5 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Accident

by | Mar 12, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Being bitten by a dog is not something to take lightly. Even if the animal doesn’t have rabies, a bite can become infected, resulting in health problems and sizable medical bills. A dog bite can also scar a person psychologically, leading to a phobia of dogs. It’s important for residents of Michigan to know what steps to take after suffering a dog bite, including starting a lawsuit to receive compensation for injuries and medical expenses.

Get Medical Attention

If a dog bite is serious enough, the afflicted individual should seek medical attention. A dog bite can result in an infection that can be serious. In extreme cases, a person can even die after being attacked by a dog. Even when a bite is minor, it’s a good idea to go to the emergency room. A person who is unable to go to the hospital by themselves should call 911.

Treat it Promptly

In many cases, people who are bitten by dogs in the state of Michigan choose to self-treat the wound or wounds. This can be done at home by thoroughly washing the area with warm water and soap. This helps to eliminate any bacteria. At the same time, it might not be enough to stop an infection from developing, so going to the emergency room is still wise.

Report the Dog to the Authorities

A person who has been bitten by a dog should report the animal to their local health department after receiving medical attention. This is especially important if the animal appears to be a stray as strays can carry rabies. If it turns out the dog has an owner, contacting animal control and the police is a good idea. A person has a better chance of receiving compensation in Michigan after locating the owner, but it’s likely they will have to be covered by their home insurance policy.

Take Pictures

A person who has suffered a dog bite should take pictures of their injury after reporting the bite to the authorities. Photos can be used by a personal injury attorney as proof that you were bitten and injured by the dog.

Get in Touch with an Attorney

The next step is for the individual to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. If the bite is severe enough and the person has suffered emotional trauma as a result, it’s possible to get a settlement for medical expenses, ongoing treatment and pain and suffering.

A personal injury can cause short and long term injuries. The right lawyer can help you recover for physical and emotional losses. It’s important that you speak with a qualified dog bit accident attorney following your incident. There is never a fee for our consultations, and you do not pay for your legal services until we win your case. Contact Michigan Legal Center today for a free case evaluation.

Cadillac, MI – Child Injured in Bicycle Crash at Granite & Laurel St

Cadillac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A 12-year-old boy was hurt while riding a bike in Cadillac on Friday night, June 2.  The fatal accident was reported at the corner of Granite and Laurel Street at around 6:40 p.m. The victim was traveling by bicycle when he was hit by a...

Algonac, MI – Debra Fox Killed in Boating Accident at Algonac Harbor Club

Algonac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A Clarkston woman was killed in a boating accident in Algonac over the weekend on Friday, May 26.  The deadly accident took place at the Algonac Harbor Club on M-29 near State Street. When emergency responders arrived, they found a 23-foot...

Imlay City, MI – Woman Killed, Man Hurt in Can-Am Spyder Motorcycle Crash on M-53

Imlay City, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was killed and a man injured following a crash involving two motorcycles in Imlay City on Sunday afternoon, May 28.  The fatal accident was reported on M-53 as the woman was riding a Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle and...

Flint Twp, MI – Two Killed, One Hurt in Wrong-Way Crash at I-75 & Beecher Rd

Flint Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - A head-on crash in Flint Township on Saturday, May 27, left two people dead and another in critical condition.  At around 10:35 p.m., two vehicles collided on Interstate 75 near Beecher Road. It was reported that a 43-year-old man from...

Holly Twp, MI – Burton Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash at Belford & Holly Rd

Holly Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a motorcyclist was killed following a collision in Holly Township.  The deadly accident was reported at the intersection of Belford and Holly Roads early that morning. A 53-year-old Burton man was headed northbound on...

Gladwin, MI – Woman Hurt in Three-Vehicle Crash on M-61

Gladwin, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was injured after a pileup collision in the Gladwin area on Tuesday, May 23.  The accident was reported on M-61 that afternoon. Three vehicles reportedly collided at the scene. A woman was hurt in the crash, and she was treated at...

Kingsford, MI – Two Hurt after Car Crashes into Healthcare Building on Pyle Dr

Kingsford, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a building on Pyle Drive in Kingsford on Thursday afternoon, June 1.  The accident occurred as a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria was traveling on the roadway and crashed into the Northpointe...

Walker, MI – Driver Seriously Hurt in Two-Car Crash at Elmridge Dr & 3 Mile Rd

Walker, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a two-vehicle collision in Walker on Wednesday, May 31.  The accient was reported at the intersection of Elmrige Drive and 3 Mile Road at around 8 a.m. A driver was making a left turn when they were hit by an...

Frenchtown Twp, MI – Monroe Man Dies in 18-Wheeler Crash at Telegraph & Newport Rd

Frenchtown Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a Monroe man was killed after being hit by a semi-truck in Frenchtown Township.  The victim was riding a 1989 Honda Hurricane motorcycle when he was hit by a black 2020 Peterbilt tractor-trailer at the...

Gaines Twp, MI – Britt Bridge Killed in Motorcycle Accident at Morrish & Hill Rd

Gaines Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - A crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Gaines Township resulted in the death of a Swartz Creek man on Saturday, May 27.  The deadly crash occurred at the corner of Morrish and Hill Roads at around 11 p.m. that night. It...