Dog Bites

St. Clair County Dog Bite Lawyers

Justice for Clients in Port Huron and Surrounding Areas

Many people are dog lovers, and we certainly understand the sentiment. We also understand that dog owners have a responsibility to the rest of the community to exercise responsible care for their canines. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may have the right to be compensated for your injuries and your trauma. Our lawyers can help you develop a case and work towards the goal of a fair settlement.

Rowling, Partipilo & Winston is located in Port Huron and has served clients in St. Clair County and throughout Southeast Michigan since 1974. Call (810) 676-9447 today.

Who Is Liable in a Dog Bite Case?

Michigan operates under strict liability laws, where dog owners are almost always held responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression in the past.

Strict liability means that a dog owner is automatically liable if their dog bites someone, as long as the victim was on public property or lawfully on private property (e.g., a guest or delivery worker). It is not necessary for the injured plaintiff to prove negligence on the part of the defendant, as is required in other personal injury cases.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can leave victims with a range of injuries, impacting their physical well-being and emotional health:

Physical Injuries

Dog bites often cause puncture wounds that can reach deep into the skin and tissues. These injuries may appear small on the surface but can damage muscles, tendons, or nerves. Lacerations, caused by tearing, are another common issue, often leaving visible scars. Larger dogs can also cause crushing injuries to bones and ligaments, especially in areas like the hands, arms, or legs.

Infection is often a significant risk. Dog bites introduce bacteria which can lead to disease. Rabies exposure is rare but still critical to address if the dog's vaccination status is unknown. Immediate medical attention, including antibiotics and wound cleaning, may be needed to minimize risks.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

The effects of an attack often extend beyond physical injuries. Victims, particularly children, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting in nightmares, anxiety, or a fear of dogs. This emotional toll can require counseling or therapy.

Both physical and emotional scars can take time to heal, and facilitating proper care is one part of a fair settlement.

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Building a Strong Dog Bite Case

The lawyers at Rowling, Partipilo & Winston know how to meticulously develop a case. The sooner you can get us involved, the better. There are several steps to evidence-gathering, and we can help you with most of them.

Here’s what you should do after a bite:

Go to the doctor: Obtaining medical care is not just about your health--it also generates official records that document the injury. Medical reports and bills offer solid proof of the extent of the harm caused by the bite.
Take photos: Photographs are a powerful form of evidence. Take clear pictures of your injury right after the attack, along with any torn clothing. Also, capture images of the location where the bite occurred, especially if unsafe conditions were a contributing factor.

Identify witnesses: If anyone saw the attack, collect their contact information. Statements from witnesses can corroborate your account and provide additional perspectives on what happened. We can follow up with the witnesses you give us.

Our team may be able to significantly bolster your case by guiding you through the process. We’ll help secure additional evidence, such as vet records or surveillance footage, and handle communications with insurance companies. Our team will ensure that you meet deadlines for filing claims, and we understand how to steer clear of common pitfalls that could weaken your case.

Experienced Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Case

Our attorneys have built a strong record of success over our decades of service, helping clients throughout St. Clair County and beyond recover millions of dollars in settlement damages. We do this by taking a confident and aggressive approach to negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company, and that confidence is backed up by thorough investigative preparation.

When you work with our team, you can count on communication. Our lawyers are personally and directly available. Call (810) 676-9447 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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Why Choose Rowling, Partipilo & Winston?

Justice for the Injured. Results You Can Trust.

Community-Focused Representation

We live and work in Southeastern Michigan, serving our neighbors with dedication and local expertise. We’re committed to keeping our community safer by holding negligent parties accountable.
Decades of Proven Results

Since 1974, Rowling, Partipilo, & Winston has been Michigan’s trusted personal injury firm, securing millions for victims and helping them rebuild with confidence.
Passion and Commitment in Every Case

At Rowling, Partipilo, & Winston, we handle our own cases—what you see is what you get. From consultation to courtroom, you work directly with the attorneys fighting for your rights.
More Than $10 Million Won

We don’t settle for less. With over $10 million won, we aggressively pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
Aggressive, Client-Focused Advocacy

We never represent insurance companies—our only focus is fighting for the injured. While insurers minimize payouts, we work harder to secure the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultations

A free, no-obligation consultation is the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Our Clients Are Saying What Our Clients Are Saying

Fighting for Justice Since 1974

"Thanks again!"
I am so happy I picked the right attorney! You and everyone there stuck by me and my grand-babies. Thank you for not giving up on us. I am so grateful to be able to put some money away for them from their mom… Thanks again!

- Former Client
"Cannot say enough good things!"
Attorney Nicole Winston helped my family so much after a drunk driver flipped our lives upside down. She went to bat against the Auto Insurance, the Disability Insurance and Social Security and won all three cases. We owe her so much!

- Former Client
"Thanks again for being an upstanding lawyer."
Thanks for having been so nice to my mom and me. You’re the only one that believed in her. Last night, I went out for a quiet birthday dinner and I wore the big bling ring that she bought in Florida, so she was with me. Today, I am going to the nursing home to plant a Potentilla for my mother. It’s a new color called Rosebud. I know that you worked really hard for us. Thanks again for being an upstanding lawyer.

- Former Client

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