- February 27, 2024
More than half of all dog bite victims are children. This is an incredibly high number, considering that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Out of that number, more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites. Based on a 2023 report, Michigan was ranked ninth highest nationally for dog bite injuries and sixth for dog bite claims.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., our Michigan dog bite attorneys are actively accepting cases on behalf of parents and guardians whose children have suffered severe injuries after being attacked and bitten by a dog. Our lawyers have over 30 years of experience helping families file claims on behalf of their children and have a thorough understanding of the Michigan laws that govern attacks. Call our office today at 248-286-8100 if you believe you have a lawsuit.
Why choose our dog bite attorneys to represent you?
Our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C., has decades of experience representing victims of dog bites, both adults and children. We will carefully examine your case facts to determine if you have a valid claim and then inform you of your legal options. Our attorneys will ensure you get the compensation permissible under the law, and we do this by drawing from our experience and knowledge of the Michigan legal system.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying our fees upfront. We only get paid when we secure a favorable outcome for your case. Also, our initial consultations are free, so do not hesitate to contact us. Call us now at 248-286-8100 to book a free case review.
Why do dogs attack children?
Dogs may be termed “man’s best friend,” but they rank No. 3 in animal attacks. Fearful and aggressive dogs are dangerous to children’s safety. Also, children can behave erratically, be unpredictable, and act in ways that might startle a dog.
Furthermore, most children do not know or understand aggressive behaviors from dogs and might still want to play with or touch them when they show fear or aggression. This is why most children who are bitten by dogs are between the ages of five and nine. When a child inappropriately touches a dog’s tail or pulls their hair or ears, they might get attacked.
Most aggression from dogs toward kids is fear based, but most dogs also turn vicious to protect their food or perceived territory. If you own a dog, you can address aggression toward your child by ensuring positive encounters, especially during the child’s early years. If the dog belongs to a neighbor or relative, and it has a history of dog bites, it is best to keep your child away to avoid a bite injury.
What to do if a dog attacked your child
First and foremost, if a dog bites your child, obtain medical attention immediately. However, not only should you receive medical attention for your child’s physical injuries, but ensure that your child is assessed for emotional stress and obtain a referral for counseling if required.
Also, report the attack to your:
- Local health department to determine if the dog was vaccinated or not. Never take the dog owner’s word for it.
- Local Animal Services or Animal Control Officer so that a record of the dog attack may be established. This is highly important because the local animal services or control officer should be able to determine if this was a first-time attack for the dog. If it is not a first-time attack, action can be taken immediately.
- Local Police Department, so there is a record of the incident should you decide to pursue a claim on your child’s behalf.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., our Michigan dog bite lawyers also recommend not discussing your child’s injuries or medical treatment with the dog owner. You should only exchange contact information and the dog’s license number with the owner.
In addition, our attorneys also recommend that you document the incident and treatment with photos. Photos are the best way to demonstrate to the insurance adjuster or jury how serious your child’s injuries are and what kind of treatment they had to undergo. It is a good idea to have photos taken immediately after the dog bite injury, as well as after treatment (including any plastic surgery) is provided.
Typical dog bite injuries to children
Serious injuries can result from being attacked by a canine. A child bitten by a dog is more likely than an adult to receive medical treatment for their injuries. Some of the most severe injuries include:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Minor cuts or abrasions
- Psychological damages.
The facial region is the most common area for an animal to bite a child. When this happens, the child may require plastic surgery or other forms of treatment. No matter what injuries resulted from the attack, call an experienced attorney to discuss your case.
Recoverable compensation for dog bite cases involving children
In Michigan, child dog bite settlements are often substantial because the injuries are to the face and may leave permanent scars. You can recover economic and non-economic damages for a dog bite injury, and it will typically cover medical bills, pain and suffering, cost of therapy, psychological harm, and other costs. The amount recoverable as compensation differs from case to case; when you retain our services, we will carefully examine the facts to determine the potential compensation.
Contact our Michigan dog bite lawyers for help
At Goodman Acker, P.C., our Michigan dog bite lawyers have significant experience representing children who have suffered severe injuries from an attack. If your child has recently become a victim, call our office today to get your questions answered and discover what rights you and your family may be entitled to.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the process of filing a claim. We understand this is a very traumatic time for you and your child, and you may not know what to do. Our lawyers are here to help.
Call today at 248-286-8100, and let us help you and your child get justice.