According to WebMD,¹ approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. It's hard to go a full day in any U.S. city without seeing several dogs — in cars, at parks, being walked, or even roaming off-leash. As a society, we love our pets, and the American Veterinary Medical Association notes that dogs are the most popular household pet in the country.
Unfortunately, when dog bites happen — especially to vulnerable individuals like young children or people with medical conditions — they can cause serious injuries. In such cases, speaking with a dog bite attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation.
Fortunately for victims, Michigan dog bite law2 generally holds dog owners liable for the injuries and other losses that their pets cause. To determine whether you have a claim, you should contact an experienced Michigan dog bite attorney immediately.
Dog bites can cause a variety of serious injuries
Dogs have tremendously powerful jaws and teeth that are designed to tear flesh and break bones. While these tools helped dogs and their ancestors survive and flourish before domestication, they now are the main source of dog owner liability. When a dog bites a person anywhere on his or her body, serious injuries can result. Some of the more common injuries that dog bite victims sustain are listed below.
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Muscle tears
- PTSD
- Bruises
- Crush injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dislocations
- Abrasions
- Punctures
- Scars
- Infections
- Sprains
- Tissue loss
It is extremely important for dog bite victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a bite incident occurs. Seeking medical attention from a licensed professional will accomplish two important tasks – identifying and treating your injuries, and generating an official record describing the nature and extent of your injuries. This record can be extremely important when it comes to determining the value of your dog bite claim. According to the Insurance Information Institute,3 dog bite claims accounted for more than one-third of homeowners insurance payouts, and the average amount paid out was $32,072 in 2014.
Once victims are sure that their injuries are stabilized, victims should contact a personal injury lawyer. It is important to be aware that personal injury claims in Michigan are subject to a statute of limitations,4 meaning any delay could jeopardize your ability to recover.
Contact a Michigan dog bite lawyer today to schedule a free consultation
Dog bites can leave victims with serious physical injuries and a fear of dogs that could significantly impact their day-to-day lives. In many cases, Michigan law allows people who are injured by dogs to recover compensation for their losses, including their medical expenses, lost income, emotional trauma, and rehabilitative treatment. Since 2009, the attorneys of Stroble Law have been helping individuals injured by the careless of others recover for their losses. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at 888-454-0801.
References:
1 http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-bites
2 http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28lts2oyoruwl5mmyw4kih3jv1%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-287-351
3 http://www.iii.org/issue-update/dog-bite-liability
4 http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28c3fcamptcszpdlrfujwj3w23%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-600-5805
Thomas L. Stroble
FOUNDER
Mr. Stroble is a highly accomplished graduate of Michigan State University, with degrees in both science and law. He specializes in commercial lawsuits and personal injury cases. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and even the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s a well-qualified legal expert. Besides his career in law, he loves outdoor activities and volunteers as a part-time police officer in Birmingham.
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