Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Wayne County, Michigan

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 Wayne County and all of 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 Protects Wayne County Victims

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 throughout Wayne County, 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 thoroughly—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 in Wayne County

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 Available to Dog Bite Victims in Wayne County

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 require special consideration. Facial scarring can affect their development, self-esteem, and social relationships for years. We work with life care planners and child psychologists to document the full impact on young victims.

Wayne County Communities We Serve

Our attorneys represent dog bite victims throughout Wayne County, including Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Canton, Taylor, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Redford, Wayne, Romulus, Garden City, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Allen Park, Trenton, Wyandotte, and all surrounding communities. Whether your attack happened at a neighbor's home, on a public street, or in a local park, we're here to help.

Why Choose Logeman & Iafrate for Your Wayne County Dog Bite Case

Dog bite cases require attorneys who understand both Michigan's unique statutory framework and the insurance tactics used to minimize payouts. Insurance companies often argue provocation, claim you were trespassing, or dispute the severity of your injuries.

We take cases other firms won't and prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies throughout Wayne County know we're not interested in quick, low-ball settlements. Our record of verdicts and settlements speaks for itself. We've spent decades fighting for injured clients throughout Michigan, and we're ready to fight for you.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights

Michigan's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit, but waiting makes your case harder to prove. Witnesses forget details, evidence disappears, and insurance companies have more time to build defenses. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis. You don't pay us a dime unless we win your case. During your free consultation, we'll explain your rights, evaluate your case, and map out the path forward.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is decided on its own facts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases in Wayne County

Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. Michigan's strict liability statute (MCL 287.351) holds dog owners responsible for bites regardless of the animal's history. You don't need to prove the dog was dangerous before or that the owner knew about aggressive tendencies. The law imposes automatic liability when a dog bites someone who is lawfully present and did not provoke the attack.

What if the dog owner says I was trespassing?

You must have been lawfully present to recover under Michigan's dog bite statute. This includes being on public property or lawfully on private property as a guest, delivery person, mail carrier, service provider, or similar lawful visitor. If you were truly trespassing, you may still have a claim under common law negligence if the owner knew the dog was dangerous, but the strict liability statute won't apply. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether you were lawfully present under Michigan law.

Can I sue if the dog knocked me down but didn't bite me?

Yes, but under a different legal theory. Michigan's strict liability statute specifically covers bites. For non-bite injuries like being knocked down, scratched, or injured when a dog caused you to fall, you can pursue a claim under common law. You'll need to show either that the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies, or that the owner was negligent in controlling the animal—such as violating leash laws or allowing the dog to run loose.

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

Michigan's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, waiting makes your case harder to prove as witnesses forget details and evidence disappears. We strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the attack to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the dog owner doesn't have insurance or assets?

Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bite liability. If the owner has no insurance and limited assets, recovery can be challenging—but our attorneys explore every option. In some cases, you may have coverage under your own homeowners or umbrella policy. We'll investigate all potential sources of compensation during your free consultation.

Will I have to go to court?

Most dog bite cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it's going to court. This trial-ready approach pushes insurance companies to offer fair settlements. If they refuse to pay what you deserve, we're fully prepared to take your case to a Wayne County jury. Our decades of trial experience and proven verdict history give us leverage in negotiations.

How much is my dog bite case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment required, whether you have permanent scarring or disfigurement, the emotional trauma you've suffered, and how the injuries affect your daily life and ability to work. Cases involving children with facial scarring or severe psychological trauma often warrant higher compensation. During your free consultation, we'll evaluate your specific situation and explain what compensation you may be entitled to recover.