A dog bite can be a traumatizing experience. Injuries can range from lacerations or puncture wounds to severe disfigurement and infection. And if the dog is unfamiliar to you or a stray, you may rightfully worry about whether it has rabies or other transmissible diseases.
If you’re asking yourself what you should do after an animal attack or dog bite, Christensen Law can help. Keep reading for advice from our Michigan dog bite attorneys.
Seek Medical Treatment for an Animal Bite as Soon as You Can
See a doctor immediately after a dog bite. If you sustained serious injuries, call 911 to summon paramedics to the scene of the attack. According to the Cleveland Clinic, infection is the top concern with dog bites or other animal attacks. At a minimum, seek treatment within eight hours. In addition to infection, you may have injuries like:
- Fractures or crushed bones
- Bruises, punctures, and lacerations
- Tendon injuries
- Nerve damage
Getting proper treatment could save your life or help reduce the severity of the harm. A doctor or other medical professional can map out a treatment plan and review your potential medical needs. Some injuries can worsen without treatment or may never heal fully if you do not follow your treatment plan.
It is also important because your medical records could be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue compensation later. The dog’s owner may try to claim that you are faking your injuries, or that they aren’t that serious. This can mean your claim for damages is reduced or denied altogether. Seeking help immediately means establishing a paper trail to support your case.
Identify the Dog and its Owner
If possible, locate the dog’s owner to get their contact information, including their name, address, and phone number. You should also request their homeowners’ insurance information, as some insurance policies include coverage for dog bites. This information can make it easier for us to establish liability for the attack.
Michigan follows a strict liability dog bite law, per Mich. Comp. Laws Ann § 287.351. This means that dog owners are held responsible for the dog attack, regardless of the dog’s previous history. Many owners will claim that they should not be held liable because their dog has never bitten anyone or shown signs of aggression, but the law is in favor of victims.
Contact the Local Animal Control to Report the Bite
Report the bite to your county or city’s local animal control agency. These agencies can provide valuable and information and services following an attack, so reach out to them as soon as you can. Below is a brief list of animal control offices near our offices:
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Police Department (in partnership with Humane Society of Huron Valley)
Humane Society of Huron Valley: (734) 662-5585
Non-Emergency Police Dispatch: (734) 994-2911
301 E. Huron Street, Second Floor
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Detroit
Call Center: (313) 922-DOGS (3647)
5700 Russell Street
Detroit Mi 48211
Grand Rapids
Report a Bite: (616) 632-7310
Kent County Sheriff’s Office: (616) 632-6100
701 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Southfield
Southfield’s Animal Warden (part of Southfield Police Department’s Patrol Division)
Animal Warden Office: (248) 796-5425
26000 Evergreen Road
Southfield, MI 48076
Make call the police department or sheriff’s office to report the incident if you have not already done. If the police respond to the scene and create a report, you can request a copy as evidence of your injuries. You should also call your local health department.
Even if you don’t think you need to make one or more of these reports, call anyway to create a paper trail and get information about your bite attack.
Gather Proof of the Attack
If you can, take pictures of the dog and the location of the attack. If anyone witnessed the incident, get their contact information and take notes on what they saw. You should also photograph your injuries and the condition of your clothing if it shows evidence of the bite.
This evidence can help establish an owner’s negligence, especially if the owner is trying to blame you for the accident. They may try to claim that you provoked the animal or were trespassing, and this is an attempt to deny you damages or reduce your award. A Michigan personal injury attorney can help you fight back against these tactics and use evidence to support your claims.
A lawyer can also collect evidence you might have trouble gathering on your own. They can obtain medical reports, police and animal control reports, footage and pictures from cameras near the site of the attack, and other forms of proof.
Find a Dog Bite Attorney ASAP After a Dog Bite
While some dog bite cases are straightforward, many can be complex. The owner may try to blame you for your injuries, or you may have a hard time trying to assess your damages. A dog bite lawyer in Michigan can take care of every legal task and make sure you have a case for damages.
Our team will make sure to accurately assess your current and future losses to ensure we seek the full amount of damages. Dog bites can have long-term repercussions, and we want to make sure we seek every penny you deserve. Our lawyers want to help secure your financial future so you can get the help and care you need.
Michigan dog bite lawsuits are time sensitive. If you need to file a lawsuit, you only have three years, per Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805. It can be overwhelming to manage your case, especially since the clock is already ticking. Our lawyers can help guide your case at this time, making sure you still have an opportunity to take legal action and managing deadlines and legal processes.
Let Our Animal Attack Attorneys Help You Now
If you were injured in an animal attack in Michigan, the dog bite lawyers at Christensen Law can help you pursue the financial relief you need to recover from your injuries and prepare for the future. Our premises liability attorneys will aggressively advocate for the money and peace of mind you deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
