Detroit Dog Bite Lawyer

Detroit Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are largely pleasant, fun, enjoyable animals that are part of the family. Whether playing with them, taking them for rides in the car, or treating them with love and care, these best friends can bring companionship and happiness to their owners. Unfortunately, some dogs can get aggressive if they are provoked and even when they aren’t. They are, after all, animals who act on instinct. If you are bitten, a skilled Detroit dog bite lawyer can help seek compensation for your injury.

At Wigod & Falzon, our team of personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience you need when a human’s best friend becomes a dangerous threat. We understand that your injuries could prevent you from returning to work, require significant financial costs to recover, or could leave you with a new set of fears that need the support of a mental health professional. No matter what happens after you experience a dog bite, our team can help.

Michigan’s Dog Bite Laws

If you are attacked by a dog in the state of Michigan, that dog’s owner may be responsible for any damages that you suffer as a result of that bite. It doesn’t matter whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has never bitten anyone in its life. If you are bitten by a dog, the owner’s liability is determined by the circumstances surrounding the incident. Dog owners, however, have a responsibility to keep others safe from injury as a result of their pets.

If you are bitten, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a dog bite or a premises liability claim, is three years. This time begins from the date of your initial bite when your injuries would have occurred. To file a claim, you will need to gather evidence, consult with a lawyer, and determine the compensation you seek to recover. If you fail to file within the three-year window, you may lose the opportunity to file.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Attacks by a dog can be a frightening experience, particularly if it’s a large dog. Depending on the dog, your injury could be substantial. It is vital that you get medical attention quickly to prevent infection. Here are some important steps you can take in the event of a dog bite to make sure your bite is cleaned properly:

• Wash the wound. As soon as you are able to get away from the dog, wash your wound out with clean water and mild soap. Spend roughly five to ten minutes washing out the wound as thoroughly as you can.
• Slow the bleeding. If the wound is bleeding, you can slow it down with a clean cloth. Wrap it around the wound tightly to keep the bleeding at bay. It won’t look pretty, but it could effectively slow down the bleeding while you get to a doctor.
• Antibiotics. If you have any over-the-counter antibiotic ointment at home, such as bacitracin or hydrogen peroxide, you may want to apply a bit of it to your wound. Applying antibacterial ointment can help prevent infections from growing early and can contribute to the cleaning of the wound.
• See a doctor. Once you have cleaned the wound as well as can be expected, applied antibacterial cream, and wrapped the wound in a sterile bandage, you should go and see a doctor. If your wound is on your hand, arm, or leg, you may want to have somebody else drive you to the doctor just to be safe. Your doctor can provide you with a treatment plan, pain medication, and anything else you may need to heal.
• Follow the treatment plan. Whenever you are injured and a legal situation is imminent, you should follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. You may feel that a dog bite is no big deal, but you’ll heal eventually. This may be true, but when the time comes to seek compensation for your injury, the dog owner’s lawyer may be able to use the fact that you aren’t following your treatment plan as proof that you aren’t as badly injured as you claim.
• Consult a lawyer. Once you have a valid medical report from your doctor, you should consider reaching out to an experienced dog bite lawyer who can help you build a case against the dog owner and seek compensation for your injury.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

When you are attacked by a dog, the bite may not be the only injury you sustain, especially in the long run. Depending on the size of the dog, you may have suffered multiple injuries. Here are some of the different types of injuries that a dog bite can lead to:

• Punctures. One of the most common injuries you can receive from a dog attack is a puncture. This happens when the dog’s teeth break through the skin. While the wounds can be small depending on the size of the dog’s teeth and how hard its grip can be, the puncture can be quite deep. A deeper wound increases the risk of infection.
• Lacerations. A laceration is a deep cut or a tear in the skin. This can happen not just from a dog’s bite but from its sharp nails. A deep laceration can affect your muscles, bones, and nerves, as well as your various layers of skin. You will likely need stitches for injuries like this. Don’t try to close the wounds on your own, as you could cause severe infections.
• Rabies. Rabies is generally the worst-case scenario for the aftermath of a dog attack. If a dog is taken care of by its owner and up to date on its shots, there’s a good chance it won’t have rabies. It may be safe to assume that an irresponsible dog owner who lets their dog attack people may not be up to date on those shots. After a dog attack, go to an emergency room and inquire about emergency rabies treatments, just in case.
• Crushing. Large dogs can have significant jaw force that can crush your bones, muscles, and tendons, resulting in catastrophic injuries that can be difficult to heal from. Aggressive dogs can seriously injure people, particularly children, with their large, powerful bite.

These are just a few of the ways in which you could suffer an injury because of a dog bite. No matter the circumstances of your bite, once you have sought a medical professional, contact an attorney who can help you recover the costs associated with any treatments, lost wages due to time out of work, and any long-term care you may require in Detroit. Dog owners run the risk of their dog biting, but if it does, you shouldn’t be left paying the bill because of injuries from their pet.

FAQs

How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Michigan?

There is no limit to how much you can sue for a dog bite in Michigan. A settlement amount for a dog bite claim should reflect the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, any lost wages, pain and suffering, your future earning capacity, and ongoing medical needs such as physical therapy and surgery costs. You may even be able to receive punitive damages if the court deems it necessary.

How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Sue in Michigan?

You have three years to file a claim after a Michigan dog bite causes you injury. You have three years to develop your case, gather enough evidence, build a plan with a lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you are unable to file before three years are up, your case may be dismissed, and you won’t be able to seek damages anymore. Building a case can take time, so it is recommended that you move quickly.

Does Michigan Have a One Bite Rule for Dogs?

Michigan does not have a one bite rule for dogs. It doesn’t matter if the dog in question has never attacked anyone before. What matters is that it attacked someone this time. Michigan has very strict liability laws that hold dog owners responsible for any damages that their dogs cause. This is enforced even if it is the first time the dog has ever bitten someone. It applies to all breeds of dogs as well.

How Much Can You Receive from a Dog Bite Claim?

All dog bite situations are different, and the unique circumstances of your case will determine how much you may be able to recover. The amount you may receive in a settlement amount depends largely on the severity of your injuries, the dog owner’s liability, whether or not the case goes to trial, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills. An experienced dog bite lawyer can ensure your settlement amount is appropriate.

Hire Detroit Dog Bite Lawyers Team

Getting attacked by a dog can be a traumatic and horrifying experience, especially if the dog is large, aggressive, and not vaccinated. You may be dealing with severe injuries that are impacting your quality of life. Holding the dog owner accountable and seeking compensation could be a good way to start to seek closure for what happened to you.

The legal team at Wigod & Falzon understands how difficult it can be to seek compensation for a dog bite case. We can help you develop that case, gather the evidence you need, and make sure your interests are fully protected. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.