If a dog has injured you or someone you love, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates for your free consultation. Let us help you get your life back on track after such a traumatic event.
Though often considered man's best friend, dogs can sometimes be dangerous. They are animals and naturally will act as animals if they feel threatened. A dog attack can be a horrifying thing to experience, and the dog bite attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates are here to help.
According to the United States Postal Service, Michigan ranked 8th in the nation for the number of dog bites sustained in 2022. Detroit is a dog-friendly city, but dog owners and those who interact with dogs must exercise caution to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Why Dogs Bite
Dogs typically have a reason for biting a person, so it is important to understand how they think and always to use caution when approaching a dog that may be facing certain outside stimuli. Some of the more common reasons dogs bite include:
Fear: Dogs may bite if they feel threatened, scared, or cornered, especially if they perceive a person's actions as aggressive or intimidating.
Pain or Illness: Dogs in pain or suffering from illness may become more irritable and prone to biting as a defensive response to being touched or handled.
Protective Instincts: Dogs are naturally protective of their territory, possessions, or family members and may bite to defend themselves or their perceived "pack" from perceived threats.
Lack of Socialization: Dogs that have not been properly socialized with people or other animals may exhibit fearful or aggressive behavior in unfamiliar situations, leading to biting.
Provocation: Dogs may bite in response to teasing, taunting, or rough handling by humans, especially if they are not used to being touched in certain ways or if their boundaries are violated.
Predatory Drive: Some dogs may display predatory behavior and bite in pursuit of small animals or moving objects, especially if they have a strong prey drive.
Stress or Anxiety: Dogs experiencing stress, anxiety, or frustration may resort to biting as a coping mechanism or as a way to communicate their discomfort.
Previous Trauma: Dogs with a history of abuse, neglect, or traumatic experiences may be more prone to aggressive behavior and biting as a result of their past experiences.
It's vital for dog owners to understand these potential triggers and take proactive measures to prevent bites, such as proper training, socialization, supervision, and responsible ownership practices. If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact a Detroit dog bite attorney from Christopher Trainor & Associates to learn more about your rights.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can range from a minor break in the skin to severe disfigurement and even wrongful death. Some of the more common injuries in Detroit dog bite cases include:
Puncture Wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds, which may lead to tissue damage and infection.
Lacerations: Dog bites can result in cuts or tears in the skin and underlying tissues, often requiring stitches or medical intervention to heal properly.
Abrasions: Surface scratches or scrapes caused by a dog's teeth or claws can cause abrasions, which may be painful and prone to infection if not properly treated.
Contusions: Blunt force trauma from a dog bite can cause bruising or contusions to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in pain and swelling.
Avulsions: In severe cases, dog bites can cause tissue avulsions, where skin or other tissues are torn away from the body, leading to extensive injuries requiring surgical repair.
Fractures: Dogs with powerful jaws can cause bone fractures or breaks if they bite with enough force, especially in cases involving small children or fragile individuals.
Nerve Damage: Dog bites can injure nerves, leading to loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area.
Infections: Dog bites are prone to bacterial contamination from the dog's mouth, which can lead to infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, or even life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, dog attacks can lead to fatalities. If you have lost a loved on due to injuries caused by a dog bite, you can seek compensation for your loss.
It's essential to seek medical attention promptly after a dog bite to assess and treat any injuries, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of infection. Keep a record of any doctor's appointments or medical bills you receive, as they will help you when you file your dog bite claim later.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Preventing dog bites in Detroit and elsewhere involves several key strategies:
Proper Training and Socialization: Train your dog from an early age using positive reinforcement techniques and ensure they are well-socialized with people and other animals. This helps them learn appropriate behavior and reduces the likelihood of aggression.
Responsible Ownership: Spay or neuter your dog, as unaltered animals may be more prone to aggressive behavior. Ensure your dog receives regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and preventive measures against parasites.
Supervision: Always supervise interactions between children and dogs, especially younger children who may not understand how to behave around animals. Teach children how to approach and interact with dogs safely, and never leave them unsupervised with a dog.
Secure Fencing and Restraints: Keep your dog securely contained within your property using fences or kennels to prevent them from roaming freely and potentially encountering strangers or other animals. Use a leash and harness when walking your dog in public to maintain control.
Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid situations or stimuli that may trigger your dog's aggression, such as loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or territorial disputes.
Educate Others: Educate friends, family members, and visitors about how to interact with your dog safely and respectfully. Encourage them to approach your dog calmly and avoid behaviors that may provoke fear or aggression.
Understand Canine Body Language: Learn to recognize signs of stress, fear, or aggression in dogs, such as growling, barking, raised hackles, or avoidance behaviors. Respect a dog's boundaries and give them space if they appear uncomfortable or agitated.
Be Cautious Around Unknown Dogs: Approach unfamiliar dogs cautiously, and always ask permission from the owner before petting or interacting with them. Avoid making sudden movements or direct eye contact, which can be perceived as threatening.
By following these guidelines and promoting responsible dog ownership and interaction, you can help prevent dog bites and promote safer communities for both people and pets in Detroit. If you have done all that you can to prevent an attack and have still suffered an injury due to a dog bite, it may be time to speak with our Detroit personal injury attorneys to learn more about your next steps.
What To Do in the Moment
Facing a dog attack is scary. If you find yourself in a situation with an unfamiliar or aggressive dog, there are a few measures you can take to try to de-escalate the situation before an attack happens:
Stay calm. Dogs can sense fear, and any screaming, running, or sudden movements may increase the dog's excitement and make the situation worse.
Call the owner. If the owner of the dog is nearby, see if they are able to retrieve their dog.
Put something between you and the dog. This can break its line of sight and also offer a form of barrier protection.
Direct the dog. Try commanding the dog to "sit" or "stay" in a firm voice.
Throw something. Toss an object away from you (such as a stick or toy or food) to distract the dog so you can get away.
Go to higher ground. Try to climb on top of something out of the dog's reach if you can.
Sometimes the best way to avoid an attack is to try to avoid the interaction altogether. Keep your distance from unfamiliar dogs, and never attempt to pet an animal without first confirming with the dog owner.
Liability for Dog Bites
In Detroit, as in many other jurisdictions, liability for a dog bite injury typically falls on the dog's owner. Michigan follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases, meaning that the owner is held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner knew about the dog's propensity to bite or whether the dog had previously bitten someone.
However, there are exceptions to this rule:
Provocation: If someone intentionally provokes or angers a dog and then gets bitten, the owner usually isn't held responsible. Dogs can react aggressively if they feel threatened or irritated, even if they're usually calm.
Trespassing: Dogs often protect their owner's property. So, if someone enters a property without permission and gets bitten by a dog, the owner isn't usually liable for the trespasser's injuries. Additionally, if someone other than the owner was in control of the dog at the time of the bite, such as a dog walker or caretaker, they may share liability for the injury.
Additionally, if someone other than the owner was in control of the dog at the time of the bite, such as a dog walker or caretaker, they may share liability for the injury.
Proving Liability
Dog bite cases are not much different from other personal injury claims such as car accident claims or slip-and-fall accidents. A dog owner will not be held liable unless the injured party can prove the following:
Duty of Care: Show that the dog owner had a duty to prevent harm to others, which includes controlling their dog and preventing it from biting or attacking people.
Breach of Duty: Provide evidence to establish that the dog owner failed to fulfill their duty of care. This could involve demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known about the dog's aggressive tendencies or propensity to bite, yet failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.
Causation: Establish a causal link between the owner's breach of duty and the victim's injuries. This involves showing that the dog bite occurred as a direct result of the owner's negligence and that the injuries sustained by the victim were foreseeable.
Damages: Document the injuries and damages suffered by the victim as a result of the dog bite. This may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other related losses.
The Provocation Defense
Sometimes, insurance companies or the dog owner's lawyer might use something called the "provocation defense" to avoid responsibility. They argue that the person who got bitten did something to make the dog attack, so they shouldn't be held accountable. A judge might throw out the person's lawsuit if they can prove this.
But every dog bite case is different, and provocation isn't always intentional. For instance, if someone pulls a dog's tail on purpose and then gets bitten, they probably won't have a valid claim. However, if someone accidentally startles a dog and gets bitten, the owner is likely still responsible. That's why it's crucial for dog bite victims to get help from experienced lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates after a Detroit dog attack.
What to do After a Detroit Dog Bite
Dog attacks are scary, and in the moments following the attack you may not know what to do next. If you've been bitten by a dog in Detroit, follow these steps to ensure the protection of yourself and your rights:
Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, attend to your injuries. Wash the bite wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, and seek medical treatment promptly. Even minor dog bites can lead to complications, so it's essential to have the injury evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Identify the Dog and Owner: If possible, obtain information about the dog and its owner. This includes the owner's name, contact information, and any details about the dog's vaccinations or history of aggression. If there were witnesses to the incident, try to obtain their contact information as well.
Report the Incident: Report the dog bite to the appropriate authorities, such as animal control or the local police department. They can document the incident and investigate if necessary, which can be helpful for your case.
Document the Incident: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the dog bite occurred, and any visible signs of the dog's ownership, such as a collar or tags. Keep records of any medical treatment received and expenses incurred as a result of the bite.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney: Consult with an experienced Detroit dog bite attorney. Christopher Trainor & Associates can review the details of your case, advise you of your legal rights, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Know Your Rights: Understand that Michigan has strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning that dog owners are typically held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog's past behavior. However, there are exceptions, such as if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the incident.
By taking these steps after a dog bite in Detroit, you can protect your health and well-being while also preserving your legal rights to seek compensation for your injuries.
Delivery Drivers and Dog Bite Injuries
That old adage about dogs hating the mailman, unfortunately, did not come out of nowhere. The United States Postal Service alone reported more than 5400 dog attacks on their carriers in 2021 alone. These numbers don't even take into account other delivery services such as Amazon, DoorDash, and Instacart.
If you are a delivery driver and have suffered a dog bite injury, you have two options:
First, file a claim with your employer's worker's compensation.
Second, file a claim against the dog owner for any injuries not covered by worker's comp.
It is never a bad idea to first speak to one of the attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates before filing anything, as any statement you make could be used against you in your claim.
Compensation for Detroit Dog Bites
If you've been bitten by a dog in Detroit, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages resulting from the incident. Some common types of compensation you may receive for a dog bite injury include:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical treatment related to the dog bite, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for wages lost due to time taken off work for medical treatment, recovery, or any temporary or permanent disability caused by the dog bite.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the dog bite injury.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Damages for any visible scarring, disfigurement, or permanent physical impairment caused by the dog bite, which may require cosmetic procedures or result in long-term psychological effects.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property damage resulting from the dog bite, such as torn clothing, damaged personal belongings, or destroyed items.
Future Expenses: Compensation for anticipated future medical treatment, including surgeries, therapy, or ongoing care related to the dog bite injury.
Legal Fees: Reimbursement for legal fees and expenses incurred in pursuing a dog bite claim, including attorney's fees, court costs, and other related expenses.
The amount of compensation you may receive for a dog bite injury in Detroit will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, the impact on your daily life, and the applicable laws in Michigan. Though we cannot guarantee a specific amount, you can check out our past verdicts to see what we have helped others receive. Consulting Christopher Trainor & Associates can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for dog bite cases in the state of Michigan is three years from the date that the bite occurred, similar to any personal injury claim. This means that if you wait more than three years, you will be unable to pursue compensation for your injuries. The claims process can take a while, especially if your case is escalated to court. Contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bites to make sure this deadline doesn't pass you by.
How an Attorney Can Help
After a dog attack in Detroit, a lawyer from Christopher Trainor & Associates can help you in many ways:
Legal Advice and Support: A Detroit dog bite injury lawyer who knows about dog bites can give you advice and support that fits your situation. They'll explain what your rights are, see how strong your case is, and talk about your options for getting money for your injuries.
Investigating What Happened: A lawyer can look into all the details of the dog attack. They'll collect evidence, talk to people who saw it, and get important papers like medical records. This helps show who's responsible for what happened and makes your case stronger.
Figuring Out Who's Responsible: Dog bite cases can be tricky, and it can be hard to know who should pay for what. A lawyer can look at the details of your case and figure out who should be held responsible for what happened to you.
Talking to Insurance Companies: Often, the money for dog bite injuries comes from the dog owner's insurance. A lawyer can talk to the insurance company for you and try to get a fair deal.
Representing You in Court: If you can't work things out with the insurance company, a lawyer can represent you in court. They'll present evidence, call witnesses, and explain why you should receive compensation for what happened.
Getting You the Most Money: A good lawyer knows how to add up all the ways you were hurt and ask for the most money you deserve. They'll help you show how much you spent on medical bills, how much money you lost from not working, and how much pain and suffering you went through.
Advocating for You: Going through a dog attack can be really tough, and it's hard to deal with everything on your own. A lawyer can take care of all the legal stuff for you, so you can focus on getting better and not worry about the legal stuff.
With an attorney on your side, you can understand what's happening, stand up for your rights, and obtain fair compensation for what you went through because of a dog attack.
Contact a Detroit Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries due to a dog bite in Detroit, Michigan, it is time to take legal action against the negligent pet owner. State law protects you as an injured victim, and Christopher Trainor & Associates is here to help. With years of experience in personal injury law, our Detroit dog bite lawyers can guide you through the claims process from start to finish, ensuring you receive maximum compensation in your dog bite settlement.
Call us today at 248-886-8650 for your free case evaluation.
