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.