A dog attack happens in seconds but can leave permanent scars, nerve damage, and lasting trauma — especially for children. Our Lenawee County dog bite attorneys have spent more than 45 years holding negligent owners accountable across Michigan. From the city of Adrian to the Irish Hills lake country and the rural roads along the Ohio border, Lenawee County's mix of highway, farm, and small-town traffic creates serious accident risks.
Michigan's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Michigan strongly protects bite victims. Under MCL 287.351, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone — regardless of whether the animal has ever shown aggression before. Unlike states with a "one bite rule," Michigan holds owners responsible from the very first incident. To recover, you must show you were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. When those conditions are met, liability is automatic.
Beyond Bites: Other Dog-Related Injuries in Lenawee County
Dogs also injure people in ways the strict liability statute doesn't cover — knocking people down, causing falls, or chasing cyclists into traffic near US-223, US-127, M-52, M-50, and M-34. For these injuries, Michigan common law allows recovery when the owner knew the dog was dangerous or failed to use reasonable care, such as violating leash laws or leaving a gate unsecured.
Compensation for Dog Attack Victims
Bite victims may recover for medical expenses, reconstructive surgery, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and psychological treatment for PTSD and anxiety. Children who suffer facial scarring often require special consideration, and we work with life-care planners and child psychologists to document the full, lasting impact.
Why Choose Logeman & Iafrate
We are not a high-volume settlement mill. We take cases other firms turn down and prepare every case for trial, and insurance companies know it. Our verdicts and settlements include a $250,000 award for a woman bitten on the hand by a dog. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis — no fee unless we win.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is decided on its own facts.
Attacked by a Dog in Lenawee County?
If you or your child was injured in a dog attack throughout Lenawee County, contact Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. We understand Michigan's strict liability law and know how to pursue the full compensation you're owed. Call us at (734) 994-0200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We take cases on a contingency-fee basis — no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Bite Injuries in Lenawee County, MI
Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Michigan's strict liability statute holds owners responsible for bites regardless of the dog's history. You don't need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — only that you were lawfully present and did not provoke the attack.
What if the owner says I was trespassing?
You must have been lawfully present to recover under the bite statute, which includes being on public property or lawfully on private property as a guest, delivery person, or service provider. Even if the statute doesn't apply, a common-law negligence claim may still be possible.
Can I recover if the dog knocked me down but didn't bite me?
Yes, under a different theory. For non-bite injuries you can pursue a common-law claim by showing the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was negligent in controlling it, such as violating a leash law.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
Many homeowners and renters policies cover dog bite liability, and in some cases your own policy may apply. We investigate every available source of compensation.
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