One of the most shocking aspects of a dog attack is that they can sometimes happen without warning. An animal might seem calm in one moment, only to lunge toward you and begin biting. The suddenness of the attack can leave you panicked, and your attempts to fight back might lead to more severe injuries if someone else is unable to successfully intervene. In addition to the excruciating pain and possible disability they often cause, dog bites can lead to staggering medical bills and significant emotional distress.
If you have suffered dog bite injuries in Royal Oak, Michigan, the experienced animal and dog bites lawyers at Atnip & Associates, PLLC, can help you demand compensation for these and other losses. Our team has 85 years of combined experience fighting for victim rights and fair compensation in dog bite and other personal injury cases, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you. Call us today at (248) 599-1607 or contact us online for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Royal Oak, MI.
While most dogs across the country go their whole lives without causing any harm, serious dog bites occur more frequently than many people realize. Nationally, 337,000 people require emergency care treatment for dog bite injuries every year, costing at least $400 million. According to statistics from the United States Postal Service, Michigan is among the top 10 states where dog bites happen most often.
Many people are reluctant to file personal injury claims for their dog bites because the animal’s owner is someone they know. However, it is worth keeping in mind that, in most instances, the claim will be paid by the liable individual’s homeowners or renters’ insurance rather than coming out of their own bank account.
Regardless, remember that a significant aspect of dog owner responsibility is to keep their animals from harming others. You should not have to shoulder the burden of medical bills and lost income for a dog attack you did nothing to cause, and you have every right to work with a dog bite law firm to recover the compensation you deserve.
Depending on the circumstances, all dog breeds, from poodles to pitbulls, can potentially cause harm. However, any discussion of which types of dogs are most harmful to humans must begin with a significant distinction: the dog breeds that are most likely to show aggression are not necessarily the types of dogs that are most likely to cause severe injuries when they become aggressive. Research has shown that the most aggressive breeds, including dachshunds and chihuahuas, are also the smallest. However, while these animals might be the most likely to bite a human, they are unlikely to cause injuries requiring hospitalization.
On the other hand, when a larger dog breed attacks a person, the wounds can be severe and even fatal. The dog breeds that are responsible for the most serious injuries include the following:
These large breeds have powerful muscles, and their jaws can crush an adult’s bones or a child’s skull. When these animals attack, the aftermath can affect every aspect of a person’s physical, professional, and personal life.
Dog bites can cause an array of physical injuries, ranging from minor scratches and bruises to traumatic wounds requiring surgery and hospitalization.
In the most serious cases, dog bites can tear off fingers, ears, lips, scalp, and other exposed body parts. They can also cause life-threatening injuries such as organ damage, excessive blood loss, infection, and rabies. Prompt and appropriate medical treatment is critical for preventing further injury and permanent disability.
Michigan dog bite laws operate on a strict liability basis. This means that a dog’s owner can be liable for the results of a dog attack even if they had no prior indication that the animal was aggressive. As long as you did not provoke the dog into attacking you, you have a right to file a claim against the owner. This remains true whether the attack occurred on public property or while you were legally present on private property – even the owner’s property.
Those who provoked the dog or were trespassing on the owner’s property are less likely to receive compensation for a resulting attack. Speak to a member of our team to learn more about how Michigan’s animal and dog law might influence your compensation claim.
The compensation you receive for your injuries will depend on their severity, the medical costs they incur, and how much disruption they cause to your life.
| Case | Settlement | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” |
$325,000 |
Michigan dog bite victim; details limited under confidentiality agreement. |
|
“Confidential Dog Bite Case” |
$67,000 |
Details withheld pursuant to confidentiality agreement. |
Are you looking for dog bite victim support after an animal attack in Royal Oaks? If so, you deserve to work with a law firm that has extensive experience, a stellar track record, and a genuine concern for their clients. Atnip & Associates, PLLC, has an excellent success rate in dog bite cases. Our experienced attorneys will listen compassionately to your story and fight passionately for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (248) 599-1607 or contact us online to learn more about how our Royal Oak dog bite lawyers can provide the legal advocacy you need during this challenging time.
