Dogs may be man’s best friend, but even the most loveable pup can turn ferocious without warning. Every year, hundreds of people are injured in animal attacks in Michigan with many victims suffering serious injuries such as internal bleeding, permanent disfigurement, and scarring.
However, few—if any of us—are prepared for what to do after suffering a dog bite. The steps you take immediately after an attack could have a major influence on your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. As such, you should take a deep breath, assess your options, and follow the tips listed here:
1. Seek Medical Treatment
A dog’s teeth can tear through skin, tissue, and muscle, potentially severing arteries and veins, and causing severe damage to vital organs. As such, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid potentially fatal health complications down the line. However, visiting the doctor is about more than just your well-being. If you’re planning to seek compensation for your injuries, you will need access to up-to-date medical records to prove your damages and tie your wounds to the animal attack in question.
2. Contact Animal Control
Reporting the incident to animal control will likely prompt an investigation into the attack. Not only will this ensure that you have documented proof of the incident, but it may also help give you insight into whether the dog has bitten anyone else in the past. Animal control can also help verify whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations such as rabies.
3. Document Your Injuries
Taking photographs of your injuries can help demonstrate the severity of your wounds. Without these images, opposing parties may have an easier time disputing the extent of your condition. Ultimately, pictures provide context for your medical records.
4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Deviating from your treatment plan could cause your condition to worsen, potentially leading to additional health complications and unnecessary medical costs. As such, you should always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
5. Speak to an Animal Attack Lawyer
While you could proceed with your personal injury claim on your own, a dog bite attorney can help guide you through the days ahead. During the initial consultation, he or she can answer your questions, assess the evidence you’ve gathered, and discuss your options for seeking compensation. An attorney can also represent you throughout proceedings, overseeing all correspondence with the insurance company and other opposing parties.
Discuss Your Personal Injury Case with a Dog Bite Attorney in Detroit
An animal attack is almost always a harrowing experience, and many victims suffer serious injuries that cost thousands of dollars to treat. If you were bitten by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages by filing a personal injury claim.
At the Seva Law Firm, we’ve represented personal injury victims throughout Michigan, helping our clients secure more than $100,000,000 in settlements and verdicts. To schedule a free consultation, reach out to us today at (248) 385-5704 or by visiting our Online Contact Page.
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