A dog bite can be a sudden and frightening experience, leaving you with physical injuries and emotional distress. In the moments following an attack, it can be hard to think clearly. However, knowing what to do immediately after a dog bite in Michigan is crucial for protecting your health and preserving your legal rights. The steps you take can significantly impact your physical recovery and your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries. Speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer can also help you understand your options and ensure your rights are fully protected during the claims process.
Key Takeaways about What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
- Seeking prompt medical attention is the most important first step after any dog bite to prevent infection and address injuries.
- Documenting the incident involves gathering information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses, as well as taking photographs of the injuries and location.
- Reporting the bite to local animal control or police is a critical step for public safety and creating an official record of the event.
- Michigan dog laws hold dog owners accountable for bites, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
- Keeping detailed records of all related expenses, such as medical bills and lost income, is vital for a personal injury claim.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety First
Even if an injury seems minor, you should seek medical care right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the bacteria in a dog's mouth. Puncture wounds can be deeper than they appear, trapping bacteria beneath the skin.
Your top priority is your well-being. A medical professional can properly clean the wound, assess the need for stitches, and determine if a tetanus shot or rabies treatment is necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while rabies in domestic dogs is rare in the U.S., it is a serious concern that a doctor must evaluate.
Following a dog bite, it is a good idea to:
- Wash the wound: Gently clean the area with soap and warm water if possible.
- See a doctor: Visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room for a professional medical evaluation.
- Follow medical advice: Adhere to all instructions for wound care, medication, and follow-up appointments to support your recovery.
Taking these steps not only helps you heal but also creates an official medical record of your injuries, which is important evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
Documenting the Dog Bite Incident
Once you are in a safe place and have addressed your immediate medical needs, gathering information about the incident is the next step. Clear documentation helps establish the facts of what happened. If you are able, try to collect as much of the following information as possible.
- Owner’s Information: Get the name, address, and phone number of the dog’s owner.
- Witness Information: If anyone saw you getting attacked by a dog, ask for their name and contact information. Their account can be very helpful.
- Photographs: Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries before and after medical treatment. Also, take photos of the location where the bite occurred and, if it can be done safely, the dog involved.
- Written Notes: As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the incident. Include the date, time, location, and a description of the events leading up to the bite.
This collection of information provides a clear and detailed picture of the incident and the harm it caused.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Michigan
Reporting the bite to the proper authorities is an important step. It creates an official report that can be used as evidence and helps protect others in the community from a potentially dangerous animal. In Michigan, you should report the bite to your local animal control agency or the police department in the city or county where the incident happened.
When you file a report, an animal control officer will likely investigate. They may check the dog’s vaccination records and assess whether it poses a future threat to public safety. This official process adds a layer of credibility to your account of the events.
Understanding Michigan's Dog Bite Law
Michigan has a specific law that addresses injuries caused by dogs. It is important to have a basic understanding of how this law works, as it directly affects your right to compensation.
What is a "Strict Liability" Law?
Michigan's dog bite statute, found in Michigan Compiled Laws section 287.351, is what is known as a "strict liability" law.
Strict liability means that the dog's owner is held responsible for a bite, regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or if it had ever bitten someone before. You generally do not have to prove that the owner was careless or negligent.
There are a few key conditions for this law to apply:
- The person bitten must have been on public property or lawfully on private property (meaning they were not trespassing).
- The person must not have provoked the dog.
This law makes it clear that the responsibility for controlling a dog rests with its owner.
Keeping Track of Your Losses
A serious dog bite can lead to significant expenses and life disruptions. In a personal injury claim, the financial and non-financial losses you suffer are known as "damages." Keeping a careful record of these damages is essential for seeking fair compensation.
You should create a file to track all related costs, including:
- Medical Expenses: Keep copies of every bill from hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, and physical therapists.
- Lost Income: If you had to miss work to recover, document the days you missed and the wages you lost.
- Other Costs: Save receipts for any other related expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments or necessary medical supplies.
These records help demonstrate the financial impact the dog bite has had on your life.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite FAQs
What if the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member?
This is a common concern. Many people hesitate to file a claim in these situations. However, compensation is typically paid by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy, not directly from their personal finances. Filing a claim allows you to get compensation for your medical bills without creating a personal financial hardship for the owner.
Does the dog need to have a history of aggression for the owner to be responsible?
No. Under Michigan’s strict liability law, the owner is responsible for the bite even if the dog has never been aggressive or bitten anyone before. The dog’s history is not a factor in establishing the owner's liability.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, there is a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline. Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. It is always wise to consult with an attorney well before this deadline approaches.
What happens to the dog after a bite is reported?
After a report, animal control will investigate. The outcome depends on the circumstances, the severity of the bite, and the dog’s history. The dog may be required to be quarantined for a period (often at home) to check for signs of rabies. In severe cases or with repeat offenders, other measures may be taken.
Should I speak to the dog owner's insurance company on my own?
It is often best to be cautious when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Their goal is to resolve the claim for the lowest possible amount. They may ask for a recorded statement that could be used to diminish your claim later. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer before speaking with an insurer can help protect your rights.
A Michigan Injury Lawyer Can Help
The period following a dog bite can be painful and confusing. You may be facing mounting medical bills, time away from work, and the stress of recovery. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide the guidance and support you need.
At Michigan Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping people get their lives back. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we don't get paid unless you do. You can focus on healing while we handle the legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
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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