Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Michigan

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:

• "Three-Year Deadline:" The clock starts ticking on the date the bite occurred.
• "strict Enforcement:" Courts typically dismiss claims filed after the deadline, regardless of merit.
• "No "Discovery Rule": Unlike some injury claims, dog bite victims cannot usually extend the deadline by claiming they discovered the harm later.

Special Exceptions for Certain Victims

There are specific scenarios in which the three-year limit may be paused or extended: 1. Minors There are exceptions to Michigan’s three-year statute of limitations for dog bite cases. If a child under the age of 18 is injured by a dog, the statute of limitations is extended. In these cases, the injured minor generally has until their 19th 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.

Why Timing Matters

Failing to file within the statute of limitations can be devastating. In addition to legal dismissal, waiting too long can also:

• Make evidence harder to gather
• Result in lost or fading witness testimony
• Jeopardize your ability to negotiate a fair insurance settlement

What to Do If You’re Not Sure About the Deadline

If you’re unsure about when the statute of limitations expires in your case, don’t guess. Speak with an experienced Michigan dog bite attorney who can evaluate the details and ensure all deadlines are met.

Contact Us

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.