10 Questions to Ask a Dog Bite Lawyer

1. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A DOG BITE LAWYER?

Plaintiffs who hire personal injury attorneys often achieve better financial outcomes than those who represent themselves. Victims must provide extensive medical records and other documentation according to stringent filing deadlines. A knowledgeable lawyer will obtain and submit the necessary information in keeping with the legal requirements and timelines.

2. HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH DOG BITE CASES?

If you have a heart problem, you need a cardiologist, not a dermatologist. Just like doctors, many lawyers specialize in certain areas of the law. If you are attacked by a dog, you need a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in dog bite cases. Ask the lawyer you are interviewing how many years of experience they have with cases like yours. Ask how many similar cases they have handled. And don’t be afraid to ask how many of those cases they have won and the amount of their average verdicts and settlements.

While many settlements are not made public, lawyers can provide information about the type of case and the amount of compensation the client received. In fact, many law firms include examples of the verdicts and settlements they have won on their websites.

3. IS THERE A STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR DOG BITE CASES?

In Michigan, personal injury claims must be filed within three years. However, if the victim is under 18, they may file a claim until their 19th birthday. However, if you or your child is bitten, you should contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible for the best result.

While there are exceptions, it is better to file your claim as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could lose your right to receive the compensation you deserve. 

4. WHAT KIND OF SETTLEMENT CAN I EXPECT IF I HIRE A DOG BITE LAWYER?

Many factors determine the amount of compensation a victim receives. These include the severity of the injuries and whether there is permanent scarring or other lasting damage. Because a dog attack is a traumatic experience, the psychological damage is also taken into consideration.

Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are often the biggest portion of a dog bite settlement. They can include physical and psychological harm, both current and future, resulting from the dog attack. Furthermore, the dog owner’s insurance coverage also plays a part in determining the size of the payout.  

5. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL I RECEIVE MY SETTLEMENT?

The time it takes to bring a lawsuit and successfully resolve a case depends on several variables. If you are seriously hurt, a lawyer may want to wait until the extent of your injuries are fully known before filing suit. During your initial discussion, a lawyer should be able to provide you with more information about what kind of timeline to expect.

6. WILL I HAVE TO PAY ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES WHEN I HIRE A LAWYER? 

Personal injury lawyers generally work on a contingency basis, which means they take a percentage, usually one-third, of the settlement or trial verdict. Reputable personal injury attorneys rarely, if ever, ask clients to pay up front. Rather, they deduct their fee from your settlement once the case is resolved. 

When the case is over, lawyers typically deduct the out-of-pocket expenses they covered while your case was ongoing. These may include postage, copying, court costs or expert witness fees. If a personal injury lawyer requests a retainer or up-front payment, you should view this as a red flag and move on to another law firm.

7. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CASE GOES TO TRIAL?

While many dog bite cases settle out of court, some do proceed to trial. Therefore, you want a dog bite injury lawyer with extensive courtroom skills and experience. What’s more, a lawyer who is prepared to go to court is often a stronger negotiator. Ask the lawyer you are interviewing about their courtroom experience and what results were achieved. 

8. WHAT IF THE DOG THAT BITES ME HAS NEVER BEEN VICIOUS BEFORE?

In Michigan, dog owners are responsible if their dog bites and injuries another person, regardless of the dog’s history. An owner is not protected by a dog’s previous “good behavior.” Therefore, a victim may file a claim against the owner, even if the dog has never bitten before.

9. WHAT IF THE OWNER SAYS I PROVOKED THE DOG?

According to Michigan dog bite law, the attack must occur “without provocation.” Often, the owner and/or the insurance company try to prove the victim provoked the dog. A qualified dog bite lawyer knows how to counteract these claims and present a winning case. 

10. WHAT SHOULD DOG OWNERS DO TO PREVENT THEIR DOGS FROM BITING? 

Owners should always use a leash when taking a dog out in public, even in their own neighborhood. Gradually introduce a new dog to people and other pets. Owners should provide dogs with plenty of exercise, especially if they are in the house for long periods of time. If necessary, enroll in a dog training class. If a dog is not feeling well or seems irritable, keep it away from people.

START YOUR DOG BITE CASE TODAY WITH AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact us immediately. Our team of talented dog bite lawyers will hold the owner of the dog responsible for these bites as the care, training, and supervision of these animals is the responsibility of the owner. We will fight to help you win the compensation you deserve.

Michigan dog bite laws are complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.

Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.