If you’ve suffered a dog bite in Michigan, the steps you take immediately after the incident are often the most critical, both for your health and your ability to take legal action. Speaking with a Macomb County dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after a bite, explain the relevant Michigan state laws, and help you determine when it makes sense to contact an experienced dog bite injury attorney.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?
“I’ve seen some horrific dog bites, resulting in infection, scarring, and permanent disfigurement,” said David Femminineo, founder and personal injury attorney at Femminineo Law in Michigan. “If you were bitten, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, not only for health reasons, but to ensure your bite can be proven later on.”
For more context, watch David Femminineo explain Michigan dog bite attacks and what victims should understand.
The most important thing to do following a is to seek immediate medical attention. This ensures proper healing and prevents long term complications like infections such as rabies.
In addition to the obvious health reasons, immediate medical attention serves an equally important legal purpose. It helps establish a timeline of the incident and often serves as the first official documentation of your injury. This will be key evidence for your case down the line.
Document the Incident and Report the Bite
Beyond medical attention, it’s imperative to identify the owner of the dog that bit you. If you don’t know the owner of the dog or the address at which the dog is kept, then you don’t have a case. Try to get a picture of the dog that bit you and of the owner’s driver’s license.
In addition to the owner, make sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the bite occur. Quality witnesses (or lack thereof) can make or break your case.
If you haven’t taken any pictures of your injuries, now would be a great time to do so. These images are often key pieces of evidence in dog bite cases. It’s wise to continue to photograph your wounds throughout the duration of your recovery to show how your healing progresses.
Once an owner and witnesses are identified, injuries are documented, and medical attention is received, you should file a police report.
Police reports serve as official documentation of the incident. Additionally, if the dog that bit you has a history of biting other people, an official report helps ensure that it won’t happen again.
Some people may hesitate with this step because they’re concerned about what will happen to the dog. While each situation is different, reporting a dog bite to the police does not automatically mean the dog will be euthanized. Court-ordered safety measures (like quarantine, muzzling, and fence installation) are more likely outcomes for dogs with no prior history of aggression.
How Dog Bite Injuries Can Affect Your Health and Recovery
Dog bites are very serious injuries and aren’t anything to be taken lightly. In addition to the gruesome laceration wounds they can cause, they also pose severe long-term risks.
Infections such as Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, tetanus, MRSA, sepsis, and rabies are all possibilities following a dog bite—even a minor one. It’s critical to see a doctor in order to prevent such infections from developing.
Emotional and psychological distress are also real risks following dog bite injuries. Many victims face PTSD following being bitten, making it hard for them be around dogs in public or even in their own home. Beyond PTSD and heightened anxiety, depression and low self-esteem are common in victims dealing with scarring and permanent disfigurements.
Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Macomb County?
Receiving compensation for a dog bite is hard work. The slightest legal misstep can call your entire case into question.
To protect your rights and obtain maximum compensation, you want an experienced Macomb County dog bite attorney in your corner. They will be able to:
- Communicate with insurance
- Preserve evidence
- Coordinate medical treatment and documentation
- Ensure important court deadlines are met
These procedures are complicated and navigating them alone can be a major burden for someone already dealing with trauma from a dog bite. Having trusted legal guidance early can help prevent small issues from becoming major obstacles later in your case.
How Michigan Dog Bite Law Protects Victims
Michigan dog bite law is straightforward. Generally, dog owners are strictly liable for any bite that occurs, regardless of where it takes place.
Common defenses for owners include trespassing and provocation. These arguments are often used by insurance companies to try and get their clients off the hook.
It’s important to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer to better understand the relevant Michigan legislation and assess the strength of your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
According to David Femminineo, “The homeowners insurance company for the dog owner shall be responsible for any pain, suffering, fright, shock, embarrassment, humiliation, depression, anxiety, stress, as well as any disfigurement that may occur as a result of the dog bite.”
Furthermore, dog bite victims can receive compensation for lost wages, medical treatment, and also anticipated medical treatment that might arise down the line. An experienced dog bite attorney will be able to help explain exactly what your claim may be worth.
FAQs About Dog Bite Injuries
What should I do after a dog bite in Michigan?
Following a dog bite, you should seek medical attention immediately, thoroughly document your injuries, collect the contact information of the dog owner (and any witnesses), and file a police report. These steps help ensure your health and that your case holds up in court.
Do I need to report a dog bite?
Although not legally mandated, the practice is strongly recommended for insurance claim and public health purposes.
When should I contact a lawyer after a dog bite?
Contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible following a bite. They can help you understand your legal options and will ensure that evidence is properly preserved.
How serious are dog bite infections?
Dog bite infections are extremely serious. People often get infected if they’re bitten and some infections can be fatal. This is why receiving immediate medical attention is of the utmost importance.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer in Macomb County
If you were bitten by a dog and are considering legal action, consult with a Macomb County dog bite lawyer to better understand your next steps.
The experienced team of dog bite attorneys at Femminineo Law have handled cases ranging from mild puncture wounds to full-on vicious attacks. We’ll be able to assess your case and help you understand the types of compensation you might be entitled to.
Give us a call at 855-65-CRASH or schedule a free consultation today. We’ll treat your case with the care it deserves and ensure that not a single cent of compensation is left on the table.
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