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Michigan Child Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Funny And Cute Puppy Plays And Bites The Child's Leg

Dog bites can cause serious injuries in children, and in some cases, they can be fatal. In the United States, a 2020 study found that most dog bites take place in the summer. Children between the ages of 1 and 10 were three times more likely to suffer injuries than those over 11.

Dog bite cases, if not fatal, can often result in expensive medical bills and long-term rehabilitation. If your child sustained injuries after a dog bite attack, the dog bite attorneys can discuss your legal options and pursue compensation for your child.

How Kids Can Get Bitten by Dogs

4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and thousands of kids are injured by these dog bites. While most dogs are gentle and playful, any dog can bite if it feels threatened or scared. Kids are especially at risk because they often don’t understand how to act around dogs. They may move too quickly or make loud noises that startle the animal. As a result, it’s important for parents to teach their kids how to safely interact with dogs. Here are some tips:

  • Let the dog sniff you before you try to pet it.
  • Approach the dog slowly and calmly.
  • Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
  • If the dog seems scared or aggressive, back away slowly and give it space.

What to Do if Your Child Is Bitten?

If you child has been the victim of a dog bite attack, it is important to take action in order to protect your legal rights. The first step is to seek medical attention and then report the incident to the local animal control authority. They will investigate the bite and may decide to take legal action against the owner.

If you decide to sue, you will need to provide evidence that the bite caused you and your child harm. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Types of Injuries From a Dog Bite

When a dog bites, its teeth can cause serious injuries:

Lacerations

Most common type of injury is a cut or laceration. This can result in bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

Muscular Damage

Muscular damage can occur when the dog’s teeth ruptures blood vessels and tear muscles.

Nerve Damage

The teeth can compress or sever nerves.

Broken Bones

A young child could easily have a bone broken by an aggressive assault by a dog.

Infection

Infection is a risk with any kind of wound, and a dog bite can introduce bacteria into the body through the broken skin.

Fortunately, most dog bites can be effectively treated by cleansing the wound and following up with a course of antibiotics. However, some bites may require surgical intervention.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite?

Under Michigan law, a dog owner is strictly liable for any damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

This means that if your child has been bitten by a dog, the owner is responsible for paying for your medical bills, pay losses, and other damages. Michigan law also imposes liability on landlords and other property owners who knew or should have known that a dangerous dog was present on their property.

Provocation Defense

Provocation is only a valid defense if the victim was actively engaged in tormenting or abusing the dog immediately prior to the attack. In most cases, children are not doing anything to provoke a dog when they are attacked. Even if they are playing roughly with the dog, that is not considered provocation under the law.

How Long After the Attack Can I File A Claim?

In Michigan, the law allows dog bite victims up to three years from the date of the attack to file a claim. This is one of the longest statutes of limitations in the country, and it provides injured individuals with a considerable amount of time to seek compensation.

However, it is important to note that this timeframe can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. For instance, if the victim is a minor, they may have up to five years to file a claim.

If the dog owner knew or should have known that their animal was dangerous, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur, regardless of when the attack took place.

How Much is the Case Worth?

The amount of money that a victim of a dog attack can receive in a personal injury lawsuit depends on many factors:

  • The severity of the victim’s injuries
  • Whether the victim required hospitalization,
  • If the attacked required surgery,
  • Whether the victim will have any lasting physical or emotional scars.
  • If the victim lost wages as a result of the attack.
  • whether the victim has suffered any other economic losses.

If the victim can prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in failing to prevent the attack, then he or she may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. They are meant to punish the dog’s owner for particularly egregious conduct and are not available in all states.

Protect Your Children

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At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. we understand that your children are your most precious commodity. We also know that the decisions you make regarding their care and protection are crucial.

We have a team of experienced Michigan dog bite attorneys who are dedicated to protecting your rights. We’ll work with you to ensure that your children are properly protected under the law.

Please Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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