Dog Bite & Animal Attack Injury Lawyers

Dogs bite roughly 5 million people a year in the United States Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Roughly 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog attacks, and 386,000 need emergency room treatment. About 16 people die annually after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's figures do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack. It is a basic fact of life that dogs bite. This includes any dog of any breed. A dog bite can be anything from a nip to a traumatic attack that leaves a serious injury. A severe injury suffered in a dog attack is caused to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog bite victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain, and suffering and other damage resulted in by the bite. If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Detroit area or anywhere else in Michigan, the personal injury attorneys at Marko Law, want to help you.

‍Serious Injuries from Dog Attacks

‍A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that includes biting and scratching that causes significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures, or more. A serious attack by a dog can also cause significant emotional and psychological injury. According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, approximately 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries. The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly individuals
• Post letter carriers

Dogs most often bite a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks include:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website concerning dangerous dog breeds, reports that serious dog attacks can cause severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care. The CDC states that about 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need a number of procedures over many years.

‍Seeking Compensation After a Dog Attack

‍Dog bite victims might pursue compensation to cover their:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Other relevant losses

Claims can be made against the dog owner and, possibly, a third party if that party's negligence resulted in the injury. Individuals who have been seriously wounded by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not hesitate to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog bite lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The payment recuperated in a dog attack claim usually comes from the dog owner's insurance, such as homeowners' insurance or business liability insurance. The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance report that dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2013 and led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement in 2023 for dog attack cases was $64,555 according to the World Animals Foundation. An experienced attorney can investigate your dog attack claim to determine whether the dog's owner is responsible and determine the compensation you might be due for your injuries. Several cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would be ready to pursue appropriate compensation for you in court.

‍Taking Action After an Attack

‍You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend that has been wounded by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should attempt to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any type of dog bite should be seen by a physician.
• Immediately report the injury to the police and obtain a copy of the police accident report.
• Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Get the name and contact information of any people that witnessed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries along with the location of the incident.
• Photograph any visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any kind of clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
• Keep and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any kind of reimbursement, you might forgo your right to sue for additional damages.

Get in Touch with Our Dog Attack Attorneys

‍If you or a loved one has sustained a dog attack injury or another animal attack that resulted in serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Detroit dog attack attorney at Marko Law, immediately and schedule a complimentary consultation. We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog bite attorneys will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

‍Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

‍If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Animal Attacks in Detroit, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.