What You Should Know About Fatal Dog Attacks in Michigan
Dog attacks are a major cause of personal injury in the state of Michigan. Although most cases are not life threatening, sadly there are some dog attacks that end in a fatality.
If your loved one has been killed in a dog attack, you may be wondering what damages you may be entitled to. No amount of money can bring back your loved one, but you may be able to win compensation that can protect the financial future of your family. Here, we’ll discuss fatal dog attacks, and how you can take action to seek damages against a negligent dog owner.
What Kind Of Dogs Are Involved In Fatal Attacks
Most fatal dog attacks do not involve family dogs. That’s because family dogs tend to be bonded to the members of the family. Instead, fatal dog attacks are usually the result of a dog that lives in another home attacking someone outside of the family. This is most likely with dogs that have been abused or neglected. Without a bond with humans, they are more likely to be violent. These dogs often technically have an owner. However, this owner is often absent, and the dog is often left to roam freely.
And because these dogs have been abused, they are more likely to lash out and act violently towards humans. Many people blame stray dogs for violent attacks on humans. Although stray dogs do present problems, and can pose other health risks, they are not the cause of most fatal dog attacks.
Another factor is the sheer physical size and ability to inflict deadly injuries. Some dog breeds are more dangerous than others and pit-bulls are usually associated with fatalities because of the enormous bite strength and intimidating size.
Contact Animal Control If You Notice Suspicious Activity
If you notice that there is a dog in your area roaming free, or you see that the owner is abusing the dog, contact animal control. It’s up to the community to identify and report animal abuse.
And by reporting these owners, you can help prevent any violence before it occurs, and protect the most vulnerable people in your community.
There Aren’t More Aggressive Breeds
There is little difference between breeds when it comes to inherent aggressiveness. Larger dogs are more likely to lead to a fatality, but that is not because they are more violent. The most important factor in a dog’s aggressiveness is usually how they were raised, not their breed. Breeds such as pit-bulls have a reputation for being violent and aggressive. However, there is little evidence to suggest that pit-bulls are any more aggressive than other dogs. And when they are aggressive, it’s usually the result of neglect and abuse.
Like many other states, Michigan has a high number of pit bull cases. However, this number does not mean that the pit-bulls themselves are more aggressive. Rather, it reflects negative stereotypes that people have about the breed, as well as the abuse that pit-bulls often suffer.
Who’s Most At Risk For A Fatal Dog Attack?
Just about anyone can be the victim of a dog attack. There are millions of attacks every year, affecting people of all ages. However, certain people are much more at risk of serious injury and death from dog attacks. Elderly people are one of the most at risk groups for fatalities from dog attacks. That’s because falls can be deadly, and elderly people are more likely to suffer serious health complications from a dog attack.
The most common form of injury for elderly people after a dog attack is a fall. Even a minor lunge by a dog can lead to catastrophic injury and death. And small wounds often develop severe complications that can also lead to death.
Small children are also at risk for fatalities from dog attacks. An aggressive dog won’t be scared off by a child, and their small size means that a dog can seriously injure or even kill them. And kids often get into the face of a dog, which can startle the dog and make it lash out at the child.
Contact An Experienced Michigan Dog Bite Attorney
If you have suffered a fatality in the family related to a dog attack, we give you our condolences. Your family is entitled to damages for the financial and emotional shocks that result from a dog attack fatality. If you plan on seeking damages, you should contact a skilled dog bite attorney. Navigating the legal system and protecting your rights can be difficult, especially as you grieve. That’s why you need a skilled professional to represent you.
At the Clark Law Office, we have years of experience litigating dog bite cases. We know that no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. But the compensation you receive from your case can protect your family’s financial future. We offer free case evaluations, where we can detail your legal options and estimate the value of your case. Fill out our case evaluation form online, or contact us by phone for a free consultation and to discuss your situation in detail.
Dog attacks are a major cause of personal injury in the state of Michigan. Although most cases are not life threatening, sadly there are some dog attacks that end in a fatality.