Michigan Personal Injury Attorney Represents Victims of Dog Bites

Accomplished Grand Rapids firm looks to hold pet owners accountable

If you've required medical treatment following a dog bite from someone else's pet, The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC will pursue full compensation from the person responsible for the animal. Located in Grand Rapids, my firm has delivered strong representation to Michigan clients since 1991. Some dog bites cause lasting physical and psychological injuries and a pet owner's failure to realize that their animal posed a threat is not a legal excuse. As an experienced Grand Rapids personal injury attorney, I press to secure justice for the victims of dog attacks and to hold liable individuals accountable.

Experienced advocate details the laws pertaining to animal attack cases

I know how harmful a dog bite can be, which is why I battle on behalf of Western Michigan residents who've been hurt in these incidents. From the very start, my firm provides knowledgeable counsel on:

  • Legal standards — Dog bite cases are reviewed using the strict liability standards, which means that the person who owns the dog must pay damages even if the animal had never previously displayed aggression toward a person. Depending on the severity of the injury and whether the dog was previously held to be a dangerous animal, there might also be a criminal prosecution. In pet attacks that don't involve biting, such when a large dog knocks a victim down, negligence on the owner's part must be shown.
  • Potential defenses — Michigan's dog bite statute does provide a couple of potential defenses that pet owners and their lawyers might use to evade legal responsibility. Someone who is trespassing on another's private property cannot succeed in a claim based on a bite from the property owner's dog. Likewise, if it is shown that the person who was bitten provoked the animal, damages cannot be recovered. My firm knows the tactics that are used to try to defeat worthy lawsuits and fights back vigorously against misleading and false defenses.
  • Common injuries — Depending on the particular nature of the incident, a dog bite might result in cuts, an infection, sprains and even broken bones. Regardless of the particular harm, my experience as a Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer helps clients understand the recovery they should be entitled to through a verdict or settlement.

State law gives dog bite victims three years from the date of the incident to initiate a lawsuit, but evidence and witnesses become harder to locate as time passes. Once you retain my firm, I will work quickly to secure reimbursement for medical bills, lost income and the pain and suffering you endured.

What to do if you've been injured by a dog bite

The moments after a harmful dog bite might be chaotic. Even if the animal is under control, you could be dealing with an angry owner and severe physical pain. Whether you were bitten by a pit bull, mutt, Rottweiler or even a pet from a breed not known for aggression, your first priority should be getting the medical attention you need. If you are out of danger, you can begin to gather information by taking photos of the scene, getting the names of witnesses and obtaining details on whether or not the dog is inoculated against rabies. There's no need to try to argue your case with the animal's owner, but if he or she claims that dog was trying to protect its home or felt threatened, you might want to note that.

Contact a tenacious Michigan attorney for a free consultation about a dog bite claim  

The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC works to obtain compensation for Western Michigan dog bite victims. If you or a loved one has been hurt by someone else's pet, please call 616-717-1334 or contact me online to make an appointment for a free consultation. My office is located in Grand Rapids. 

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  • Grand Rapids Office

    Address

    1971 E. Beltline Avenue NE,
    Suite 106,
    Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525

    Phone

    616-717-1334

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    5.0/5.0

    Allen Helped my case by extending my situation that was pending with the prosecutor for more time allowing myself to get what was needed for a really good deal with the prosecutor vs what would have happen with a traffic violation if it was...
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    Mr. Fiorletta was extremely helpful, considerate, caring, and respectful of my feelings and decisions during my divorce. I dont know what i would have done without Mr. Fiorlettas guidance and knowledge. Thank you so much Mr. Fiorletta for g...
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    I am an Attorney licensed in other states. I needed an Attorney to represent my son in Michigan. Mr. Fiorletta accepted my son's case. He did an amazing job. He even spoke to me about the case late on a Saturday evening. I was very impresse...
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    Got a ticket as a CDL Driver was worried about it. After talking to him he put me at ease, handle the case ticket was voided. So worth the money and time to get it done plus he responded on my calls right away and if we missed each he left ...
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    Working with Allen and the team has just been a flawless endeavor and that’s due to the utmost professionalism and experience in the field. I will never use nor recommend another lawyer in my lifetime as Allen and the team only settle for o...
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