Michigan residents trust that when they are on someone else’s property, they have a reasonable expectation of safety. The property owner has a responsibility to ensure that there aren't any avoidable dangers that could result in a premises liability lawsuit. Those dangers can include dog bites, which can not only cause someone injury, but potential complications and even -- in extreme cases -- death. A recent study by a national insurance provider ranked which states have the highest rates of dog bites, and Michigan came in sixth place.
Though several other states ranked higher, Michigan’s place in the list is still concerning. Last year, over 160 claims related to dog bites were made in Minnesota, which cost nearly $4 million. Overall, the insurance company which conducted the study paid over $100 million in dog bites cases nationwide. It would appear that many if not all of these incidents could be prevented, if appropriate steps were taken.
Dog experts encourage owners to learn what it means to be a responsible pet owner. They point out that any breed of dog is capable of biting a person, so avoiding certain breeds is not necessarily helpful. If owners take the time to learn the specifics of dog behavior, it can be easier to predict possible negative scenarios and avoid them.
The rate measured in 2013 here in Michigan has risen somewhat from what was found in 2012. If dog bite incidents continue to rise, it can have negative repercussions for victims, pet owners and even the dogs themselves. In the event that a person is bit by a dog on someone’s property, they may decide to file a premises liability claim against the owner. The property owner has a responsibility to ensure that those who are on the premises are safe.
Source: CBS Detroit, "Michigan Ranks In Top 10 States For Dog Bite Claims Again", , May 17, 2014
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