How To Prove Negligence In Oakland County Dog Bite Cases: Insights From A Dog Bite Lawyer

A peaceful stroll through an Oakland County park, perhaps along the tranquil trails of Heritage Park in Farmington Hills or the picturesque paths of Stony Creek Metro park, can unexpectedly turn into a harrowing ordeal. One moment you’re soaking in the beauty of nature, and the next, you’re grappling with the terrifying aftermath of a dog attack.

These incidents aren’t just physically painful; they bring an emotional toll and mounting medical expenses that can feel impossible to face alone.

The questions flood in: Who bears responsibility for what just happened? How will you manage the financial strain of your recovery? In Michigan, dog owners can be held liable, but proving negligence, particularly in more complex cases, can be challenging. You don’t have to navigate the legal maze alone.

As someone who grew up in Michigan, Attorney Matthew Bedikian has always rooted for the underdog. His passionate approach is what inspired him to establish Michigan Advocacy Center, PLLC to help those who might otherwise be overlooked fight for the justice they deserve. Focusing on personal injury law, Matthew Bedikian offers dedicated support to victims throughout Oakland County, ensuring they have the representation necessary to rebuild their lives.

Understanding Michigan’s Dog Bite Laws

Michigan law takes dog bites seriously. The state has a "strict liability" statute, which holds dog owners automatically responsible if their dog bites someone unprovoked while the victim is lawfully on public or private property. Under this rule, it doesn’t matter if the owner had no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggression or made efforts to prevent such behavior.

That said, not every situation involving a dog-related injury falls squarely under strict liability. For instance:

• What if you sustained an injury because a dog knocked you over but did not bite?
• What happens if the person responsible for controlling the dog wasn’t the owner?

In these cases, proving negligence may be your best, or only option.

When Do You Need To Prove Negligence?

Negligence claims can be pivotal in specific scenarios where strict liability does not apply:

• Non-Bite Injuries: If a dog caused harm by jumping on you, scratching you, or knocking you down.
• Landlord Awareness: When a landlord knew of a tenant’s dangerous dog but failed to address the risk to others.
• One-Bite Rule Exception: If the owner claims you provoked the dog, you can argue negligence by demonstrating the owner was aware of the dog’s history of aggression.

To prove negligence, you must show that the owner or handler failed to exercise reasonable care and that this failure directly caused your injury.