Traverse City Dog Bite Attorney
Traverse City, Michigan, is a community known for its beautiful waterfronts, vibrant downtown, and welcoming neighborhoods. Located along Grand Traverse Bay, this city has a population of approximately 15,000 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census, making it a small yet bustling area in northern Michigan.
The city is also a pet-friendly community, with a significant portion of households owning pets. National statistics from the World Population Review suggest that roughly 62% of Michigan households include a pet, and Traverse City reflects this trend as it caters to pet owners with numerous dog parks, pet-friendly trails, and numerous local events centered around dog-friendly activities.
However, increased rates of pet ownership can sometimes correlate with a rise in dog bite incidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, with many incidents involving children or elderly individuals. In Traverse City, community members occasionally encounter dog bites, with some cases leading to significant physical and emotional trauma.
If you have suffered an injury due to a dog bite, you don't have to handle it alone. At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we help dog bite victims in Traverse City and across Northern Michigan pursue the compensation they need to heal and move forward. As a Michigan personal injury firm, we understand how state law treats dog bites, how local insurers handle these claims, and what evidence you need to persuade adjusters and juries.
Whether addressing medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress, we can guide you through pursuing legal action and seeking fair compensation. With knowledge of Michigan's dog bite laws and a commitment to their clients, our Traverse City dog bite attorney can help you move forward with confidence.
Traverse City Dog Bite Resources
How to Prove Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
Dog Bite Liability in Michigan
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Attorney
Dog bites can result in serious injuries, both physical and emotional. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, victims of dog attacks may also experience long-term trauma and fear. To help you navigate the aftermath of a dog bite, it's important to seek legal representation from an experienced Traverse City dog bite attorney when pursuing a case.
An experienced lawyer will understand Michigan's dog bite laws and be able to guide you through the state's legal system. They will also have knowledge of local resources, such as animal control or rabies assessments, that can support your case. Working with a skilled attorney can also show insurance companies and defendants that you are serious about seeking fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Michigan Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
In Michigan, under MCL 287.351, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries their dog inflicts on another person. This means that regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known about their dog's aggressive tendencies, they can still be held responsible for damages caused by a dog bite.
However, there are certain defenses available to dog owners in Michigan. For example, if the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing on private property, the owner may be held not to be liable.
It's important to note that Michigan's strict liability law only applies to injuries caused by bites, not necessarily other injuries caused by dogs (such as being knocked down). Non-bite injuries may proceed under common law negligence.
Traverse City Local Ordinances
Traverse City and Grand Traverse County enforce specific leash, restraint, and nuisance ordinances. While ordinance violations do not replace state law, they can support negligence per se or strengthen liability arguments.
For example, if a dog was off-leash at a public beach or trail area where leashes are required and bit you, that fact helps show the owner failed to use reasonable care.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog in Traverse City, Michigan, you have a legal right to pursue compensation and hold the dog owner accountable. The primary steps you should take after a dog bite include the following.
Seek medical care immediately: Even if the injury appears minor, seek medical attention for the bite. A doctor can treat the wound, assess infection risk, and provide rabies guidance if necessary.
Report the bite: Contact Grand Traverse County Animal Control or local law enforcement to report the incident. Official reports can help identify the dog, verify its vaccination status, and establish ownership.
Gather information: Get the owner’s name, address, and insurance info. Photograph the dog, the scene, and your injuries. Note any “no leash” or “beware of dog” signage.
Identify witnesses: If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their names and contact details. This could serve as key evidence if you pursue a claim.
Preserve evidence: Keep any damaged clothing, medical receipts, and records of missed work due to your injury. These can be used to quantify your compensation.
Avoid providing recorded statements: Insurers often push for quick statements that can undercut your claim. Avoid providing any statements or posting online before speaking with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case if I was visiting a friend’s home?
Yes. Homeowner’s insurance is designed for this scenario. Michigan’s strict liability statute often applies as long as you were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.
What if the dog’s owner says the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Under Michigan’s strict liability law, you are not required to prove a prior history of aggression or that the dog had previously bitten anyone. A dog owner can still be held fully responsible for a first bite.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury, including dog bites, is typically three years from the date of the incident. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to improve the chances of preserving evidence, identifying coverage, and filing a claim within the applicable time limit. Different time frames may apply, so consultation with an experienced attorney is critical.
How long will my case take?
Many cases settle within a few months after medical recovery stabilizes, and you can fully evaluate your damages. However, there is no set time frame for dog bite cases. Litigation can often extend the timeline but can also improve the outcome when insurers are unreasonable.
Why Choose Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor?
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we understand that every case is unique, and we are committed to standing up for your rights following a dog bite. Our goal is to provide individualized representation that meets your specific needs. Some of the ways our firm can help include:
Personalized attention: Our team will work directly with you. We are committed to returning calls, explaining your options, and helping you make smart choices. Check out all of our 5 star reviews!
Clear communication: We strive to translate complex legal terms into plain English and help you set realistic expectations.
Commitment to results: We will pursue maximum compensation and won’t recommend a settlement that undervalues your injuries.
Local insight: We’re familiar with Michigan dog safety laws, including leash compliance, and we understand how local ordinances and regional insurers approach liability.
Results-driven approach: We prepare every claim as if it will go to court, which often leads to stronger settlement offers.
With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, including dog bite cases, we have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these cases, as well as the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your case.
Schedule a Consultation with a Traverse City Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Traverse City, Michigan, or throughout the state, you don't have to face the aftermath alone. At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we will review your situation, explain Michigan’s dog bite laws, and outline a plan to protect your rights. The sooner we start, the stronger your claim can be.
With offices in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, we serve clients throughout Northern Michigan, including Interlochen, Acme, Williamsburg, and Suttons Bay. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.