Understanding Michigan’s Dog Bite Statute of Limitations
Under Michigan law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims — including dog bites — is three years from the date of the injury. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner or other responsible parties.
Key Points:
1. Minors
If the victim is under 18 at the time of the attack, the statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18. This means they typically have until their 21st birthday to file a lawsuit.
2. Legally Incapacitated Individuals
If the victim has a legal disability at the time of the injury (such as mental incapacitation), the time limit may be paused until they regain legal capacity.
3. Claims Against Government Entities
If the dog was owned by a government employee or the attack occurred on public property, special rules apply. Victims may need to file a notice of intent to sue within just 60 to 180 days, depending on the agency involved.
Failing to file within the statute of limitations can be devastating. In addition to legal dismissal, waiting too long can also:
Not sure if you still have time to file a dog bite lawsuit in Michigan? Don’t risk losing your legal rights. Contact our legal team today for a free case evaluation and personalized deadline check.
At Michigan Dog Bite Lawyers, we are more than just legal professionals — we are dedicated advocates for dog bite victims across Michigan.