Have you been bitten by a dog in the Detroit metro area or elsewhere in Michigan? If so, you shouldn’t face the painful aftermath alone. A Dog attack lawyer in Detroit can help you pursue the money you need to pay for your medical and rehab bills, offset any wages you’ve lost because you were too hurt to work, and compensate you for the emotional trauma you’ve suffered.
The Michigan dog bite law firm of Atnip & Associates, PLLC, is ready to get to work on your claim today. We understand what you’re going through after a vicious animal attack and want to help you move on with your life. Contact us for a free consultation with a Detroit animal bite attorney, and get the benefit of our 85 years of combined legal experience today.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are a leading cause of preventable injury in the United States. A study published in the medical journal Heliyon found that dog bites result in over 330,000 emergency department visits annually, costing around $400 million. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture Wounds– These are often the most immediate and visible injuries from a dog bite. Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin. They can vary in depth and severity depending on the size of the dog and the force of the bite.
- Lacerations– Typically wider but shallower than puncture wounds, lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin, muscle, and sometimes deeper tissues.
- Bruising– Bruising occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. This can happen from the pressure and force exerted by a dog’s jaws as they clamp down.
- Infections– Dogs’ mouths contain a range of bacteria that can be transmitted when they bite, leading to infections. Common symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and oozing from the bite wound.
- Scarring– More severe wounds often result in the development of scar tissue as they heal. Scars might be physical reminders of the bite and can sometimes require surgical intervention to improve their appearance.
- Nerve Damage– In more severe cases, dog bites can cause nerve damage. This can result in a loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
- Emotional Trauma– Alongside physical injuries, dog bites can cause significant emotional distress, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in children.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Taking the right steps after a dog bite is crucial for your health and any potential legal action. Safeguard your health and your rights by doing as many of the following as possible:
- Document the Incident– Take photographs of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred. If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information. Documentation can be crucial in establishing what happened and who’s to blame.
- Report the Dog Bite– Report the incident to local authorities or animal control. This is important for your case and can also help prevent future incidents.
- Exchange Information with the Dog’s Owner– Get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information, as well as information about the dog’s vaccination history.
- Seek Medical Attention– Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to get medical attention quickly, as dog bites can lead to infections or more serious complications.
- Keep Records of the Aftermath– Maintain a file of all medical treatments and expenses related to the dog bite. This includes doctor’s visits, medication, and any other related expenses.
- Don’t Negotiate with the Dog Owner– While it might be tempting to resolve the matter privately, doing so could prevent you from getting the full compensation you deserve.
- Consult a Detroit animal injury lawyer –Discuss your case with a legal professional who is knowledgeable about dog bite cases. They can provide guidance on your rights and the next steps to take in pursuing compensation.
Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite?
Michigan law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone without provocation while that person is on public property or lawfully on private property. This includes the owner’s own property. In other words, if a pet dog bit you while you were in public or at the owner’s house at their express or implied invitation, and you did not harass or intimidate the dog, the dog’s owner is financially liable for your injuries. The law also specifies that carrying out state or federal governmental business, including the delivery of mail, is a lawful reason to be on private property.
Many states employ a “one-bite” rule, which requires the victim of a dog bite to prove that the owner should have known the dog was violent and taken added precautions, generally by establishing that the dog had bitten someone else in the past – the so-called “one bite.” Michigan does not follow this system. In fact, the law specifically states that owners are liable “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog.”
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
If someone else’s dog bit you, they could owe you compensation for your:
- Medical Expenses– This compensation can cover all medical costs associated with the dog bite, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, medications, and any future medical treatments or surgeries related to the injury.
- Lost Wages– If the injury resulted in time away from work, your claim can include money to offset the income you were unable to earn. This also extends to any potential loss of earning capacity due to the long-term effects of the injury.
- Pain and Suffering– This type of compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite. It can include money for psychological counseling and treatment for any trauma-related symptoms.
- Property Damage– You can also recover compensation for any personal property that was damaged during the incident, such as clothing or glasses.
Perhaps you’re hesitating to file a claim for compensation because you know the dog’s owner and don’t want to cause them financial hardship. Don’t worry – dog bites are typically covered by both homeowners or renters insurance policies. The compensation you receive would come not from the dog owner’s own bank account but from their insurance provider. That way, you can get the money you need without worrying about any awkwardness between you and a friend or family member.
Real Results for Michigan Dog Bite Victims
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” | | Michigan dog bite victim; details limited under confidentiality agreement. |
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” | | Details withheld pursuant to confidentiality agreement. |
How a Dog Attack Lawyer in Detroit Can Help
Don’t make the mistake of pursuing your dog bite claim alone. Instead, let a Detroit personal injury attorney with Atnip & Associates, PLLC, help. While you focus on healing, we can:
- Investigate the attack to establish that you were injured by the dog and did not provoke it to bite.
- Determine all available sources for compensation, including homeowners or renters insurance policies.
- Work with healthcare professionals and other experts to determine the cost of your injuries and the extent of your emotional suffering.
- File your claims on your behalf and negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters for maximum compensation.
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t pay you what it owes you.
What’s more, we’ll do all this without charging you any upfront fees. We understand that money is probably tight after an expensive injury, and we don’t want to add to your financial burdens. Instead, we’ll only collect a fee if and when we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Ready to seek compensation for a dog bite that wasn’t your fault? Then contact Atnip & Associates, PLLC, today for a free consultation with a dog bite injury lawyer in Detroit. We look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and finding out how we can help.
