Did you know the number of dog bites has doubled in the past 8 years? There are almost 4.7 million dog bites every year in the United States, and 50% of children will be bitten by a dog. Dog bites in Michigan are not uncommon and these kinds of events should be taken seriously. According to the CDC, there are roughly 800,000 dog bites every year that require medical attention (1 in every five dog bites). 334,000 of those end up being so severe that the victim must be hospitalized. To put that perspective, there are 2400 dog bite injuries every day. To break it down even further, one person is injured by a dog every 36 seconds. As many as twelve people die each year as a result of dog bite injuries. In this blog, we will be going over what to do if you are bitten by a dog and the legal steps you can take in this situation.
What to do if a dog bites you?
The very first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Not only can dog bites cause severe injury, but dog saliva makes bite wounds prone to infection. Also, it would be wise for you or your doctor to take pictures of the bite wound. This is essential because you must prove that an injury occurred in order to sue for a dog bite. At some point it would also be advisable to contact animal control or the local police and file a report. Even if you do not succeed in your lawsuit, an official report might lead to further legal consequences for a reckless dog owner. Remember that your health comes first, legal actions can be taken after you know that there is nothing life threatening.
There are many reasons why a dog might bite you. The dog may feel trapped, scared, excited, etc. Make sure the dog you are around has a responsible owner, if you don’t feel safe with the dog then leave the place immediately.
How to identify an aggressive dog?
Here is a list of indications that a dog is aggressive and might hurt you or your loved one:
- Freezing in place and holding the body rigid
- Tucking the tail between the legs
- Standing with the head low and the front legs splayed.
- Raised fur on the back.
- Excessive licking of the lips
- Growling and snarling
- Curling lips to show teeth
If you witness any of these signs or otherwise suspect that a dog is taking an aggressive posture, then you should stand still with your hands at your sides and avoid moving closer to the dog. Avoid eye contact, as the dog will likely perceive that as a challenge and escalate their aggression.
Conclusion
If a dog does attack you, try giving it something other than you to bite on. If you have a purse or if you can manage to get your jacket off, use it as a substitute and try to back away from the dog. If the dog manages to get you to the ground, adopt a fetal position and remain as still as possible. Cover the back of your neck and ears with your arms and hands and do your best to avoid yelling or screaming. Ideally, the dog will lose interest in attacking you and you will be able to find safety and an opportunity to take stock of the situation.
Dog attacks can be scary and dangerous, make sure that everyone involved is safe. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog contact Goldman today. If you have any questions about your rights in Michigan give Goldman and Associates a call,Our attorneys will give you the outcome that you desire, we understand how important this kind of matter is to you. For more information on Legal Defense in The State of Michigan watch the videos below and check out the Goldman and Associates YouTube channel for more videos on everything relating to law in Michigan.
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