Written by Maurice Davis
Dog bites might seem like a rare or minor concern, but for many people in Detroit, a dog attack can result in devastating, life-altering injuries. Every year, thousands of individuals suffer from wounds that go far beyond a simple scratch or nip. These attacks can lead to serious infections, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and, in the worst cases, death. If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, it’s important to understand just how dangerous these incidents can be—and what you can do to recover compensation with the help of a Detroit dog bite lawyer.
Just How Bad Are Dog Attacks?
The severity of a dog bite injury depends on many factors: the size of the dog, the force of the bite, and where on the body the person was bitten. But even a single bite can lead to long-term damage.
The most obvious concern is tissue damage. Dogs’ jaws are powerful enough to crush bones, tear through skin, and damage nerves. Common injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Torn muscles or ligaments
- Broken bones from bite force or being knocked over
- Nerve damage, especially in hands, arms, and legs
- Severe facial trauma, especially in children
Beyond the initial injury, dog bites can also become infected quickly. Dogs carry bacteria in their mouths that can cause serious infections, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, and Pasteurella. Infections may not show up immediately but can develop within 24 to 48 hours after a bite. Swelling, redness, pain, and discharge are common signs that medical care is urgently needed.
In some cases, victims may require hospitalization or surgery. For those bitten on the face, neck, or hands, reconstructive or plastic surgery may be necessary to restore functionality or reduce disfigurement. These procedures come with high medical costs and extended recovery periods.
Dog Bites Don’t Just Hurt Physically
While physical damage is often visible, emotional and psychological harm can linger far longer. Victims—especially children—can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or a lasting fear of animals. Flashbacks, nightmares, and withdrawal from normal activities are not uncommon following a serious bite. In some cases, victims need therapy or counseling to cope with the trauma.
For children, who are statistically more likely to be bitten in the face or neck, the emotional impact can be even more intense. Scarring and disfigurement can lead to long-term self-esteem issues, and younger victims may not understand why the attack happened, especially if the dog was familiar to them.
Medical Care After a Dog Bite Isn’t Optional
It’s not enough to clean a wound at home and hope for the best. Even minor-looking injuries can become infected quickly or cause complications like tetanus or sepsis. After a bite, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This not only protects your health, but also helps document the extent of your injuries, which will be important for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
Doctors will assess the depth of the wound, clean it thoroughly, and determine whether stitches are necessary. In some cases, wounds are left open to allow drainage and reduce the risk of infection. You may also need a tetanus shot or antibiotics, depending on how severe the bite is and how much time has passed since your last vaccination.
If the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown, you may also be treated for potential rabies exposure. While rabies is rare in household pets, it’s still a serious concern that requires immediate attention.
Michigan Dog Bite Laws Protect Victims
Michigan law gives dog bite victims strong legal rights. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 287.351, if a dog bites someone without being provoked, the dog’s owner is strictly liable for damages. This means that victims don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that they acted negligently. If the bite occurred on public property or the victim was lawfully on private property, the owner can be held responsible.
In addition to statutory liability, Michigan also recognizes common law strict liability and negligence. If a dog is known to be aggressive or has a history of biting, the owner can be held liable under common law. Negligence claims are based on the idea that the owner failed to take reasonable precautions—such as failing to leash the dog or allowing it to roam freely.
There are a few defenses a dog owner might raise. They may argue that the victim was trespassing or that the victim provoked the dog. However, these defenses can be challenged with evidence and witness testimony. That’s why it’s so important to document what happened right after the bite.
Can I Seek Damages After a Dog Attack?
Medical bills can pile up quickly after a dog bite. You may also face lost wages, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and a reduced quality of life. To recover compensation, you’ll need to build a strong claim that shows what happened, who was responsible, and what damages you’ve suffered.
Start by getting medical treatment immediately and saving all related records. Take photos of your injuries, both immediately and during recovery. If you can, get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses. Report the incident to Detroit Animal Control or your local police department. Filing an official bite report helps create a paper trail for your case.
You should also write down your memory of the event as soon as possible. Include details like where the bite happened, what led up to it, and how the dog behaved. If the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner often lets it run loose, that information could be important.
Contact Dog Bite Lawyer in Detroit
Dog owners and their insurance companies often try to avoid paying for injuries. They might claim you provoked the dog, minimize the seriousness of your injuries, or refuse to respond altogether. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.
At Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we’ve helped dog bite victims across Detroit and the surrounding areas hold negligent pet owners accountable. Our team understands Michigan’s strict liability laws and how to prove negligence when necessary. We handle the legal side of your case so you can focus on recovering.
A lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company, gather evidence, calculate your damages, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Time matters. Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for dog bite claims, so it’s best to act quickly before important evidence disappears.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to get help. Your injuries deserve to be taken seriously, and the person responsible for the attack should be held accountable. Contact Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC, to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Call (313) 462-7979 or fill out our consultation form.