$485,000 Dog Attack Settlement For Injuries To Child

The Michigan dog bite attorneys at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. recently settled a $485,000 lawsuit on behalf of  a two-year-old girl and her mother.  A dog viciously attacked the two-year-old girl when in ran through a hole in a fence while she was playing at a public park that was next to the Defendants (canine owner) property.  The incident occurred in Clyde Township, Michigan.  A lawsuit was filed on behalf of our minor client for her pain and suffering damages, as well as on behalf of the minor client’s mother for negligent infliction of emotional distress having witnessed the devastating attack and resulting bite injuries.

Injuries suffered to the child included severe lacerations to her face.  She was transported to the Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital for emergency revision.  One additional revision surgery was performed and future surgery will be necessary.  We sought compensation for her injuries against the dog owner for her pain and suffering, psychological damages, and medical expenses.  The case was settled prior to the one year anniversary of the attack.

Dog Bite Statistics

Whether you are an adult or a child, being attacked and bitten is a physically and emotionally traumatizing experience.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 800,000 people in the U.S. seek medical attention for animal bites and about 50 percent of them are children.  In fact, it is proven that children under the age of five are at the most risk suffering the most devastating of injuries.  Other statistics include:

• More than half of attacks occur in the afternoon
• 46% of incidents include a family pet
• Head and neck injuries result in 67% of all injuries resulting from a canine attack
• Pit bulls are cause for 25%, while large dogs are 88%

It is important to be aware of these statistics whether you are a dog owner or not.  Being aware that this is a major concern might be a motivator for owners to always keep their pets on a leash or ensure their backyard is properly fenced in without any holes or areas where they may be able to get their head through.  More often than not, these incidents do occur, just as this one, when a canine runs through or is able to get its head through a fence.

Filing A Michigan Dog Bite Injury Claim

Under Michigan law, if a person is bitten while lawfully on the property or on public property, such as in the street or in the park, the owner or keeper can be held liable and you may be able to sue for your harm.  For more information on your legal rights and for help after your dog bite attack, call our top rated law firm today at (800) 606-1717.  Our dog bite lawyers will start working on your case immediately, gathering all the evidence and witness statements to prove and win your case.  We have a track record of obtaining sizeable settlement for victims and can do the same for you. Call now for a free, no obligation case review.