Scarring and Disfigurement from Dog Bites in Michigan

Our dog bite injury lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. handle cases involving scarring and disfigurement injuries from dog bite attacks in Michigan.  Victims of these attacks often suffer disfigurement and scars that require plastic surgery.  Dog bite injury scars and disfigurements may be improved but can never be completely removed.  A victim of a dog attack who suffers from scar injuries and disfigurement does have legal rights under Michigan law. The dog owner and the insurance company for the dog owner should be forced to pay the cost of these medical procedures as well as any damages for pain and suffering, including psychological damages.

A scar is a permanent patch of skin that grows over a wound. Dog bite wounds that bleed will inevitably result in scars.  The question is whether they will disfiguring, disabling or painful.  Some types of skin produce keloid scars, which is scar tissue that grows out of control, frequently producing raised, disfiguring scars.  Some small scars may fade away.

Repair of wounds may require simple closure, removal of injured tissue, and reconstructive surgery. Underlying nerve and bone injuries may need repair. Sometimes completely severed tissue can be replaced as a graft or reattached with microsurgical repair of tiny blood vessels. Sometimes doctors have to move other tissue into the defect to close or recreate the disfigured feature. Such reconstruction may need multiple operation over several years. It is not uncommon for dog bite injuries to result in wounds and/or painful scars that require plastic surgery. In fact, any bite that has punctured the skin deep enough to cause blood will result in a disfiguring scar. The central target area for the face includes the lips, nose, and cheeks.

Special consideration is given to dog bite injuries to the head and neck because of cosmetic issues and the complexity of tissue, muscle and bone structures in these area. The central target area for the face includes the lips, nose, and cheeks.  People in certain careers where appearance is critical, such as modeling and acting, can have a promising career cut short due to a dog attack and the scar and disfigurement injuries that result.

Settlement Factors for Scarring and Disfigurement

Getting the best settlement for your Michigan dog bite injuries depends on several factors. For example, the impact of a scar on the arm of an adult man is different than the impact of the same size scar on the face of a woman or a child.  Factors that go into determining the amount of the settlement can include:

• The severity and type of your injuries, including lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, and fractured bones.
• The location of any scar or disfigurement. A scar on the face has a higher settlement value than a scar on a leg. We hire professional photographers to take pictures of the scars to prove the seriousness of the injury.
• The permanency of any scar or disfigurement. Although many scars can fade over time, they can still remain visible and cause a person to be self-conscious about their appearance over their lifetime. Many scars cannot be covered up even with make-up and cannot be repaired through plastic surgery.
• The age and gender of the dog bite victim. Scars on woman and children often have the highest settlement value, especially on the face and arms.
• The amount psychological trauma from the dog attack. Many victims suffer PTSD or have significant anxiety around dogs or while in public. We often hire a psychologist to evaluate our client to determine the psychological damage caused by the dog bite.
• The medical care and treatment you received for your injuries. Many victims require tetanus shots, stitches, wound care, and other treatment. Others need plastic surgery to immediately repair the injuries caused by the dog bite.
• The amount of medical bills and expenses paid by you and your insurance company resulting from the dog bite. If future treatment is needed, especially plastic surgery, we obtain an estimate of those future costs and include it in your settlement demand.
• Any lost income you suffered due to the dog bite attack. You can be compensated for this wage loss.

Because every single dog bite case is different, it does take an experienced lawyer who is willing to spend the time and money on your case to win you the best settlement. You only have once chance to get the best settlement, so spend the time to research the lawyer you will choose to handle your case. Lawyers who handle divorce and criminal matters may offer to represent you, but they may not have the expertise to achieve the best result.

Learn more about scarring and disfigurement from dog bites in Michigan – call us today.