Michigan Dog Bite Laws 2025 Explained

Cases involving dog bites in Michigan are particularly concerning, as they commonly lead to severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and long-lasting emotional challenges. As a result, Michigan dog bite laws have been implemented to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is crucial to understand these rules and regulations so you can take adequate action.

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Strict Liability Laws for Dog Bites

In dog bite cases, Michigan follows a strict liability law. This means a dog owner can be held legally accountable for the actions of their dog, even if their pet has not exhibited a history of violence or aggression. This is clearly laid out in Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.351. In short, a dog owner can be held liable if the victim did not provoke the dog and was lawfully on the property where the incident occurred.

Understanding Exceptions to Strict Liability Laws for Dog Bites

Although Michigan has strict liability laws, which are generally favorable to victims, there are some incidents in which the dog owner may not be held liable for their animal’s actions. These include:

Trespassing. If the victim of the dog bite accident was found to be trespassing on private property at the time they were bitten, the dog owner may not be held legally liable.
Engaging in illegal acts. If the dog bite victim was engaged in illegal activity, such as breaking and entering or burglary, the dog owner will likely not be held accountable.
Provocative behavior. If the victim was provoking the dog, such as by threatening, hitting, or teasing them, the owner may avoid being held liable.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Michigan and are trying to hold the dog owner accountable, they will likely try to prove one of these exceptions to strict liability for your case. Therefore, it’s important to work with an experienced dog bite lawyer. They can work to disprove any of these exceptions, preserving your right to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to after your accident.

How Comparative Negligence Laws Apply

Depending on the case, comparative negligence laws may be applied to proportionately reduce the compensation awarded to a victim. This happens in cases where the actions of the victim may have contributed to the accident, but both parties share ultimate liability.

What Compensation Could Dog Bite Victims Be Entitled To?

Under Michigan law, dog bite victims can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Compensation can reimburse a victim for their medical expenses related to treatment and diagnosis, such as surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and emergency care. Lost wages can also be awarded if the victim was out of work as a result of their accident injuries.

If the dog bite accident victim suffered from emotional distress, physical pain, psychological damages, permanent scarring, or disfigurement, they can also pursue compensation for these damages as well. Considering the complexity of dog bite cases, it’s crucial to contact a skilled Michigan dog bite lawyer. They can work through the legal process to recover all the compensation you’re entitled to after your dog bite.

Michigan Dog Bite Cases

Everything You Need to Know About Michigan Dog Bite Cases

After being bitten by a dog, you might feel unlucky or one in a million. However, this kind of injury is fairly common—approximately 17,000 dog bite claims are filed in the US each year.

Getting bitten by a dog, or any type of domestic animal, can be very serious. Therefore, anyone who suffers significant injury or distress deserves to be compensated.

Dog bite compensation can be complex depending on the situation. However, with the help of a skilled dog bite lawyer, you can rest easy knowing you or your child will get the justice you deserve.

Below, we outline everything you need to know about Michigan dog bite laws, injury compensation amounts, how liability is determined, and what you need to do next (before time runs out).

How Are Settlements Decided?

All dog bite cases are unique, and there are many factors that contribute to determining the size of a settlement. These settlements can range anywhere from $1,000 to $1 million.

Settlements are dependent upon factors including, but not limited to:

Size, location, and severeness of scars, cuts, or disfigurements
Medical treatment or surgery needed
Psychological and/or emotional damages
Permanency of injuries
Amount of lost wages from time off work
City or state where the dog bite occurred

Because of all these factors, it’s hard to gauge a true average. However, it typically lands somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000.

Who Is Responsible, According to Michigan Dog Bite Laws?

There are a couple ways to determine who is responsible in dog bites incidents, and how much compensation, if any, a victim receives.

If The Dog Was Provoked

One defense that the owner can use is provocation. If you were bitten after provoking the dog, then you may not be compensated. An example of intentional provocation would be hitting or tormenting the dog.

Provocation doesn’t always have to be done intentionally, however. In other words, one may anger the dog accidentally—like stepping on its tail, for example.

If the action would cause a “normal” dog to bite, then it may be considered provocation under Michigan law; automatically dismissing your case.

If The Victim Trespassed

According to Michigan dog bite laws, a dog bite victim may not recover damages if they were unlawfully on private property.

So, even if the victim suffers injury, if they were on someone’s property without their permission and bitten by their dog, the owner may not be liable. However, extenuating circumstances include if the victim was a child, whether or not their fencing is up to city-code, leaving their back gate open, etc.

In Any Other Case, The Owner is Liable

Some states have a “one-bite” rule that relinquishes the owner from liability the first time a dog bites someone. However, Michigan does not.

That means that the dog’s past nature is irrelevant. The dog could’ve been well-behaved its entire life before biting someone. Under this statute, the first bite could result in liability.

In a nutshell: Owners are responsible for dog bite incidents, unless the victim provokes the dog, or has trespassed on private property.

Michigan Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

In Michigan, there is a limit for the amount of time a dog bite victim has to file a lawsuit against the owner if they are bitten/injured. The victim must file their claim within three (3) years of the date of the injury.

It’s worth noting that you may plead multiple legal theories for holding the defendant liable in a dog bite claim—you aren’t limited to just one. For example; if a dog comes into your backyard and bites you on your private property, you may plead liability and trespassing.

Additionally, if the dog is known to have previously shown violent behavior, you may also plead negligence. This cites that the owner was clearly displaying carelessness by owning a dog of violent nature.

Dog Bites Are Serious; Get Help From An Experienced Attorney

Getting bitten by someone’s dog is scary, and the added complexities of Michigan dog bite laws make it even more stressful. That’s why you need a skilled, experienced, and compassionate lawyer to help you navigate your case and explain your rights.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog and want compensation, don’t wait for time to run out. Contact the team at Wigod & Falzon today.

Don’t forget; we work on a contingency fee basis, which means no recovery = no fee.

FAQs

What Are the Key Michigan Dog Bite Laws for 2024?

Michigan has strict liability for dog bite cases. This means the dog owner is responsible for the damages associated with any harm that their dog may cause, regardless of whether the dog has a violent or aggressive history. There are, however, some exceptions, such as if the dog bite victim was trespassing or somehow provoked the dog.

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite If the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?

Yes, you can file a personal injury claim for a dog bite, even if the dog does not have a history of violence or aggression under Michigan law. State statutes do not require dog bite victims to show any proof that the owner had an existing knowledge of whether the dog posed a danger to others. A skilled dog bite attorney can explain the particular requirements for filing a personal injury claim, which can allow you to seek compensation for your dog bite incident.

What Is Considered Provocation Under Michigan Dog Bite Laws?

Under Michigan dog bite laws, provocation can include any actions that might reasonably cause a dog to attack or bite, such as threatening, hitting, or teasing the dog. It can be proven that the individual who was bitten had been provoking the dog prior to their harm, the case will likely not proceed. A skilled attorney can present evidence to show that you were not provoking the dog prior to being bitten or attacked.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Michigan Dog Bite Case?

Damages you could recover in a Michigan dog bite case vary based on the specifics of the situation. You could obtain non-economic compensation for damages such as emotional distress, physical pain, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income and benefits, and lost earning potential. An experienced attorney can determine the full extent of the compensation you may be entitled to.

Are Dog Owners Liable If the Victim Was Trespassing?

If the victim was trespassing, dog owners are generally not held liable under Michigan law. This is because dog bite cases involving trespassing on private property when the attack happened generally do not have a basis for a personal injury claim. An experienced lawyer can prove that you were authorized to be where you were when the dog attack or bite incident occurred.

Get Legal Consultation for Dog Bite Cases at Wigod & Falzon

Michigan dog bite laws are complex. However, with the right legal representation, you can navigate these rules and regulations to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to after a dog bite incident. A dedicated personal injury attorney from Wigod & Falzon understands the extensive physical injuries and emotional stress you may be facing in the aftermath of your dog bite injuries. Our team can pursue the compensation you need to heal.

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