Dog bites to the face are among the most serious — and most life-changing — injuries we see. Children are especially at risk because their faces are at the height of a dog’s mouth. A facial bite can leave scarring that affects not just appearance, but confidence, social life and mental health for years.
Why facial injuries are different
- Visible, permanent scarring. Scars on the face can’t be covered by clothing, and Michigan law recognizes disfigurement as a real loss that deserves compensation.
- Complex repair. The face has delicate structures — eyelids, lips, nose, ears and nerves — and bites can tear or remove tissue.
- Future procedures. Many patients need more than one treatment over time, such as scar revision surgery, laser treatment or other procedures recommended by a plastic surgeon.
- Emotional impact. Anxiety, nightmares, self-consciousness and fear of dogs are common, and counseling may be part of recovery.
Scars change over time — and that affects your claim
A scar often looks very different a year after the injury than it did the week of the bite. Doctors commonly wait for a scar to mature before recommending revision treatments. If you settle before the full picture is known, the settlement may not cover the care you’ll need later. We work with your treating doctors to understand likely future treatment and its cost before we negotiate.
Documenting a facial injury the right way
- Take clear photos right away, and then regularly as the wound heals — in good light, from the same angles.
- Keep a short journal of how the injury affects daily life: pain, sleep, school or work, social situations.
- Save every medical record, bill and prescription.
- Follow through with all recommended appointments, including specialist visits.
How facial injuries affect case value
Facial scarring, injuries to children, and the need for future plastic surgery are among the factors that tend to increase the value of a dog bite claim. So can the emotional effects of disfigurement. That’s also why insurance adjusters sometimes push for a quick, early settlement in these cases. Learn what affects the value of a claim.
We recently resolved a Michigan dog bite claim for a six-figure settlement in 30 days. (Every case is different, and prior results don’t guarantee a similar outcome.)
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a plastic surgeon for a dog bite on the face?
Ask the emergency doctor whether a plastic surgery consultation is appropriate. For many facial wounds, early care from a specialist can make a real difference in how the scar heals. Follow your doctors’ advice about the right timing for any treatment.
How long should I wait before settling a facial dog bite claim?
Usually long enough for your doctors to understand how the scar is healing and what future treatment you may need. Scars often keep changing for many months. Settling too early risks leaving out the cost of future revision procedures, and once a claim settles, it can’t be reopened.