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Dog bites are traumatic and often life-changing events. Whether you were bitten in a public park, at a friend’s home, or while working, Michigan dog bite laws give you the right to pursue compensation — but the steps you take immediately after the attack can make or break your claim.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do after a dog bite in Michigan, so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Even minor-looking dog bites can lead to serious infections, including rabies, tetanus, or cellulitis. Deep puncture wounds may damage nerves, muscles, or tendons.
Why it matters:
📍 Tip: Request a full evaluation and keep copies of all medical records, treatment plans, and bills.
Michigan law requires dog bites to be reported to local animal control or the police department.
Why this is important:
📞 Call animal control or the local health department in the city or county where the bite occurred.
Start gathering evidence right away. Photos and notes from the day of the incident can be powerful in proving your case.
What to document:
📝 Consider starting a recovery journal to track pain levels, emotional trauma, sleep issues, or missed work.
If anyone saw the dog attack, get their full name, phone number, and email address. Witness statements can:
👥 Eyewitnesses can be especially valuable when the dog owner denies liability.
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly — but their goal is to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. Anything you say could be used against you.
Instead:
🎯 Let your lawyer handle all communications to avoid traps, lowball settlements, or legal mistakes.
Taking swift, strategic action:
Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.351, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites without provocation — but insurers will still try to fight your claim. That’s why having documentation, witnesses, and legal support from the start is key.
Hiring an attorney early increases your chances of recovering compensation for:
A seasoned lawyer will:
Dog bites involving children are especially serious. Kids are more likely to suffer:
Parents should follow the same steps and also:
An experienced attorney can handle your child’s case with discretion, care, and urgency.
Michigan law gives most dog bite victims three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. But waiting can hurt your case, especially if:
At Michigan Dog Bite Lawyers, we are more than just legal professionals — we are dedicated advocates for dog bite victims across Michigan.
