Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to everyone out there. I sincerely hope that you and yours had a good 2014 and that 2015 will be even better. With many of us home for the holidays, there is a lot of parties, guests over, and people we haven’t seen in a long time...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to everyone out there. I sincerely hope that you and yours had a good 2014 and that 2015 will be even better. With many of us home for the holidays, there is a lot of parties, guests over, and people we haven’t seen in a long time around. For those of us with animals in the house, these events can lead to unexpected incidents. Today we will be discussing what happens if you are bitten by a dog, or if you have a dog and it bites someone else.Dog bite cases are some of the easiest cases for a lawyer to try. Why? Because under the law you don’t have to prove that anybody did anything wrong. In almost every other type of case that lawyers handle you have to prove that someone did something wrong. Not in a dog bite case. Michigan has what lawyers call “strict liability”. Strict liability means that under almost any circumstances, if your dog bites someone you are responsible for the injuries, regardless of who is at fault.It didn’t use to be this way. Back in the day, to win in a dog bite case (or other animal case) you had to show that the dog owner did something wrong. Normally, this meant that you had to show that the dog owner knew that his or her dog had vicious tendencies, or was likely to attack, and owner didn’t stop it. This was a pretty hard standard to prove. You usually had to show that the dog had been vicious in the past or that it had bitten someone else.This changed when the Michigan legislature passed a law that specifically governs dog bite cases. Under the law, an owner is always responsible for the damage that a dog does except in two main circumstances. The first exception is if the dog was provoked. This would mean that someone was taunting the dog, poking it with a stick, or something like that. The second exception is that the dog bit someone who was trespassing. An examples is if a person jumped over your fence to grab a ball that had fallen on your side of the fence and the dog bit them. In such a situation, the dog owner is generally not responsible. We’ve seen several pretty horrible dog bite cases over the years. For example in one case, a young girl was mauled in the face by her grandmother’s dog which literally tore the braces out of her mouth and left her permanent scarred and disfigured. I litigated that case on the girl’s behalf and obtained a substantial recovery.
GET INSURANCE!
In my experience, homeowners’ insurance always covers dog bite cases. If you own a home and have an animal and don’t have insurance, it could be a serious problem if the animal bites someone. A good friend of mine consulted with me on a case where his parents ran a hotel up north. His parents had a dog who was getting older and had been getting a little more testy. One day, the dog bit a guest and my friend’s parents were sued. His parents didn’t have any insurance so they ended up having to pay $75,000.00 out‑of-pocket to settle the case. You definitely don’t want this to happen to you. Even if you don’t own a home, and you have a pet, you should carry some kind of renters’ insurance that will cover you in case something happens. Most of us would say “hey, not my dog, it would never bite somebody”. But animals can act unpredictably. I have another good friend who had a wonderful and very gentle dog. I knew this dog my whole life and it had never hurt a soul. The dog developed a brain tumor, which unbeknownst to its owners, grew in the dog’s brain. The brain tumor caused the dog to lash out one day and maul someone.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE BIT BY AN ANIMAL?
If you’re bitten by an animal the first thing is to get medical attention and make sure that you are safe. The second thing to do is contact a lawyer. In most circumstances, you are entitled under the law automatically to certain benefits. The medical bills, loss of work, and other damages can add up.My own brother was mauled by a dog when we were younger and had a large portion of his nose bitten off. It required operations and a large amount of medical bills. The dog was owned by a family friend, so my brother never did anything about it. I didn’t know anything about dog bites back then. Had that happened today, I would tell him the first thing he needs to do is contact an attorney, because his friend’s homeowners’ insurance would have covered all of his medical bills and other issues. His friend’s family probably wouldn’t have had to pay a penny. That’s what they have insurance for, to cover these unforeseen and unfortunate occurrences.Be sure to take pictures of the injury and keep all documentation. You may need this later. Also, don’t make any statements to the insurance company before talking to your lawyer.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR DOG ATTACKS SOMEONE ELSE?
If you’re in the unfortunate situation where your dog or animal attacks someone else, make sure that they get medical attention immediately and are in a safe environment away from the animal. After that person is safe you should immediately contact your insurance company and file a report letting them know what happened and the circumstances surrounding it. Your own insurance company will take over from there and handle the claim on your behalf. If a lawsuit is filed against you, your insurance company will give you an attorney and will work to resolve the claim on your behalf.Dog bite cases are pretty routine and they happen more than one might think. If you or someone that you know has been injured by a dog or other animal, feel free to contact me for a free consultation
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Big shoutout to the Marko Law squad. Gasper was an absolute assassin in the best possible way, and trust me, that's a high compliment coming from me. John Eads and Gasper tag-teamed those negotiations like champs. I'll be sending clients your way for the foreseeable future.
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
I've been working with attorney Michael Jones for two years and couldn't have asked for a more dedicated attorney. He has never given up on my case and continues to fight hard to make sure justice is served. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer who will stand by you.
Michael Jones and his team have been nothing but kind, courteous and very knowledgeable on any question I have had. They always answer my questions and walk me through the process. I would recommend Marko Law and Michael to anyone who needs an outstanding law firm.
From intake through the entire process, Michael Jones and his team have been doing an excellent job representing me. Their timely responses have given me true faith in their ability. I truly feel I could not be better represented anywhere else. Thank you, Michael and Dae!
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
I wanted to offer some positive feedback regarding Melody, who answers the phone. I found her to be very polite, cheerful and empathetic. She went above and beyond to make sure I could talk directly to the person who could best help me, and my issue was successfully resolved.
Marko Law is excellent! My case was handled very well. I appreciate the time Alex Kay spent to ensure I received the maximum payout, and his paralegal Tracey was great too. I recommend Alex Kay and Marko Law to everyone who needs a tried and trusted law firm!
Working with Marko Law Firm has been a superb experience! Alex Kay has done a phenomenal job handling my case, and his expertise has made a stressful situation feel much less daunting. He's been nothing but attentive and informative throughout the process.
Ariel Kellersohn is the best in the business. If you want a lawyer who dedicates herself to your case, you have found the right place. She upholds the highest standards of professionalism and is also very personable and easy to talk to. 10/10, if I could leave more than 5 stars I would!
Having Marko Law handle my case was the best decision I made. Alex Kay was excellent; he understood what I have been through and fought for me every step of the way. His dedication guided my case to a successful settlement. I would recommend them for any legal support you need.
What a fantastic experience I had working with the firm. You made me feel like you cared about me and not about making money. The communication was amazing, and you kept me informed on all aspects of my case. I would 100% recommend you and your firm.
They fight for the little guy. The process is generally hard, very hard, and mentally exhausting, but Marko and his phenomenal attorney Cait bring a lot of ease in that process. And WIN! Cait is straight up, honest of the risks and potential outcomes and such and fighter.
Great hard working firm that fights hard for their clients. Jon and his team are knowledgeable, dedicated and great people all around. Their results speak for themselves! Hire Marko!
John Marko handled my son's case wonderfully. He worked for us for 6 years to get my son the best settlement outcome. I highly recommend Marko Law.
I've been working here for three years and I can honestly say Jon Marko is a very passionate attorney with whom I'd trust a case with. He is honest, hard working and one of the smartest men I know. Wish I could give more than five stars!
Ernst and Marko is a firm that fights for the people. I have known Jon Marko for ten years and worked with him in civil litigation and an excessive force case. He is an aggressive and tireless advocate who fights for his clients to get them justice.
Marko Law exemplifies professionalism and diligence even in the most laborious cases. You truly feel protected and secure when handing Marko Law your vulnerability. They will always fight to protect your rights.
He was my attorney and couldn't of asked for a more aggressive and down to earth eager ATTORNEY! If you want a lawyer that will WIN then Jon Marko is the Man to call! I highly recommend him and we spoke whenever needed! Thank you again MARKO u were awesome:)
Thank you Jonathan Marko! You took my case and never let me down from day one! I recommend Marko Law; you will not regret it! Jonathan Marko is the most amazing Lawyer ever! The law firm is honest, fair, consistent, hard working and very nice! Thank you again!
Attorney Jon Marko is one of the finest attorneys I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His experience and calm courtroom demeanor leaves him unmatched, and makes him a truly aggressive advocate for his clients.
Marko Law is a breath of fresh air. They're responsive, they care and they get the job done. They have great communication which means you never feel out of the loop. Most of all they work hard until they get the outcome necessary. Love Marko and his team!
The Ernst and Marko Law firm has an amazing group of attorneys and staff that will make sure they give each and every client the personalized legal advice they need! They will fight for their clients to make justice is served! I highly recommend this firm!
I've know Jon Marko for years and he is simply the best. He has helped friends and family through tough times and I would trust him with any legal issue, considering that everyone I know that has hired him has had extremely favorable outcomes.
Jon Marko represented me in a lawsuit. He is extremely smart, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I'm an attorney myself so I understand what is required of an exceptional attorney. You will not be disappointed if you hire him and his firm to represent you!
The world needs more protectors like Jon Marko from police brutality. He was kind, generous, and reassuring when I spoke to him. Thank you for being a defender of the every man because it's the right thing to do.
Big shoutout to the Marko Law squad. Gasper was an absolute assassin in the best possible way, and trust me, that's a high compliment coming from me. John Eads and Gasper tag-teamed those negotiations like champs. I'll be sending clients your way for the foreseeable future.
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
I've been working with attorney Michael Jones for two years and couldn't have asked for a more dedicated attorney. He has never given up on my case and continues to fight hard to make sure justice is served. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer who will stand by you.
Michael Jones and his team have been nothing but kind, courteous and very knowledgeable on any question I have had. They always answer my questions and walk me through the process. I would recommend Marko Law and Michael to anyone who needs an outstanding law firm.
From intake through the entire process, Michael Jones and his team have been doing an excellent job representing me. Their timely responses have given me true faith in their ability. I truly feel I could not be better represented anywhere else. Thank you, Michael and Dae!
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
I wanted to offer some positive feedback regarding Melody, who answers the phone. I found her to be very polite, cheerful and empathetic. She went above and beyond to make sure I could talk directly to the person who could best help me, and my issue was successfully resolved.
Marko Law is excellent! My case was handled very well. I appreciate the time Alex Kay spent to ensure I received the maximum payout, and his paralegal Tracey was great too. I recommend Alex Kay and Marko Law to everyone who needs a tried and trusted law firm!
Working with Marko Law Firm has been a superb experience! Alex Kay has done a phenomenal job handling my case, and his expertise has made a stressful situation feel much less daunting. He's been nothing but attentive and informative throughout the process.
Ariel Kellersohn is the best in the business. If you want a lawyer who dedicates herself to your case, you have found the right place. She upholds the highest standards of professionalism and is also very personable and easy to talk to. 10/10, if I could leave more than 5 stars I would!
Having Marko Law handle my case was the best decision I made. Alex Kay was excellent; he understood what I have been through and fought for me every step of the way. His dedication guided my case to a successful settlement. I would recommend them for any legal support you need.
What a fantastic experience I had working with the firm. You made me feel like you cared about me and not about making money. The communication was amazing, and you kept me informed on all aspects of my case. I would 100% recommend you and your firm.
They fight for the little guy. The process is generally hard, very hard, and mentally exhausting, but Marko and his phenomenal attorney Cait bring a lot of ease in that process. And WIN! Cait is straight up, honest of the risks and potential outcomes and such and fighter.
Great hard working firm that fights hard for their clients. Jon and his team are knowledgeable, dedicated and great people all around. Their results speak for themselves! Hire Marko!
John Marko handled my son's case wonderfully. He worked for us for 6 years to get my son the best settlement outcome. I highly recommend Marko Law.
I've been working here for three years and I can honestly say Jon Marko is a very passionate attorney with whom I'd trust a case with. He is honest, hard working and one of the smartest men I know. Wish I could give more than five stars!
Ernst and Marko is a firm that fights for the people. I have known Jon Marko for ten years and worked with him in civil litigation and an excessive force case. He is an aggressive and tireless advocate who fights for his clients to get them justice.
Marko Law exemplifies professionalism and diligence even in the most laborious cases. You truly feel protected and secure when handing Marko Law your vulnerability. They will always fight to protect your rights.
He was my attorney and couldn't of asked for a more aggressive and down to earth eager ATTORNEY! If you want a lawyer that will WIN then Jon Marko is the Man to call! I highly recommend him and we spoke whenever needed! Thank you again MARKO u were awesome:)
Thank you Jonathan Marko! You took my case and never let me down from day one! I recommend Marko Law; you will not regret it! Jonathan Marko is the most amazing Lawyer ever! The law firm is honest, fair, consistent, hard working and very nice! Thank you again!
Attorney Jon Marko is one of the finest attorneys I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His experience and calm courtroom demeanor leaves him unmatched, and makes him a truly aggressive advocate for his clients.
Marko Law is a breath of fresh air. They're responsive, they care and they get the job done. They have great communication which means you never feel out of the loop. Most of all they work hard until they get the outcome necessary. Love Marko and his team!
The Ernst and Marko Law firm has an amazing group of attorneys and staff that will make sure they give each and every client the personalized legal advice they need! They will fight for their clients to make justice is served! I highly recommend this firm!
I've know Jon Marko for years and he is simply the best. He has helped friends and family through tough times and I would trust him with any legal issue, considering that everyone I know that has hired him has had extremely favorable outcomes.
Jon Marko represented me in a lawsuit. He is extremely smart, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I'm an attorney myself so I understand what is required of an exceptional attorney. You will not be disappointed if you hire him and his firm to represent you!
The world needs more protectors like Jon Marko from police brutality. He was kind, generous, and reassuring when I spoke to him. Thank you for being a defender of the every man because it's the right thing to do.
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