Michigan Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts

Settlements & Jury Verdicts

Michigan dog bite settlements are usually paid by the homeowners insurance company for the owner of the dog. Almost all homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites and attacks in Michigan. The company will defend the dog owner in a lawsuit, investigate the case, and then determine whether to pay a settlement to the victim. Many of these cases result in substantial settlements and jury verdicts.

Getting the best settlement for your dog bite claim is a job for an experienced attorney. Our dog bite lawyers have obtained significant settlements to compensate victims of dog bites and attacks for over forty years. We have also won substantial jury verdicts in dog bite cases for our injured clients. Settlements for dog bite injuries are determined by a number of factors and specific facts related to an incident. Factors that go into determining the amount of a settlement include:

• The facts surrounding the incident itself and the ferociousness of the dog attack.
• The size of any scars or disfigurements resulting from the dog bite. Location of the bite is also a big factor in determining fair compensation because scars on the face and arms generally receive higher compensation because they are more conspicuous, especially on women and children.
• Psychological trauma from the dog bites attack, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• The type of medical treatment you received for your dog bite injuries, such as emergency treatment in a clinic or hospital, stitches, plastic surgery, or other medical care.
• If you will need future treatment for your dog bite injuries, this would likely increase the amount of your settlement.
• The total amount of medical bills and expenses incurred due to the attack.
• The amount lost wages and income you suffered from work time missed from the dog attack.
• The social effects that the injuries from the dog bite have had on your life.
• The amount of the insurance policy limits available from the dog owner’s insurance policy, which is usually either a business policy or homeowner’s insurance policy.

There is no specific formula and you must rely on the skill and expertise of your lawyer to maximize your compensation. Any person bitten or attacked by a dog is entitled to compensation for pain and suffering damages, unless that person was a trespasser on private property or provoked the dog into the attack. Our lawyers understand how to maximize the compensation you receive to settle your case.