(Bashore Green Law Group – May 11, 2018) A dog bite can be a very serious incident and happens frequently in the U.S., especially in the summer months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year. Almost half of these dog bite victims are children, and approximately 20% of all victims require medical attention. An attack by a dog can have devastating effects for the victim, from scarring to nerve damage, and also the psychological impact from the trauma. Here is what you need to know when facing a dog, or other animal, attack:

• • • Report the dog bite right away and make sure you note the owner’s name if it isn’t someone you know.
    • Due to the seriousness of it, a dog bite should always be reported.
    • Seek medical attention immediately, especially in serious cases.
    • Take photos of the injury for proof of the attack.
    • Call us at the Bashore Green Law Group right away so we can start working on your case and gathering evidence to get you any recovery you’re entitled to. Keep in mind that nearly all dog attacks are the fault of dog owners.

Under Michigan law, the dog owner is liable in all dog bite cases with only two exceptions:

• • • The victim was trespassing
    • The victim aggressively provoked the dog

It’s important to note that If you were bitten after you provoked the dog, then you may not be entitled to recovery, and provocation does not have to be done intentionally. In addition, under Michigan’s common law, the victim only has to prove that the owner of the dog knew (or should have known) that the dog had vicious tendencies. Lastly, the dog owner is strictly liable for any dog bite injury caused by the pet, regardless of the circumstances. A dog owner may be responsible for reimbursing the injured person for medical or psychological bills, pain and suffering caused by the attack, and lost wages. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin working the case to get you proper compensation.

If the dog bite happened some time ago, you still have rights. In Michigan, adults have three years from being bitten to resolve the claim or file a lawsuit. Minors have until one year after their 18th birthday to either resolve the claim or file a lawsuit. If you or your loved one has been attacked by a dog or other animal, contact us at Bashore Green so that we can work to protect your rights. We will meet with you for a free, no-risk consultation and explain to you your legal rights for recovery. We represent the victims of dog and animal attacks on a contingency fee basis, which means that there is no fee to us unless we recover compensation for you. So, call us today to get the compensation you deserve.