Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Michigan

Client Testimonials

“I was given Steven’s information from my cousin that retained his services, and I have to say I am so pleased we did the same. The leave of professionalism was outstanding, I never had to wonder or guess what was going to happen. Steven and his staff kept us up to date and informed in every step throughout our process. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law Firm.” — Michelle W.

“Steve was communicative, clear, highly competent, efficient and friendly. I have not pursued anything like this before and felt that I was in good hands. I was satisfied with the settlement – and would highly recommend Matz Injury Law to those who are looking for this type of service.” — Jennifer B.

“My family is grateful for Steve Matz’s professional handling of our case. Steve was very thorough, candid, responsive, and strategic in his approach throughout our legal proceedings. If ever in a situation again like my family has experienced over the past year, we would immediately retain Matz Injury Law to represent our interests. Thank you Steve.” — John P.

What Are the Michigan Dog Bite Laws?

Michigan enforces strict liability for dog bites under MCL 287.351. This means a dog owner may be held responsible even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Victims do not have to prove negligence to recover damages for a bite. However, for other types of injuries, such as being knocked down, different legal standards may apply, and claims may require proving negligence.

The statute applies when:

• The victim was lawfully on private or public property.
• The victim did not provoke the dog.

Dog owners may not be liable if:

• The victim was trespassing.
• The victim provoked the dog.
• The dog was being used in official duties such as police or military work, though these claims may be limited or barred under Michigan’s governmental immunity laws rather than the dog bite statute itself.
• The victim was committing a crime at the time of the attack.

The law applies regardless of location. Dog owners can be held responsible for attacks that occur in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, or other areas where the victim is lawfully present.

Does a Dog Bite Have to Be Reported in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan public health law requires that dog bites where rabies exposure is suspected be reported to the local health department within 24 hours. Many counties require reporting all dog bites as a precaution, allowing officials to assess the need for rabies quarantine or treatment.

What Happens When You Report a Dog Bite in Michigan?

Once a dog bite is reported, the local health department or animal control may:

• Confirm the dog’s vaccination status, including rabies.
• Quarantine the dog for a mandatory 10-day observation period to monitor for rabies symptoms. This applies when the animal is a dog, cat, or ferret.
• Collect details from the victim about the circumstances of the attack.
• Require rabies post-exposure treatment if vaccination records are incomplete or missing.
• Impose fines or compliance requirements on the dog owner.

Reporting also creates an official record that supports both medical treatment and any future legal action.

What Should You Do After a Dog Attack in Michigan?

Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite protects both your health and your legal rights.

• Seek medical attention. Get prompt care for any dog bite injuries, even if they appear minor. Treatment helps prevent infections and documents your condition.
• Report the bite. Notify local authorities or animal control within 24 hours, as required by Michigan law.
• Document the incident. Take photos of your wounds, the location of the attack, and any damaged property. Keep copies of medical records and bills.
• Identify the dog owner. Obtain their name, contact information, and proof of vaccination for the dog.
• Preserve evidence. Keep clothing or personal items damaged during the attack.
• Avoid provocation claims. Clearly state the facts in your report to prevent false claims that you provoked the dog.
• File promptly. Michigan’s statute of limitations allows three years to take legal action. For minors, they generally have until their 19th birthday to file a claim.

After getting medical care and reporting the attack, it is also important to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Matz Injury Law can explain your legal options, handle communication with the insurance company, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Michigan

Dog attacks can leave victims with severe injuries. Children are especially vulnerable because they may not be able to fight off a dog or avoid serious harm. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Broken bones. Dog bites often cause fractures in the face, neck, arms, legs, or ribs.
• Infections. Even small puncture wounds can lead to infections such as rabies, tetanus, or sepsis. Victims often require antibiotics and close medical monitoring.
• Nerve damage. Depending on where the bite occurs, victims may experience numbness, burning sensations, or neuropraxia.
• Scars and disfigurement. Severe lacerations can leave permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly on the face. Some victims may lose an eye or require plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dog attacks frequently result in psychological injuries, including anxiety, fear of dogs, and ongoing trauma that affects daily life.
• Rabies. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. While vaccinations can prevent it, some dogs are not properly vaccinated, putting victims at risk.
• Death. In rare but tragic cases, dog attacks can cause fatal injuries. Surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Because these cases can be complex, speaking with a Michigan dog bite attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under Michigan law for your case.

Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Michigan?

Yes. Victims in Michigan have the right to file a lawsuit after a dog bite. Depending on the circumstances, claims may be based on:

• Negligence. A dog owner may be liable if they failed to control a dangerous dog, violated leash laws, or ignored prior warnings about aggressive behavior.
• Strict liability. Under Michigan law, an owner is responsible if their dog bites someone who was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal.
• Battery. If a dog was intentionally used to cause harm, the act may be considered battery and create another basis for a lawsuit.

Through these legal grounds, victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Dog Bite in Michigan?

In Michigan, victims have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit for a dog bite. While this may seem like a long time, delays can make it harder to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

Filing as soon as possible allows an attorney to gather records, interview witnesses, and prepare your claim before deadlines approach. Speaking with a Michigan dog bite lawyer at Matz Injury Law early can help protect your rights and keep your case on track.

Can a Landlord Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Michigan?

In limited situations, a landlord may be held responsible for a dog bite. Liability may apply if:

• The landlord knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog on the property.
• The landlord had the ability to remove or restrict the animal but failed to act.

If these conditions are not met, responsibility typically remains with the dog’s owner. Victims should speak with a Michigan dog bite attorney to determine whether landlord liability applies in their case.

Dog Bites Involving Delivery Drivers in Michigan

Delivery workers face a higher risk of dog attacks when entering private property to perform their jobs. Under Michigan law, they are considered lawfully present while working. This means that if a dog bite occurs, the strict liability statute usually applies.

If a delivery driver is bitten, the following options may be available:

• Dog bite lawsuit. A driver can pursue a claim against the dog owner under Michigan’s strict liability law, seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and future care needs.
• Insurance coverage. Many dog owners’ homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bite injuries, subject to policy limits and exclusions.
• Workers’ compensation. Benefits may be available through the employer, although these are limited and can restrict broader personal injury claims. If both claims are pursued, the workers’ compensation insurer may seek repayment from any settlement or verdict.

A Michigan dog bite attorney can evaluate the case, explain available remedies, and take action to hold the dog owner accountable.

How Can I Prove My Dog Bite Case?

To succeed in a Michigan dog bite lawsuit, victims must show that the incident meets the requirements of the state’s strict liability statute. Important elements of proof include:

• Lawful presence. Establish that you were on public or private property lawfully and not trespassing.
• Causation. Demonstrate that the dog directly caused your injuries. If the injury involved a bite, Michigan’s strict liability law may apply. For other types of harm, negligence or other legal theories may be required to pursue compensation.
• No provocation. Show that you did not provoke the dog before the attack.
• Evidence. Provide photos of the injuries and scene, copies of medical records and bills, incident reports from animal control, and witness statements.

Gathering and preserving this evidence is critical to protecting your rights and pursuing compensation.

Special Considerations for Child Victims of Dog Bites

Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites, and Michigan law provides additional protections for young victims.

• Extended statute of limitations. Minors have additional time to file a lawsuit because the filing period may not begin until they reach adulthood.
• Court approval of settlements. Any settlement involving a child typically requires court approval to confirm that the child’s best interests are protected.

Children also face a greater risk of disfigurement, the need for reconstructive surgery, and long-term psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder. A Michigan dog bite lawyer can guide families through these special procedures and help safeguard the rights of young victims.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Michigan

Victims of dog bites in Michigan may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These cover direct financial losses such as medical bills, surgery costs, ambulance services, medications, therapy, and psychological care. They also include lost wages and reduced future earning capacity if the injury prevents you from returning to your prior work.

Non-Economic Damages

These address losses without a set dollar value, such as pain and suffering, trauma from disfigurement or scarring, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent physical impairment.

Insurance companies often dispute claims, especially those involving non-economic damages, by downplaying or denying the impact of the injuries. A Michigan dog bite attorney can handle negotiations, present evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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

Michigan law does not allow punitive damages in dog bite cases. However, victims may be entitled to exemplary damages, which are awarded to compensate for humiliation, outrage, or distress resulting from willful or malicious conduct. While not meant to punish the dog owner, exemplary damages go beyond standard compensation in cases of particularly egregious behavior.

A Michigan dog bite attorney can review the facts and advise whether exemplary damages may be available.

What Factors Affect the Value of a Michigan Dog Bite Settlement?

The value of a Michigan dog bite settlement depends on many factors, including:

• Age of the victim. Younger victims may face greater long-term effects, such as scarring or psychological trauma.
• Severity of the injuries. Serious wounds, broken bones, or nerve damage often increase claim value.
• Location of the bite. Injuries to the face, neck, or hands may require extensive treatment or surgery.
• Medical treatment. Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care all affect settlement value.
• Permanency of injuries. Lasting disfigurement, disability, or functional loss can increase compensation.
• Psychological impact. Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder are also considered.
• Lost wages. Time away from work and reduced future earning capacity add to damages.
• Insurance coverage. The limits of the dog owner’s policy can restrict the total recovery.

Because each case is different, it is important to work with a law firm that understands both the legal and personal challenges victims face. Matz Injury Law has decades of experience representing dog bite victims across Michigan, helping families pursue fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these attacks.

How Does Insurance Coverage Work for Dog Bite Claims in Michigan?

In most cases, compensation for dog bite injuries in Michigan is paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy rather than from personal funds. These policies may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Key points about insurance coverage include:

• Homeowners insurance. Often covers injuries caused by pets, including dog bites that occur on private or public property.
• Renters insurance. May provide coverage if the dog owner is a tenant.
• Exclusions. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a history of attacks.
• Disputes. Insurance companies may deny claims or attempt to undervalue them.

A Michigan dog bite attorney can handle disputes with the insurance company, gather supporting evidence, and pursue fair compensation for victims.

Are Dog Bite Attacks Preventable?

Not every dog attack can be prevented, but there are steps that may reduce the risk:

• Be cautious around unfamiliar dogs, especially when an owner is not present.
• Teach children not to approach or pet dogs without permission.
• Avoid disturbing a dog that is eating, drinking, or caring for puppies.
• Ask the owner before petting any dog.

If you encounter a threatening dog:

• Stay calm and avoid running.
• Stand still with your hands at your sides.
• Speak in a calm, firm voice if needed.
• If attacked, place an object such as a coat, purse, or bicycle between yourself and the dog.
• When safe, back away slowly while facing the animal.

While safety steps help, victims cannot always prevent an attack. If a dog bite occurs, Matz Injury Law can explain your rights and pursue compensation for the harm you suffered.

Start Your Dog Bite Claim With a Free Case Review

A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and the costs of medical care and missed work can quickly become overwhelming. You should not have to carry that burden alone.

Matz Injury Law helps dog bite victims across Michigan pursue compensation for their injuries. When you meet with us, we will explain your rights, identify who is responsible, and handle the insurance company on your behalf. Our goal is to secure fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We offer free consultations and work on a 22% contingency fee, which is lower than the percentage charged by many other firms. That means you do not pay unless we recover compensation for you.

Call Matz Injury Law today at 866-226-6833 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free case review. Let us take on the legal fight so you can focus on healing.