Evidence to Bolster Your Dog Bite Claim

Dog bites can result in severe injuries and emotional distress, requiring medical attention and often leading to financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite in Michigan, it's important to gather the necessary evidence, so you can support your claim and seek compensation for your injuries.

 

In this blog post, we will discuss the essential types of evidence that can bolster your dog bite claim in Michigan, helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Photographs of the Injuries

 

 

 

Immediately after a dog bite incident, it is crucial to document your injuries through photographs. Take clear, close-up pictures of the wounds from various angles.

 

 

Ensure that the images capture the initial severity of the injuries, any visible tissue damage, bruises, or scratches. Photographs act as powerful visual evidence and can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries to insurance companies or in a courtroom.

 

 

 

2. Medical Records and Documentation

 

 

 

Obtaining medical treatment after a dog bite is not only vital for your health but also for strengthening your claim. Seek medical attention promptly and keep detailed records of all medical procedures, treatments, medications, and follow-up appointments.

 

 

Medical records, including doctor's notes, diagnostic test results, and photographs taken by medical professionals, can serve as compelling evidence to substantiate your injuries and the associated expenses.

 

 

 

3. Witness Statements

 

 

 

Eyewitnesses play a significant role in validating the circumstances surrounding a dog bite incident. Collect statements from individuals who witnessed the attack, including their contact information and a detailed account of what they saw.

 

 

Witness statements can provide independent corroboration of your version of events and help establish liability on the part of the dog owner.

 

 

 

4. Incident Reports

 

 

 

If the dog bite occurred in a public space or on someone else's property, file an incident report with the appropriate authority, such as the police or animal control. These reports serve as official documentation of the incident and can support your claim. Make sure to obtain copies of the incident reports and provide them to your personal injury attorney.

 

 

 

5. Documentation of Dog Ownership

 

 

 

To hold the dog owner accountable, you will need to prove that they owned the dog involved in the attack. Obtain the dog owner's name, address, and contact information if possible.

 

 

Additionally, gather any available evidence that demonstrates the dog owner's responsibility for the animal, such as photographs of the dog with its owner, witness statements attesting to the dog-owner relationship, or dog registration papers.

 

 

 

6. Evidence of Negligence

 

 

 

In some cases, demonstrating the dog owner's negligence can strengthen your claim. Gather evidence that shows the owner's failure to properly restrain or control the dog, such as photographs of broken fences or inadequate leashes. If the dog has a history of aggression or prior attacks, obtain records or reports that document previous incidents involving the dog.

 

 

 

7. Documentation of Damages

 

 

 

Keep records of all expenses and losses related to the dog bite incident. This includes medical bills, invoices for medications, receipts for any necessary equipment or assistive devices, and documentation of lost wages or diminished earning capacity due to the injuries. These records are essential in calculating the economic damages you may be entitled to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discuss Your Claim with a Dog Bite Attorney in Michigan

 

 

 

If you were bit by someone else’s dog, turn to Smith & Johnson for help taking action. Our tenacious team will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the compensation you deserve. Call 231-946-0700 or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Michigan.