Non-Bite Injuries From Dog Attacks
Dogs can be unpredictable. They may be calm and playful one moment, only to lunge at you unexpectedly. And dogs can still cause injuries, even if the injuries don’t result from an actual dog bite.
The law in Michigan says that a dog owner is responsible for any damages caused by their dog. And these damages don’t have to come from a bite. If you were injured while a dog chased you, jumped on you, or caused you to fall off a bike- just to mention a few cases- you may be able to get compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured by an aggressive dog, the first step you should take is to seek appropriate medical attention. Once your injuries have been treated, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney. Here, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about non-bite dog attack injuries, and how you can take action to win the maximum possible settlement for your case.
Accidents Related To Dog Attacks
In the case of a dog attack, you don’t have to suffer a bite to seek damages. That’s because a dog owner is liable for any injury that stems from their dog, even if the dog does not make physical contact with the injured party. If a dog lunges at you, leading to a fall or other injury, you may have a legal case. Any medical costs that stem from the attack can be covered in the payout for your injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention After A Dog Attack
If you have been injured in a dog attack, the first step you should take is to seek immediate medical attention. Always make sure that you document every doctor’s visit, and get bills for all procedures and tests that are performed. You’ll need documentation if you hope to receive the maximum possible payout for your injury case. Medical records can prove the severity of your injuries, as well as show how much the injury cost you. If you do not document a medical visit, it may be difficult for you to cover this payment in the settlement for your case.
Common Injuries From Dog Attacks
Most people think of dog bites when they imagine a dog attack. But there’s a wide range of different injuries that can result from dog attacks. Dogs are one of the leading causes of fall related personal injuries. They can lunge or jump on you, causing you to lose your footing or fall down the stairs. Falls can lead to a wide range of different injuries, from broken limbs to permanent disabilities.
Many cases involve dogs lunging at people, who then fall over and try to break their fall. In the process, they break their arm or wrist, as well as suffering injuries from hitting their head. It is also common for dogs to lunge at people riding bikes. If you are injured in an accident because you had to avoid an attacking dog while riding a bike, you may be able to seek compensation for any injuries that you suffered.
When Is A Dog Owner Liable?
Liability for dog owners can vary widely by state. In Michigan, dog owners are liable for any damages caused by their dog where the actions of the dog were foreseeable. This definition is somewhat vague, as it’s not always clear what a “foreseeable action” is for a dog. But in many cases, dog owners will be found liable for any damage caused by their dog, even if that dog has no past record of misbehavior. Strict dog leash and licensing laws in Michigan make the owner liability in many instances.
What about cases where the dog has no owner? This will make it much more difficult to seek damages, as there is no one who is liable for the dog’s behavior. However, you may still be able to get compensation to cover medical bills depending on a variety of factors, such as where the attack occurred and your insurance policy.
Contact A Skilled Michigan Dog Attack Lawyer
If you have been injured in a dog attack, you may be wondering what the value of your personal injury claim is. That’s why you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They can evaluate your case and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for your injury. At the Clark Law Office, we have years of experience working on dog attack personal injury cases. Our attorneys work with your doctors to document the extent of your injuries. And we look into the history of the dog and its owner to see if they have been involved in any other past incidents.
We offer free case evaluations, where we outline your legal options and estimate the value of your claim. And we only get paid if you win your case. Fill out our online case evaluation form, or contact us today.
