If you’ve been injured by a pit-bull in Michigan, you may be entitled to damages that can help cover the medical costs associated with the bite. And you may be able to earn additional compensation for any emotional trauma associated with the event. Here, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about pit-bull bites in Michigan, and how you can find a skilled attorney to represent your interests.
Pitbulls are a popular dog all across the United States. Although they are often thought of as inherently mean and dangerous, pitbulls can be good pets, and there are many peaceful, gentle pitbulls that serve as family pets all across the nation and in Michigan. Unfortunately, pitbulls are often raised to bring out aggressive instincts and traits. They are used by many people as fighting dogs, as they have naturally strong bites and great muscle strength. And many pitbulls are abused, which can bring out more violent behavior and make them less social around people.
Because pit-bulls are so often poorly trained and housed, people can be at risk in the community. Their intimidating physical stature and extremely strong bite strength can cause serious damage in a matter of seconds. Pit-bulls may lunge at a passerby, or get in fight with other dogs in the neighborhood. According to Michigan law, any dog owner is responsible for the damages caused by their dog. That means that if someone near you is improperly caring for their pit-bull and the dog injures you, the owner is liable for your medical costs and more.
Because of their bite and muscle strength, pit-bulls can cause some serious damage. Even if they don’t bite down hard, they can break skin and cause deep cuts. These are some of the most common injuries suffered from pit-bull attacks:
If you’ve been injured by a pit-bull, the most important step for you to take is to seek immediate medical attention. If you are alert and able to, call the police and make sure that the event is properly documented. This will be crucial when it comes to presenting your case. If you do not have a police report, then it may be much harder for you to prove that the other party was negligent, and you may not get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills.
Another important step is to clean the area of the wound as quickly as possible. A dog’s mouth is not a clean place, and it teems with bacteria, many of which can be harmful to your health. If you do not clean the wound, you put yourself at risk for an infection. If left untreated, infections can permanently damage tissue and even spread to your blood.
Because of the severe injuries that pit-bulls can cause, medical bills can get quite expensive. That’s why it’s important that you document every visit and procedure, and get copies of all bills. You’ll need these when your legal team tries to estimate how much you should earn in damages for the attack. If you omit bills or visits, you may not get the money you need to cover all of your medical expenses.
Pit-bull attacks often cause severe injuries that can lead to you missing significant time at work. Under Michigan law, you may be able to receive damages to cover the wages you lose due to your injuries. If you want to receive damages for lost work, however, you’ll have to make sure that you get a medical report that specifies your injuries and how they prevented you from returning to work. Without this, you may not be able to recover lost income.
At the Clark Law Office, we have years of experience fighting for our clients in pit-bull cases. We review all relevant documents and witness testimony and consult with your doctors to build the strongest case possible. We know the impact that a pitbull bite can have on you and your family. That’s why we fight to win you the maximum possible compensation for your injury.
We offer free case evaluations, where we can walk you through your legal options and estimate the value of your claim. Fill out our online case evaluation form, or reach us by phone to see how we can help your case.