Sucher Law

Are You A Dog Bite Victim?

Mark Sucher — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:45:31 +0000

We Americans love our dogs. Generally, dogs make wonderful pets, as they are loyal, affectionate, protective of their human “families” and their owners’ property. Dogs, like humans, have the capacity to behave well or badly. Not unlike humans, a dog’s behavior can be reflective of the manner in which it was raised and socialized. A dog that is well-fed, exercised regularly, provided shelter and shown affection by it’s owner is probably less likely to attack a person than a dog which has been isolated with little human interaction, denied basic necessities and locked in a small enclosure for extended periods.

Did You Know…

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States seeks medical attention for a dog bite-related injury.
Dog attacks cause nearly 5 million injuries annually, 800,000 of which require medical attention.
At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States.
Pit Bulls and Rottweilers account for over half of these deaths.
24% of human deaths involve unrestrained dogs off of their owner’s property.
58% of human deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owner’s property.

Why Dogs Attack

A dog may bite for a variety of reasons. Dogs are territorial animals and protect their territories, their young and their food. Dogs can become aggressive when they are fearful, startled, woken from a sleep or while eating. They may also want to establish dominance over a person; and in some cases, dogs are raised by their human owners to behave aggressively.

We Can Help

Dog attacks can be horrifying for everyone involved. Victims of dog bites and other animal attacks, and the parents of children who are victims should consult with an experienced Michigan dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after an attack to ensure that they receive the help and resources they need to deal with this terrifying experience.

In Michigan, when a dog bite or attack causes injuries, the person responsible for the dog may be legally responsible for the victim’s damages. At Sucher Law, we have over 26 years of experience in handling these claims and can help you identify the appropriate insurance or other resources available to assist you or your loved one obtain proper compensation for and recovery from the physical and emotional issues related to the potentially long-lasting consequences of this traumatic event. Michigan has specific laws governing the care and restraint of domestic pets, and we will make sure your legal rights are protected.

If you or a loved one is the victim of an attack by a dog or other animal, please submit a simple, quick, and free consultation form now, so an experienced Michigan dog-bite attorney may personally evaluate your claim and contact you to discuss your options or, if you prefer, call our office at any time.

Our Promise

Always confidential, always one-on-one attorney/client communication; you will never be handed off to assistants, or lost in the bureaucracy typical of many larger law firms. Personal, compassionate, experienced and aggressive dog bite injury representation. Never a fee unless you win. Contact Mr. Sucher today.

Free Consultation

Dog Bite: $25k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:22:55 +0000

Eight year-old girl visiting a neighbor’s home bent down to pet Peek-a-Poo dog. As she bent down to pet the dog a second time, the dog, jumped up and nipped her on the lip causing four small lacerations, requiring 16 sutures to close. The injuries healed well, but there were small faint scars remaining. $25,000 settlement.

Auto: $250k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:20:35 +0000

Rear-end auto collision. 24 year-old wife and mother was driver who suffered post-traumatic facial palsy, requiring surgery. Permanent nerve damage. $250,000 settlement (defendants’ insurance policy limits).

Auto: $150k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:20:13 +0000

73 year-old retiree suffering from senile dementia, was struck by a municipal vehicle, while riding his bicycle in an urban area. Disputed liability. $150,000 settlement reached through facilitation.

Auto: $200k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:14:07 +0000

28 year-old wife and mother driving in a funeral procession struck broadside by an inattentive motorist. Multiple injuries. Settled bodily injury claim for $100,000 (defendants’ insurance policy limits). Also litigated dispute between victim and her No-Fault Auto Insurer for an additional $100,500 in wrongfully denied benefits.

Dog Bite: $10k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:04:19 +0000

55 year-old man walked onto next-door neighbor’s property to alert him to the presence of drainage tiles between the two homes, so neighbor’s moving truck did not drive over the area and break the tiles. As he spoke with his new neighbor, the man’s German Shepherd ran out of the house and charged the visitor. In an effort to protect himself, visitor turned his back on the dog. The dog bit him on the back resulting in deep bruising and puncture marks to the skin at the beltline. There was no permanent residual scarring. $10,000 settlement.

Boating: $160k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:58:07 +0000

Jet-ski collision. Two 14 year-old boys operating jet-skis. Collision between the two jet-skis crushed boy’s leg between the water crafts, resulting in a fractured femur (thigh bone), requiring surgical implantation of 15″ rod and screws and subsequent surgery for removal of some surgical hardware. Liability hotly disputed. $160,500 arbitration award.

Dog Bite: $28k Settlement

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:54:17 +0000

College student at family friend’s home to pick his sister up following her piano lesson. He bent down to pet small mix-breed dog which lunged at him and bit his nose. Small faint scarring on side of nose. Settled $28,500.

Did You Know…

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:46:47 +0000

Michigan law holds a dog owner responsible for any damage caused by an attack, whether the animal has ever bitten anyone before or not. This is called “strict liability”. The victim is not required to prove that the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous, and failed to take proper precautions. In cases where the attack was provoked by the victim, or where the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property, the dog owner may not be liable, but every case is unique, so it is best to discuss your specific facts with a dog bite expert.

Bitten?

Mark Sucher — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:45:36 +0000

You Have Done Nothing Wrong!

In most cases the dog belongs to a friend or relative. In these instances, victims are often hesitant to take action. You should never feel guilty about asserting your legal rights. You may have to live the rest of your life with permanent disfiguring scars and/or serious emotional injuries. Typically, homeowners or renters insurance policies provide coverage for these unfortunate events. The dog owner has purchased this protection to shield him or her from personal loss. That is one of the reasons people buy insurance.