Injured When Dog Ran Out of House and Attacks in Michigan

Our dog bite lawyers represent victims attacked and injured by a dog. We represent a wide range of clients in these cases, including children, and utility workers. Sometimes these dog attacks occur when a dog runs out of the door of a house and attacks and bites a person lawfully on the property, on another property, or in the street.  In this situation, the dog owner is liable under Michigan law for the injuries and harm caused by the dog attack.

There are alternative theories of dog bite laws recognized in Michigan to prove liability in a civil lawsuit.  Each of these theories can be used to hold the dog owner liable for the injuries suffered in a dog bite attack.  These dog bite laws are best explained by the jury instructions that are given to the jury after the evidence is introduced at a trial.  They explain the statutes and laws in plain English for the jury to understand so that they can fairly render a verdict based upon the evidence.

If the person bitten is lawfully on the property, on another property, or in the street, the owner or keeper of the dog can be held liable for the injuries inflicted on the victim, regardless of the previous viciousness of the dog or whether the owner knew of that viciousness.

The plaintiff has the burden of proof on each of the following matters:

• The plaintiff was injured by sustained damage from a dog bite
• That the plaintiff was on public property lawfully (excluding criminals and trespassers)
• The biting was without provocation (any activity intentional or unintentional that would cause a dog to react in an hostile manner)
• The defendant was the owner of the dog

Often times, when a dog runs out of the house and attacks, the dog knocks down the victim before biting. Not only can the injuries resulting from the bite be serious, but when a victim is knocked down, serous orthopedic injuries and other injuries can result.

Victims bit and attacked by a dog that ran out of a house on property, another property, or public street, do have legal rights.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a Michigan dog attack, call our top rated Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. law firm now. We will start working on your case immediately hiring specialized investigators to document the incident, supplementing any evidence you have been able to collect.