Michigan Dog Bite Lawyers

Why Hire Us for Your Dog Bite Claim in Michigan?

A dog bite claim might seem straightforward, but insurance companies and dog owners often try to avoid responsibility. Without an experienced lawyer, you could end up settling for far less than you’re entitled to, or worse, having your claim denied altogether.  

At LegalGenius, we know how to build a strong case that gets results. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your claim:  

• We Know Michigan Dog Bite Laws Inside and Out: Michigan has strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning owners are responsible for their dogs’ actions, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. However, exceptions exist, and insurance companies will look for ways to avoid paying. We know how to counter these defenses and prove liability so you get the full compensation you deserve.  
• We Handle the Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have To: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even in clear-cut dog bite cases. They may try to blame you for provoking the attack or offer a low settlement that barely covers your medical bills. We negotiate aggressively with insurers to make sure you receive fair compensation for all your damages.  
• We Fight for Maximum Compensation: Dog bite injuries can lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, and emotional trauma. We calculate every loss you’ve suffered, including medical expenses, future treatments, lost wages, pain and suffering, and psychological distress, to ensure you receive the full compensation you need to recover.  
• We Have a Proven Track Record of Winning Dog Bite Cases: Not all law firms have experience handling dog bite claims. At LegalGenius, we’ve successfully recovered compensation for victims of dog attacks throughout Michigan. We understand the legal strategies that work, and we know how to build a strong case that stands up to scrutiny in court.  
• You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: Worried about legal fees? Don’t be. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees: just results.  

Not sure if you have a case? We offer free consultations to discuss your claim and explain your options. There’s no pressure, no risk: just honest legal advice to help you make the best decision for your future.

Michigan Dog Bite Laws Explained

Michigan has a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning the owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 287.351, a dog owner is liable if:  

• The victim was lawfully on public or private property (not trespassing).  
• The victim did not provoke the dog before the attack.  

Unlike some states that require proof of the dog’s past aggression, Michigan law does not require prior incidents to hold the owner accountable. However, if the owner can prove that you provoked the dog or were trespassing, they may try to deny liability.  At LegalGenius, we know how to counter these defenses and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog

A dog bite can be shocking, painful, and emotionally overwhelming. In the moments after an attack, it’s easy to feel disoriented and unsure of what to do next. However, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and improve your chances of receiving full compensation for your injuries.  

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately:  Even if the bite doesn’t seem serious at first, you should see a doctor right away. Dog bites can cause deep tissue damage, nerve injuries, and infections, some of which may not be immediately visible. A medical professional will assess the wound, clean it properly, and determine if you need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot.  
• Report the Bite to Authorities:  Once you’re safe and have received medical attention, report the dog bite to your local animal control agency or police department. This creates an official record of the attack, which can be used in your legal case. Authorities will also investigate whether the dog has a history of aggression or previous attacks.  
• Gather Evidence at the Scene: The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be. Right after the attack (or as soon as possible), try to document everything related to the incident. Take clear photos of your injuries, any torn clothing, and the location where the attack occurred. You should also get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number. If they have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, ask for their provider’s details, as their policy may cover your medical expenses and damages.  
• Do Not Speak with the Insurance Company Alone: After the attack, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company may contact you to discuss your claim. They may sound friendly and sympathetic, but make no mistake: their goal is to pay you as little as possible. The best way to protect yourself is to let your Michigan dog bite lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company.
• Contact a Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer as Soon as Possible: Dog bite claims can be complicated, especially when insurance companies try to deny liability or lowball settlements. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need. 

Who Pays Your Bills After a Dog Bite?

Medical bills can add up quickly, especially if the bite requires stitches, surgery, infection treatment, or ongoing care for nerve damage or scarring. The good news is that, in most cases, you don’t have to pay out of pocket, but getting compensation isn’t always straightforward.

Does Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover your medical bills and other losses. Many insurance policies include liability coverage for dog attacks, meaning the insurance company (not the individual dog owner) pays for your damages.

What If the Dog Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Not all dog owners have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. If the owner doesn’t have coverage, they may be personally liable for your expenses. In these cases, you still have options:

• Filing a lawsuit against the dog owner. If they have assets or income, they may be required to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
• Exploring other sources of compensation. Some victims may have coverage through their own health insurance or even auto insurance if the bite occurred near a vehicle.
• Seeking compensation through a landlord or property owner. If the attack happened in an apartment complex or rental property, the landlord may be held responsible if they knew about the dog’s aggression and failed to take action.

What About Your Own Insurance?

If the dog owner refuses to pay and there’s no available insurance, you may be able to use your own health insurance to cover your medical expenses. However, if you receive a settlement later, your health insurance company may require reimbursement for the costs they covered.

Compensation in a Dog Bite Claim

If you were bitten by a dog in Michigan, you may be entitled to financial compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses. At LegalGenius, we fight for the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to: not just what the insurance company wants to pay.  

A dog bite claim may cover a wide range of damages, including:  

• Medical Expenses: Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, including deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, and broken bones. In severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be required. A dog bite lawyer ensures that your settlement includes all future medical expenses related to the attack.  
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Whether you missed a few days or several months of work, your claim should account for hourly wages or salary lost due to time off work, as well as sick days or vacation time used for recovery and future lost earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work long-term. 
• Pain and Suffering: The trauma of an attack can lead to chronic pain, nightmares, and anxiety, especially for children who are bitten. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for physical pain and discomfort from injuries, emotional distress and mental anguish, and long-term suffering from nerve damage or chronic wounds  
• Scarring and Disfigurement: A dog bite can leave permanent scars, especially on the face, hands, arms, and legs. These scars may require plastic surgery or skin grafts, and they can also cause significant emotional distress. Children, in particular, may suffer from severe psychological effects due to facial scarring, and their settlement should reflect the long-term impact of the injury. 
• Psychological Trauma & PTSD:  Being attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience that can lead to lasting mental and emotional struggles. Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and panic attacks, and a newly developed fear of dogs. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Michigan?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Michigan, you don’t have unlimited time to take legal action. Michigan law gives dog bite victims up to three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under the state’s statute of limitations (Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805).

While three years may seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and the insurance company may use delays against you. That said, some situations can extend or shorten the standard three-year limit:

• Minors (Victims Under 18): If the victim is a child, the deadline may be extended. The statute of limitations does not start until the child turns 18, meaning they have until their 19th birthday to file a claim.
• Mentally Incapacitated Victims: If the victim is mentally incapacitated at the time of the attack, the filing deadline may be paused until they regain the ability to take legal action.
• Government-Owned Dog: If the dog that bit you was owned by a government agency (such as a police K-9), you may face a much shorter filing deadline and additional legal hurdles.

How Much Does a Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

At LegalGenius, we know that the last thing you need after a dog attack is more financial stress. Medical bills, lost wages, and unexpected expenses can pile up fast, and worrying about the cost of legal representation shouldn’t stop you from getting the help you deserve.  

That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our payment comes from your settlement, not your personal finances.  This structure allows anyone, regardless of financial situation, to access high-quality legal representation. We take on the risk, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life without worrying about legal bills.