Dog Bites

Dog Bites Can Cause Much More than Cuts and Bruises

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates1 that about four and one-half million people are injured by dog bites every year. Generally speaking, dog bites are associated with injuries like cuts, scratches, bruises, or others that often result from contact with an animal’s teeth. While it is certainly true that many dog bites result in these kinds of injuries, they can also result in others, many of which may come as a surprise to people unfamiliar with dog bite law. Some of the more common are discussed below.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD2 is a … Read More

Michigan Dog Bites Can Cause Serious Complications

It is nearly impossible to leave your home or office in Michigan without encountering a dog or two. According to statistics¹ published by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), more than 43 million households owned dogs in 2012. For dog lovers, this statistic should come as no surprise. Dogs can be excellent companions and even perform vital functions for people who have limited mobility or other disabilities. Unfortunately, dogs are also capable of causing serious injury when they attack. They are natural carnivores with extremely powerful jaws that can easily rip and tear through flesh and bone. As a … Read More

What Types of Injuries are Commonly Caused by Dog Bites?

According to WebMD,¹ approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. It would be difficult to go an entire day in a United States city without seeing several dogs in cars, being walked, in parks, or even roaming off-leash. As a society, we love our dogs, and the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that dogs are the most popular pet in the country, as measured by of household ownership. Unfortunately, dogs are capable of causing serious injury when they bite humans, especially when they bite already vulnerable individuals such as the very young or people with … Read More

What Emotional Issues Can Result From a Dog Bite?

In Michigan, the law¹ gives dog bite victims the legal right to hold dog owners strictly liable for any injuries they suffered. Injuries from dog bites can include severe puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, and more. Many victims require reconstructive surgery to repair the damage from a dog bite and some are left with permanent, highly visible scars.

Though the physical injuries from dog bites can be serious, attention should also be paid to the emotional effects of a dog attack. These emotional effects can cause long-lasting challenges and can require significant treatment for victims to return back to … Read More