A dog’s teeth can tear through tissue and muscle, break bones, and even damage vital organs. As such, victims of animal attacks rarely survive unscathed. Even minor wounds can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and other long-term health complications.
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries by filing a claim against the animal’s owner. However, as this is likely the first time you were the victim of an animal attack, you may be wondering how to proceed with your claim.
In Michigan, dog owners are held liable for any injuries caused by their animal regardless of whether they knew their dog was likely to bite someone or not. As such, a dog’s owner cannot argue that they are exempt from blame because there were no signs that their animal was dangerous. Additionally, you will not have to gather evidence to show that the owner was negligent to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
In this article, we look at the steps you should take after an animal attack and explain how a dog bite attorney might be able to assist you with filing your claim:
Identify the Dog’s Owner
After an animal attack, it’s crucial that you take steps to identify the dog’s owner and take down their contact information. If the dog that attacked you was running loose, eyewitnesses may be able to help you track down who the animal belongs to.
Visit the Doctor
Without treatment, dog bites can become infected, leading to potentially life-threatening health complications. As such, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after an animal attack.
Not only can a doctor treat your wounds and help determine if you require additional healthcare interventions, but he or she will usually create detailed medical records documenting your injuries and other aspects of your recovery. These records can help you prove damages, tie your injuries to the attack, and play a crucial role in building a case for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Speak to an Animal Attack Lawyer
After a dog bite, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party/parties. An animal attack attorney can help you get the ball rolling on your case by investigating the incident, gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages, and building your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Attorney in Detroit
If you were attacked by a dog, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the animal’s owner to recover compensation for your losses. At Seva Law Firm, our legal team can help investigate the attack, gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim, and assist with other aspects of your case. To schedule a free consultation with a Detroit personal injury attorney, contact us today at (248) 385-5704 or tap through to our online contact form HERE.