What Are Michigan’s Dog Bite Laws?

Michigan has clear and firm dog bite laws designed to protect victims. Whether you were attacked in a park, a neighbor’s yard, or during a delivery job, Michigan’s strict liability statute holds dog owners accountable in most cases — even if their dog has never shown signs of aggression before.

Strict Liability in Michigan Explained

Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.351, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if:

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

This means the owner can’t escape liability just because the dog never bit anyone before or wasn’t considered dangerous. If these two criteria are met, the law presumes the owner is at fault. 📌 Example: If you were bitten while walking on a sidewalk or visiting someone’s home (with permission), and you did not provoke the dog, the owner is automatically liable for your injuries.

What Are Michigan’s Dog Bite Laws?

Michigan has clear and firm dog bite laws designed to protect victims. Whether you were attacked in a park, a neighbor’s yard, or during a delivery job, Michigan’s strict liability statute holds dog owners accountable in most cases — even if their dog has never shown signs of aggression before.

Strict Liability in Michigan Explained

Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.351, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if:

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

This means the owner can’t escape liability just because the dog never bit anyone before or wasn’t considered dangerous. If these two criteria are met, the law presumes the owner is at fault. 📌 Example: If you were bitten while walking on a sidewalk or visiting someone’s home (with permission), and you did not provoke the dog, the owner is automatically liable for your injuries.

Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.351: Key Legal Takeaways

Here are the main points of the law:

• Automatic liability: Dog owners are responsible for bites, regardless of the dog’s history
• Provocation matters: If the dog was provoked, the owner may have a defense.
• Location matters: Victims must be in a public space or lawfully present on private property.
• Nerve or tendon damage

Common Legal Defenses Used by Dog Owners

Even though strict liability laws favor the victim, dog owners and their insurance companies often use common defenses to avoid responsibility or reduce the payout. Top Defenses Include:

Provocation

The owner may claim the victim teased, hit, or otherwise provoked the dog before the bite.

Trespassing:

If the bite occurred while the victim was illegally on private property, the strict liability rule might not apply.

No actual bite:

Some claims involve injuries without an actual bite (e.g., a dog knocking someone over). These may fall outside the statute and require proving negligence.

Beyond Dog Bites: When Other Legal Theories May Apply

While Michigan’s dog bite statute covers actual bite injuries, other legal theories — like negligence or premises liability — can apply in cases involving:

• Scratches or attacks without biting
• Injuries caused by being chased or knocked down
• Dogs with known aggression history not properly restrained

An experienced dog bite lawyer will determine which legal approach best fits your case.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Attorney in Michigan

Even though the law seems straightforward, dog bite claims can get complicated quickly. Insurance companies are often more concerned with minimizing payouts than compensating victims fairly.

How an Experienced Lawyer Helps You:

• Gathers critical evidence (photos, medical records, witness statements)
• Identifies the correct insurance policies to file claims under
• Handles aggressive insurers who try to blame the victim
• Calculates the full value of your case, including future medical bills, scarring, PTSD, and lost wages
• Negotiates or litigates for maximum compensatio

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Michigan, you have legal rights — but timing matters. Michigan has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Victims often suffer more than just physical wounds. Emotional trauma and long-term medical care can deeply affect your quality of life. Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle:

• Deep puncture wounds
• Torn tendons or ligaments
• Facial injuries and disfigurement
• Infections (including rabies risk)
• Psychological trauma (especially in children)
• Scarring and need for reconstructive surgery

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Michigan

• Get medical attention immediately
• Report the incident to your local animal control
• Document your injuries with photos and written notes
• Gather witness names and the dog owner's contact info
• Speak with a lawyer before talking to the insurance company

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Dog Bite Law

No. Under strict liability, a dog does not have to be classified as dangerous for the owner to be held responsible. Yes, but these cases usually fall outside strict liability and may require proving negligence. You still have the right to pursue compensation — typically through their homeowners’ insurance. Our firm handles these sensitive cases discreetly and professionally.

Let Us Help You Navigate Michigan’s Dog Bite Laws

You don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our team has years of experience helping dog bite victims across Michigan recover full and fair compensation. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on healing.

Contact Our Michigan Dog Bite Attorneys Today

• No fee unless we win
• Serving clients across Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, and beyond