Children are Most at Risk for Dog Bites in Michigan

Even though a dog is considered to be man’s best friend, not all dogs are friendly. Some dogs, such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and wolf-dog mixes, among other breeds, are considered to be dangerous. These types of dogs will sometimes bite without provocation.

Some dog bites are provoked, but others are not. If a dog bites someone without provocation, the owner of the dog can be held liable for the dog bite in Michigan. Once liability is established, it doesn’t matter if the dog has ever bitten anyone else; the owner can be held liable the very first time in the state of Michigan.

Because dog bites can occur with any breed, at any time, and the perpetrator can even be your own dog, here are several tips to follow when dealing with dogs:

• Do not take food away from a dog when it is eating
• Do not surprise a dog or pet it while it is sleeping
• Do not pull a dog’s tail or play aggressively with a dog
• Never approach a stray dog
• If a dog comes near you, do not run away; stay still and let it sniff you

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are at the greatest risk of getting bitten by dogs; approximately 60 percent of dog-bite victims are children. It is never a good idea to leave infants or toddlers alone with dogs, and it is important that parents teach their kids how to be safe around them.

People can also be injured by a dog without being bitten. After a dog bite or attack, be sure to do the following:

• Get the dog owner’s name and contact information (if possible)
• Get contact information from any witnesses (if applicable)
• Report the dog bite or attack to the police
• Seek medical care
• Hire legal representation

Many victims of dog bites suffer disfiguring facial scars and nerve damage, and need the attention of a doctor and plastic surgeon. If you have been injured by a dog’s nails, knocked over, or bitten, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.

Michigan dog bite victims should contact the law firm of Keller & Keller today at (269) 983-7333 to get answers to their legal questions. Experienced Michigan dog bite attorneys will explain your rights and will help you recover damages from the owner of the dog.

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