A dog attack happens in seconds but can change your life for years. Severe bites cause puncture wounds, torn tissue, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Children often suffer facial injuries that require reconstructive surgery. Beyond the physical wounds, many victims develop lasting anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress that affects their daily lives.

At Logeman & Iafrate, we've spent more than 45 years fighting for injury victims throughout Michigan. We understand what you're facing—the medical bills piling up, the time away from work, the emotional toll on your family. Our attorneys are prepared to hold negligent animal owners accountable and pursue every dollar you're entitled to recover.

Michigan's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Michigan law strongly protects dog bite victims. Under MCL 287.351, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone—regardless of whether the animal has ever shown aggression before. Unlike states that follow a "one bite rule," Michigan doesn't give dangerous dogs a free pass. The owner is responsible from the very first incident.

To recover compensation under Michigan's dog bite statute, you must show that:

You were lawfully present. This includes being on public property such as sidewalks and parks, or being lawfully on private property as an invited guest, delivery worker, mail carrier, or service provider. Trespassers generally cannot recover under the statute.

You did not provoke the dog. Provocation means actions that would cause a reasonable dog to react aggressively—such as hitting, teasing, or threatening the animal. Simply being present or making normal movements does not constitute provocation.

When these conditions are met, the owner's liability is automatic. You don't need to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. The statute does the heavy lifting for your case.

Beyond Bites: Other Animal Attack Injuries

Michigan's strict liability statute specifically covers dog bites, but dogs injure people in other ways too. They knock victims to the ground, causing broken bones and head injuries. They chase cyclists and motorcyclists, causing crashes. They scratch and claw, leading to infections and scarring.

For these non-bite injuries, Michigan common law provides two paths to recovery:

If the owner knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies, they face strict liability for any injuries the animal causes. Evidence might include previous incidents, complaints from neighbors, or the dog's aggressive behavior toward visitors.

Even without prior knowledge of danger, owners can be held liable for negligence if they failed to use reasonable care in controlling their animal. Violating local leash laws, leaving gates unsecured, or allowing a dog to run loose can all establish negligence.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog attacks cause real, lasting harm that deserves real compensation. Michigan law entitles bite victims to recover damages including:

Medical expenses. Emergency room treatment, surgery, wound care, antibiotics, rabies vaccinations, reconstructive procedures, physical therapy, and any future medical care your injuries require.

Lost income. Wages lost during your recovery, plus reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.

Pain and suffering. The physical pain from your injuries and the emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma that often follow a violent attack.

Scarring and disfigurement. Compensation for permanent scars, especially visible injuries on the face, neck, and hands that affect your appearance and self-confidence.

Psychological treatment. Counseling, therapy, and mental health care needed to address PTSD, anxiety around dogs, nightmares, and other emotional consequences.

Children bitten by dogs often receive substantial compensation because their injuries have lifelong impact. A facial scar on a child affects them for decades. The emotional trauma can disrupt their development and relationships with animals for years to come.

Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?

Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowners' or renters' insurance policies, which typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. This means you're generally not asking an individual to pay out of pocket—you're seeking compensation from an insurance company that collected premiums specifically to cover these situations.

Landlords may also bear responsibility in certain circumstances. When a landlord knows a tenant's dog is dangerous and fails to take action, Michigan courts have held landlords liable for subsequent attacks on the property.

Insurance companies routinely try to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries, suggesting the victim provoked the attack, or pressuring victims to accept quick settlements before the full extent of their damages becomes clear. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures you don't leave money on the table.

Time Limits for Filing

Michigan law gives you three years from the date of a dog bite to file a lawsuit. While that may seem like ample time, evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and medical conditions evolve. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Claims involving government-owned dogs or attacks on government property have much shorter notice requirements—typically 120 days. If your child was bitten, special rules may extend the deadline, but waiting is never advisable.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

The steps you take immediately after an attack can significantly affect your ability to recover fair compensation:

Get medical attention. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to serious infections. Dog mouths harbor dangerous bacteria, and puncture wounds are particularly prone to complications. Keep all records of your treatment.

Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner's name, address, and contact information. Ask about the dog's vaccination history, particularly rabies status.

Document everything. Photograph your injuries as they heal, from the initial wounds through scarring. Take photos of the location where the attack occurred. Keep a journal of your pain levels, emotional state, and how the injury affects your daily activities.

Report the incident. Michigan law requires dog bites to be reported to local health authorities, usually within 24 hours. This creates an official record and triggers quarantine requirements to monitor for rabies.

Don't give recorded statements. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, seeking statements they can use to reduce your claim. Speak with an attorney before discussing the incident with anyone representing the dog owner or their insurance company.

Our Approach to Animal Attack Cases

For more than four decades, Logeman & Iafrate has built a reputation for taking cases others might avoid and fighting them through trial when necessary. We don't back down from insurance companies, and we're prepared to go to court to get our clients fair compensation.

When you bring us your dog bite case, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the attack, gather evidence of the owner's negligence or the dog's dangerous history, document the full extent of your injuries and losses, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. If they won't offer fair compensation, we're ready to take your case before a jury.

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There's no risk in calling to discuss your situation.

FAQs

Does Michigan have a "one bite" rule for dog attacks?

No. Michigan follows a strict liability standard under MCL 287.351. Dog owners are liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before or shown any aggressive behavior. Unlike states with a "one bite" rule, Michigan doesn't require victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. As long as you were lawfully present and didn't provoke the dog, the owner is responsible for your damages.

What compensation can I recover after a dog bite in Michigan?

Michigan dog bite victims can recover compensation for medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, future treatment), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and psychological treatment for anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs. Children often receive substantial compensation because injuries like facial scarring have lifelong impact on their development and self-image.

Who pays for dog bite injuries in Michigan?

Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowners' or renters' insurance policy. These policies typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. In some cases, landlords may also be liable if they knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act. You're generally seeking compensation from an insurance company, not asking an individual to pay out of pocket.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Michigan?

Michigan's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. However, claims against government entities have much shorter notice requirements—typically 120 days. Special rules may apply to minors. Evidence deteriorates and witnesses forget over time, so contacting an attorney promptly strengthens your case even if the deadline seems far away.

Can I recover compensation if a dog knocked me down but didn't bite me?

Yes, but through a different legal theory. Michigan's strict liability dog bite statute (MCL 287.351) only covers actual bites. For other injuries—being knocked down, scratched, or hurt while fleeing—you can pursue a claim under common law negligence or strict liability if the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies. These cases require proving either that the owner failed to use reasonable care or that they knew the dog could be dangerous.

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