, photos of the injury and location, medical records, DNA testing, and casting of the dogs mouth can be critical.
The Michigan Law:
In Michigan Dog Bite cases fall under MCL 287.323
287.323. Offenses and penalties:
Sec. 3. (1) The owner of an animal that meets the definition of a dangerous animal in section 1(a) [FN1] that causes the death of a person is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, punishable under section 321 of the Michigan penal code, Act No. 328 of the Public Acts of 1931, being section 750.321 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
(2) If an animal that meets the definition of a dangerous animal in section 1(a) attacks a person and causes serious injury other than death, the owner of the animal is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years, a fine of not less than $2,000.00, or community service work for not less than 500 hours, or any combination of these penalties.
(3) If an animal previously adjudicated to be a dangerous animal attacks or bites a person and causes an injury that is not a serious injury, the owner of the animal is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00, or community service work for not less than 240 hours, or any combination of these penalties.
(4) If the owner of an animal that is previously adjudicated to be a dangerous animal allows the animal to run at large, the owner is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00, or community service work for not less than 240 hours, or any combination of these penalties.
(5) The court may order a person convicted under this section to pay the costs of the prosecution.
Basically this means that if you are on public property, or lawfully on private property (postal worker, guest, etc.) there is essentially strict liability and you only need to prove you were bitten and/or attacked by that particular dog.
Getting Compensation:
Our experienced Dog Bite Attorneys have consistently gotten successful results for our clients. While victims of dog bites might be reluctant to pursue a case against a family member or friend, you should be aware it is generally a homeowner or business owner insurance that pays these claims. Let the attorneys of Garmo & Kiste, PLC help secure the compensation you deserve.
To retain Garmo & Kiste, PLC, for assistance in these matters call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message. We are experienced Michigan attorneys with offices in Troy, MI.
