Dog Bite Lawyer in Michigan

Michigan's dog bite law is one of the most victim-friendly in the country. You don't have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Strict liability applies.

Michigan's Strict Liability Law

Under MCL 287.351, the owner of a dog that bites a person is liable for damages as long as: (1) the victim was lawfully on public or private property at the time, and (2) the victim didn't provoke the dog. You don't need to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had a history of biting. That's huge.

Who Pays?

In most cases, the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance covers the claim — the owner's wallet doesn't take a direct hit. That often makes dog bite cases easier to resolve than people expect.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, crushed bones, scarring, infections, and emotional trauma — especially in children. Facial injuries and injuries requiring reconstructive surgery are especially common.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

1. Get medical attention immediately — infection risk is real.
2. Report the bite to animal control.
3. Identify the dog and owner.
4. Photograph the injury and any torn clothing.
5. Call an attorney before the insurance company contacts you.

Other Theories of Liability

If strict liability doesn't apply (say, you were bitten on the dog owner's property after teasing the dog), we can still pursue a common law claim if the owner had reason to know the dog was dangerous. We'll explore every angle.