Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Detroit

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Detroit, Michigan?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Detroit Police Department is (313) 267-4600.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Detroit, Michigan?

  You may get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case at the Detroit Police Department's Records and Reports Section, located at the 3rd precinct on 2875 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

• How common are Detroit dog bite claims?

  Dog bite cases in Detroit are fairly common, as Michigan ranked 5th nationwide in the number of claims in 2022. According to data published by the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, the average cost per claim in the state is $49,502. In fact, insurers paid out a total of $44.8 million for dog bite claims in 2022.

• Who are the victims of Detroit dog bites?

  Postal workers in Detroit commonly suffer from dog bites. In fact, the U.S. Postal Service ranked Detroit and San Diego as 10th in cities with the most dog attacks on postal employees. Postal carriers reported 26 dog attacks in Detroit in 2019, increasing to 35 dog attacks in 2020.

• What is the provocation defense in Detroit dog bite claims?

  Defense attorneys and insurance companies in Detroit may attempt to evade liability by using the provocation defense and claiming that the victim provoked the dog to attack. Such situations include hitting the dog with a stick or pulling its tail. However, they must also demonstrate that the severity of the attack is proportional to the provocation.

• In Detroit, can dog bite victims recover compensation if they were on someone else’s property?

  Dog bite victims in Detroit may still recover compensation for their injuries even if they were on someone else’s property at the time of the attack, so long as they were an invitee or licensee and did not provoke the dog in any way. Trespassers who have suffered dog bites have significantly reduced chances of securing damages.

• How long do Detroit dog bite victims have to pursue legal action?

  As per Michigan’s statute of limitations, victims of dog bites in Detroit have at most up to three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. Following the incident, victims are advised to seek immediate medical attention. They must then report the incident to the Detroit Police Department and Detroit Animal Care and Control.