Lansing Dog Bite Attorney
Representing victims of dog attacks and animal bite injuries. Serving Lansing, Ingham County, and all of Michigan.
Quick Facts: Lansing Dog Bites
Why Choose HOV Law
Holding Dog Owners
Accountable
Strict Liability Expertise
Many states hold dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries — meaning you don't need to prove the owner was negligent. Our Lansing attorneys know exactly how to apply these laws.
Insurance Recovery
Dog bite claims are typically covered by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. We navigate these policies to maximize your recovery.
Scarring & Disfigurement Claims
Dog bites often cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially to the face and hands. We pursue full compensation for cosmetic impact, reconstructive surgery, and emotional trauma.
Vicious Attacks,
Serious Consequences
Dog bites cause nearly 1,000 emergency room visits every day in America. Attacks can result in deep puncture wounds, torn flesh, broken bones, nerve damage, infections, and permanent scarring. Children are the most frequent victims.
Your Path to Recovery
We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
Incident Documentation
After a dog bite in Lansing, we help you document the attack — collecting animal control reports, witness statements, photos of injuries, and the dog owner's information.
Owner Investigation
We research the dog's history — prior complaints, bite history, breed restrictions, leash law violations, and the owner's knowledge of aggressive tendencies.
Insurance Claim
We file claims against the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, presenting evidence of liability and comprehensive damage documentation.
Full Recovery Pursuit
We fight for compensation covering medical treatment, plastic surgery, scarring, emotional trauma, and any lost wages from your dog bite injuries.
Lansing Dog Bite Attorney — Holding Owners Accountable
Dog bite injuries can be traumatic, painful, and permanently disfiguring. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog in Lansing, you have the right to seek compensation from the dog's owner. At HOV Law, our dog bite attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of animal attacks and fight to hold irresponsible owners accountable.
Dog bites cause nearly 5 million injuries per year in the United States, with approximately 800,000 requiring medical attention. Children are the most common victims, and facial injuries are devastatingly frequent. Our Lansing attorneys have the experience and compassion to handle these sensitive cases.
Free consultation. No fees unless we recover for you.
Dog Bite Liability Laws in Michigan
Dog bite laws vary significantly by state. Your ability to recover compensation depends on whether Michigan follows a "strict liability" standard (the owner is liable regardless of knowledge) or a "one-bite rule" (the owner is liable only if they knew the dog was dangerous).
Regardless of the specific standard, dog owners can also be held liable under general negligence principles — for example, if they violated a leash law, failed to secure a known aggressive dog, or allowed a dog to roam freely in a public area.
The statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Michigan is 3 years for personal injury (MCL § 600.5805). Evidence in dog bite cases — animal control records, witness memories, and photographic documentation of injuries — degrades over time, so it's important to contact an attorney promptly.
Dog Bite Injuries and Long-Term Impact
- Dog bites can cause a range of serious injuries with lasting consequences:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgical repair.
- Crush injuries to bones, particularly in hands and fingers.
- Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or loss of function.
- Infections including rabies, tetanus, MRSA, and pasteurella, which can become life-threatening if untreated.
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement, often requiring multiple reconstructive surgeries and causing lasting emotional distress.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—Many dog bite victims, especially children, develop intense fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares, and other psychological symptoms.
Dog Bite Compensation in Lansing
- If you were bitten by a dog in Lansing, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room and surgical costs, including reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
- Ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and scar management.
- Lost wages during recovery.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and psychological counseling.
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement damages.
- Dog bite claims are typically covered by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. These policies often provide $100,000 to $300,000 or more in liability coverage. Our attorneys know how to navigate these claims to maximize your recovery.
Why You Need a Lansing Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite claims may seem straightforward, but insurance companies representing dog owners fight these cases aggressively. They employ investigators and defense attorneys who challenge liability, question the severity of injuries, and raise provocations defenses to minimize or deny your claim.
Additionally, homeowner's and renter's insurance policies contain exclusions and limits that insurers use to reduce payouts. Certain dog breeds may be excluded from coverage entirely, and insurers may dispute whether the attack occurred on covered property.
Our Lansing dog bite attorneys know these tactics and how to counter them. We investigate the dog's history, the owner's knowledge of aggressive behavior, applicable leash laws, and any prior incidents — building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis — zero upfront costs, no fees unless we recover for you.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Lansing
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately—Dog bites are prone to serious infection. Wash the wound thoroughly and get medical care. Document all treatment received.
- Report the Attack—File a report with local animal control. This creates an official record and may reveal prior incidents involving the same dog.
- Photograph Everything—Take photos of your injuries immediately and in the days following the attack as bruising and swelling evolve.
- Get the Owner's Information—Obtain the dog owner's name, address, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information.
- Identify Witnesses—Collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Do Not Accept an Early Settlement—Dog owners and their insurers sometimes offer quick payments. Early offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim, especially if you'll require multiple surgeries or have permanent scarring.
- Contact HOV Law—Call us for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your claim and fight to recover full compensation for your injuries.
Michigan Laws That Affect Your Case
Statute of Limitations
In Michigan, you have a limited time to file your claim: 3 years for personal injury (MCL § 600.5805). Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to compensation permanently.
“Time is your most valuable asset after an injury. Contact a Lansing attorney immediately to ensure your claim is preserved.”
Modified Comparative Negligence
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Michigan Insurance System
Michigan operates under a No-Fault (PIP required) system. Drivers choose PIP coverage levels; unlimited PIP was historically required but reformed in 2019.
Key Michigan Legal Facts
Local Knowledge: Lansing
High-Risk Roads & Highways
- I-96
- Michigan Avenue
- Saginaw Street
- Cedar Street
Local Courts
- Ingham County Circuit Court
- Thirtieth Judicial Circuit Court
Areas We Serve Near Lansing
- East Lansing
- DeWitt
- Holt
- Okemos
- Mason
Lansing Landmarks
- Michigan State Capitol
- Michigan State University
- Old Town Lansing
What Compensation May Cover
Under Michigan law, you may be entitled to recover damages for the full impact of your injuries.
Economic Damages
- • Medical bills (past & future)
- • Lost wages & earning capacity
- • Property damage
- • Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- • Pain and suffering
- • Mental anguish
- • Loss of consortium
- • Physical impairment
Related Practice Areas in Lansing
Dog Bites cases often involve overlapping injuries and legal claims. Our Lansing attorneys also handle these related areas:
Other Personal Injury Services in Lansing
Serge Hovhanessian, Esq.
Founding Attorney at HOV Law | Florida Bar | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers
Attorney Hovhanessian has recovered over $100 million for personal injury victims across Florida.Read full bio →
Lansing Dog Bites FAQs
Bitten by a
Dog?
Dog owners are responsible for their animals. If you were attacked in Lansing, HOV Law will fight for your right to compensation.