Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer

Our personal injury lawyers can meet you in any office, at your home, or at a hospital. Many clients prefer a digital sign-up so our dog bite lawyers can start working on their case immediately.

If you’re searching for a top-rated Michigan dog bite lawyer, Buckfire Law is here to help. Our skilled personal injury attorneys specialize in obtaining maximum compensation and settlements for dog bite victims across Michigan, from Monroe and Port Huron to Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and beyond.

At Buckfire Law, we represent victims of dog attacks, including children, adults, postal workers, Amazon and UPS delivery drivers, and utility workers. Our experienced dog bite lawyers handle cases throughout the state and fight for justice on behalf of those injured. With offices in Southfield, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Macomb County, we’re able to meet clients in person or arrange consultations at your home, the hospital, or through digital sign-up for immediate case assistance.

Whether you or a loved one has been affected, reach out to Buckfire Law for trusted representation in your Michigan dog bite case.

• How to prevent a dog attack
• What should I do after a dog attack?
• Attacks on UPS, Amazon, and Fed-Ex delivery drivers
• Common animal attack and dog bite injuries
• How to file a lawsuit after a dog attack

Dog Bite Prevention

While it is impossible to prevent all dog attacks, there are certain measures a person can take to decrease the likelihood of a bite. For example, a person should be cautious around strange dogs, especially any that look unfriendly or do not have an owner in the vicinity.

Furthermore, a person should be alert and aware of their surroundings, and teach the same to their children. Also, asking an owner for permission to pet a dog before doing so may also help to avoid suffering a bite.

While not all dog attacks are preventable, taking these steps may help reduce your risk:

• Be Cautious Around Strange Dogs: Always approach dogs with caution, especially if they’re unattended.
• Avoid Eye Contact with Dogs: Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge by some dogs.
• Educate Children on Dog Safety: Teach children to avoid running or making loud noises around dogs.
• Ask Permission Before Petting: Always ask an owner’s permission before petting their dog.

After sustaining a dog bite, a victim may feel overwhelmed and frightened. Of course, seeking medical attention should be a person’s number one priority. However, getting a dog owner’s name and contact information is also important for a future claim. Additionally, requesting proof of a dog rabies vaccination can determine if a person needs a shot to treat the disease.

What to Do After a Michigan Dog Bite

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog in Michigan, taking swift and thorough action can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow after a dog bite incident:

1. Control Bleeding: Place a clean towel over the injury to help stop any bleeding. Keeping pressure on the wound can prevent excessive blood loss.
2. Elevate the Injured Area: If possible, keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling and control bleeding.
3. Thoroughly Clean the Wound: Carefully wash the bite with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which may cause further injury.
4. Apply a Sterile Bandage: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage to protect it from contaminants.
5. Seek Prompt Medical Attention: Visit a hospital, urgent care, or doctor’s office for a professional medical evaluation. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so timely care is essential.
6. Gather Key Information: Obtain the dog owner’s name, contact information, and proof of the dog’s vaccinations, particularly for rabies. This information is vital for your medical treatment and any legal action.
7. Photograph the Injuries: Take clear, detailed photos of your injuries as soon as possible after the attack. Visual documentation serves as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
8. File a Report: Notify Animal Control or the local Police Department to create an official record of the incident. This report will be critical if you choose to file a lawsuit.
9. Consult with a Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer: Reach out to Buckfire Law to discuss your rights and explore options for a potential personal injury settlement. Our experienced team can guide you through the claims process and help secure the compensation you deserve.

By following these steps, you can protect your health and strengthen your potential case, ensuring you’re in the best position to pursue a claim.

What Happens when you Report a Dog Bite?

When you report a dog bite, either animal control or the local police will do an investigation. The purpose is to document the incident because many dogs are frequent biters. The investigator will also verify the dog is up to date on vaccinations, including rabies.

Many times, the county requires the dog be quarantined for a specified period of time.

Animal control will open a file for the incident. This should include facts discovered during the investigation, especially for bites requiring medical attention. You can get a copy of the report through the Freedom of Information Act. When you hire our dog bite attorneys, we get the report for you.

Were you Bitten by a Neighbor or Relative’s Dog?

Yes, Michigan law allows victims to file a claim against a friend’s or relative’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Although this may create a strained relationship within the family, you should both be aware that the homeowner’s insurance company may pay a settlement.

In these cases, the dog owner does not have to personally pay any type of out-of-pocket compensation.

Similarly, a person who was bitten by a friend or neighbor’s dog also has legal rights. Naturally, this can present an uncomfortable situation between two neighbors. Animosity often begins immediately after the attack, especially if the pet owner is unapologetic or relatively unconcerned about the situation. In fact, the owner will often blame the victim for causing a bite.

Approximately 61% of dog bites or attacks happen at home or in a familiar place, according to the Humane Society of the United States. In addition, roughly 77% of the biting dogs reportedly belong to the victim’s family or a friend.

Our law firm has won substantial settlements in these cases and can do the same for you. Call us now to speak to an experienced Michigan dog bite lawyer.

Finally, insurance companies cannot legally require or demand the family give away their dog. Therefore, if both neighbors or friends act in a civil manner, they can continue their relationship after the victim is fairly compensated for the dog bite injuries. Our attorneys can handle sensitive family and neighbor cases to secure the best outcome while minimizing any discomfort between parties.

Dog Attacks on Fed-Ex, Amazon,  UPS & Food Delivery Drivers

Federal Express (Fed-Ex), Amazon, and United Parcel Service (UPS) drivers are often the victims of dog bite attacks during deliveries to their customers. This frequently occurs when drivers leave their trucks to drop off packages at homes and businesses. They become vulnerable to unrestrained and unleashed canines.

Other common dog bite victims are food delivery drivers.  Drivers for Doordash, Postmates, Uber Eats, and GrubHub are also often bitten by dogs.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 3,000 dog bite victims are mail carriers.

When this happens, a Fed-Ex driver, Amazon courier, UPS driver and food delivery man has two potential options for pursuing legal action based on state law. The first is to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which applies when the driver was on duty during an attack. These claims pay the delivery driver wage loss benefits during their period of disability from an attack. The claim also pays the medical expense benefits for all treatment related to their injuries.

When a negligent pet owner is responsible for an attack, they might be responsible for repaying the workers’ compensation benefits paid out by the insurer. Our dog bite lawyers have won many of these cases.

The second claim is filed against the dog owner for pain and suffering damages. Dog attacks often result in significant scarring, disfigurement, and bone fractures. As a result, a civil claim demands compensation for mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages stemming from a canine attack.

A dog bite lawyer in Michigan will explain the legal options available to a Fed-Ex, Amazon, UPS and food deliver driver after an attack.

The bar graph below displays the list of dog breeds with the most powerful bite, based on pounds per square inch (PSI).

Pit Bull Attacks Can Be Deadly

Pit bulls are considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds to own. While this is not strictly true, dog bites involving pit bulls are common. Pit bulls are incredibly strong, which means an attack or bite is often devastating and can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and even death.

However, these occurrences have more to do with the negligent or abusive training methods—or neglect—of a pet owner, than they do with the inherent nature of a pit bull. As a result, anyone injured by a pit bull should hire a skillful dog bite lawyer to determine how a pet owner’s negligent or abusive behavior resulted in an attack.

The pie graph below depicts the percentage of fatalities from pit bull attacks in each state. Texas and California had more than 20% of all pit bull fatalities in the United States from 2005-2020.

Michigan, meanwhile, accounted for approximately 3.79% of all pit bull fatalities in the U.S.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

In addition to physical injuries, a dog bite victim often suffers from psychological damages as well. These include nightmares, post-traumatic stress syndrome, humiliation, and embarrassment.

Dog bites can lead to serious, long-lasting physical and emotional injuries. Our dog bite injury lawyers often see the following types of harm after an attack:

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Deep cuts from a dog’s teeth can cause extensive tissue damage. These injuries frequently require stitches and, if not properly cleaned, may lead to dangerous infections.
• Facial Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites to the face are particularly common in children, often leaving permanent scars. Facial scarring can impact a victim’s self-confidence and may require ongoing plastic surgery.
• Bone Fractures and Nerve Damage: Powerful bites, especially from larger breeds, can fracture bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and legs. Nerve damage resulting from a bite can lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, or even permanent disability.
• Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including tetanus, MRSA, and Pasteurella bacteria. Treatment may involve antibiotics, hospitalization, or even surgery.
• Rabies: This viral infection can be fatal if untreated and requires prompt medical care if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
• Psychological Trauma: Dog bites can have significant psychological impacts, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, nightmares, and a lasting fear of animals. This trauma can disrupt daily life, affecting both mental and emotional well-being.
• Pain and Suffering: In addition to physical pain, victims often experience emotional and psychological suffering that affects their quality of life.

At Buckfire Law, we work closely with medical professionals to document both physical and psychological injuries thoroughly. Our goal is to maximize your compensation, covering all aspects of recovery and providing the support you need to move forward.

Dog Bites to the Face

Dog bites to the face are a common injury. Even with prompt medical treatment, these bites often leave permanent scars and disfigurements. These cases have significant settlement value because they are in a conspicuous place and many victims are self-conscious about a facial scar.

Many victims look to plastic surgeons for scar repairs and revisions. Children bitten in the face often have to wait until their teenage years for plastic surgery. As a result, they go through much of their childhood and adolescence with an embarrassing scar prominently on their face.

Even with plastic surgery, most scars are not completely eliminated. This results in feeling embarrassed and self-conscious in social situations. Our dog bite lawyers often have clients evaluated by a plastic surgeon to evaluate the scar and potential revisions so we can maximize the settlement amount for the case.

Can I Claim Compensation for a Dog Bite in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, a dog bite victim has the legal right to compensation for injuries suffered in the attack under most circumstances. Compensation can include payment of medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of plastic surgery for scar revision or scar reduction. Claims are made against the dog owner or keeper of the dog.

The victim also gets compensation for pain and suffering, fright and shock, and other psychological injuries as a result of the attack. Many victims have emotional trauma, nightmares, and fear about being near strange dogs after an attack. This has a significant effect on a person’s mental state and ability to lead a normal life.

Medical costs and hospital expenses for dog bite-related emergency room visits are estimated at $102 million each year, according to the Humane Society. This does not include follow-up care, physical therapy, and the need for future treatment. The victim should also receive a settlement payout for any scars and disfigurements from the dog bite attack.

A Michigan dog bite lawyer can help you win the maximum possible settlement if your case.

I Was Bitten by an Unvaccinated Dog in Michigan. Can I Sue the Owner?

Yes, you can take legal action if an unvaccinated dog bit you in Michigan. Michigan law supports victims of dog bites, especially when a dog owner has neglected their duty to vaccinate their pet, which puts public health at risk.

• Rabies Risk and Health Concerns: When an unvaccinated dog bites, there is a potential risk of rabies, a deadly disease. In most cases, you may need to undergo rabies treatment to prevent infection, even if the dog is later cleared of rabies. This can be an extensive and costly series of medical treatments.

• Legal Action Against the Dog Owner: Under Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law, dog owners are typically responsible for injuries their dogs cause, including medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Failing to vaccinate a dog may strengthen your case by highlighting the owner’s negligence.

• Report the Incident: Reporting the bite to animal control or the local police is essential. These agencies will often investigate, quarantine, or test the dog for rabies, which could support your claim and provide safety measures for the community.

• Michigan’s Strict Liability Law: Michigan holds dog owners strictly liable for damages caused by their pets, meaning you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous to claim medical damages. You only need to prove ownership of the dog and that you were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred.

• Consult with a Lawyer: A Michigan dog bite lawyer can guide you through this process, help you gather necessary evidence, and represent your best interests in seeking fair compensation. Contact Buckfire Law to learn more about your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Michigan Dog Bite Lawsuit Case Study

A mother and her two-year-old daughter were at a school playground. There was a pit bull in a neighboring fenced in yard. The wood fence had rotted boards and was poor condition.

The dog escaped through the fence and attacked the child. The vicious attack resulted in multiple bites to the girl’s face. She required several dozen stitches and later plastic surgery. She has permanent scars on her face.

Our dog bite lawyers filed a lawsuit against the dog owner for both the child and mother. The case settled for $485,000 before trial. It was paid by homeowners insurance company.

What are the Dog Bite Laws in Michigan?

Michigan has specific dog bite laws for victims of attacks. The Michigan dog bite statute holds the owner, keeper, or harborer of the biting dog strictly liable under Michigan law for the attack. This means the owner is automatically liable if the conditions of the statute are satisfied.

287.351 Person bitten by dog; liability of owner.

Sec. 1.

(1) If a dog bites a person, without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

(2) A person is lawfully on the private property of the owner of the dog within the meaning of this act if the person is on the owner’s property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him or her by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or if the person is on the owner’s property as an invitee or licensee of the person lawfully in possession of the property unless said person has gained lawful entry upon the premises for the purpose of an unlawful or criminal act.

In addition, there are leash laws and other common laws used in lawsuits to get compensation for the victim. Our standard lawsuit Complaint lists all of the potential liability claims.

There are times that landlords may be liable as well, but there are some additional legal requirements to sue a landlord if a renter’s dog bites someone.

There are only a few legal defenses to a dog bite lawsuit. One defense is that the victim was a trespasser at the time of the attack. As such, no legal duty was owed by the dog owner.

The other major defense is if provocation. Lawyers defending dog bite lawsuits often argue that the dog was provoked to attack the victim. This could be a child pulling a dog’s tail or taking away a bone. However, the dog’s response must be proportional to the degree of provocation and in most cases, this defense cannot be proven.

For example, if a dog bites the face of a two-year-old simply attempting to pet it then this would be a disproportional response and not considered provocation. The issue of provocation is a question for a jury to determine. Most times, a dog bite attack is unprovoked and caused solely by an aggressive dog.

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite Attack in Michigan?

You can sue for a dog bite in Michigan if you were bitten by a dog and suffered an injury. This includes attacks on your property, public property, and on the property of the dog owner if you were lawfully on the property. An experienced dog bite attorney will review the facts of your case and determine if you can sue the dog owner or keeper.

Being lawfully on the property means that you were a guest of the property or you were there for a business purpose. This includes a courier, delivery person, salesperson, contractor, or other person providing services or maintenance on the property. Trespassers on private property are barred from suing in some cases.

One in three homeowners’ insurance claims pertains to a dog bite. As such, insurance companies paid out an estimated $310 million in dog bite liability last year, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

For a successful claim for compensation, an injured plaintiff must prove a dog owner was negligent. There are four primary elements to prove legal negligence: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. First, you must establish the pet owner owed a legal duty of care to another person. Essentially, every dog owner has an obligation to reasonably look after their pet.

Then, you must prove the dog owner breached this care of duty. For example, neglecting to keep their pet on a leash during a walk. Or, failing to restrain the dog at the home when a business or social guest is on the property.

Finally, you must prove the victim suffered an injury and damages. These are easy to prove in a dog bite lawsuit with medical records and photographs.

What is the “Provocation Defense?”

Defense attorneys and insurance companies often try to use the “provocation defense” to avoid liability. This legal defense attempts to prove that the dog bite victim took some action directed toward the dog to incite the dog to react and bite. A judge can dismiss a lawsuit in some circumstances based upon this defense.

Provocation can be either intentional or unintentional. For example, if a child pulls a dog’s tail this would clearly be an intentional act that could provoke an attack. However, a child who sneaks up on a dog and inadvertently startles it might be considered an unintentional act of provocation.

In addition, the reaction of the dog must be proportionate to the alleged provocation. The Buckfire Law Firm recently won a case in the Michigan Court of Appeals in a case where a young girl testified she “went to hug” a dog and was severely bitten on her face. The trial judge dismissed the case based upon the provocation defense but was overruled by the appellate court. The appellate judges held it was for a jury to decide if the child’s actions provoked the attack and whether the severity of the attack was proportionate to the actions of the young child.

How much is the Average Dog Bite Settlement?

There is no “average” or “typical” dog bite settlement. Every case dog bite injury case is unique and each settlement amount is based upon several factors, including the:

• Age of the victim
• Sex of the victim
• Location of the dog bites or scratches
• Severity of the dog bites or scratches
• Type of other injuries, like nerve or muscle damage
• Amount and type of medical treatment
• Permanency of any scars and disfigurements
• Psychological and emotional trauma caused by the attack
• Total of medical expenses and lost wages

Additionally, the amount of insurance coverage for the dog owner significantly impacts the compensation payout amount.

Some of our Michigan dog bite settlements include:

• $485,000 for a young girl bitten in the face by a pit bull in a public park
• $475,000 for a Michigan woman attacked on her own property by a neighbor’s dog that escaped through a fence
• $400,000 for ten-year-old girl bitten on the arm and face while visiting a friend’s house
• $375,000 for a woman with severe bites on both arms that resulted in permanent scars
• $320,000 for man attacked by a dog while house-sitting for a relative
• $300,000 for a teenage girl bitten on her face at her grandparent’s home
• $250,000 for young boy who suffered a dog bite to the face at his aunt’s home
• $295,000 for a boy who suffered a fractured skull and scars on his face

The Buckfire Law Firm has many other examples of significant settlements. Our dog bite lawyers will fully evaluate every factor to get you the best settlement.

How Long do I have to Sue after a Dog Bite in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statute of limitations to sue for a dog bite is three years from the date of the bite. This means you must file your lawsuit within three years or your claim is destroyed forever.

If the victim is under the age of 18 at the time of the attack, the deadline is extended to their 19th birthday. So, a child bitten at the age of three can still sue until age 19.

Any claim filed after these deadlines will be dismissed by the court. As such, you should contact a dog bite lawyer immediately to start your case.

Get a No Fee Unless You Win Dog Bite Lawyer

You can have an award-winning personal injury lawyer represent you under our No Fee Promise. This means there are no legal fees unless you get a settlement.

Our law firm pays all of the case costs and it costs nothing to start your case. If your case is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe us nothing!

You Need an Experienced Michigan Dog Bite Attorney

If you suffered an injury and incurred medical expenses from a dog attack, you need an experienced Michigan dog bite lawyer on your side.

If you deal with the insurance company adjuster directly, you may give statements that later ruin your chances of getting a settlement. Insurance adjusters are trained to record statements that destroy your case.

Our dog bite attorneys will evaluate your case and discuss with you the likely settlement award for your case. Research studies show that injury victims with lawyers receive substantially larger settlements than those without an attorney, even after paying the legal fees.

For child dog bite cases, it is necessary to get court permission to settle a case so having an attorney is essential for the victim. To finalize a settlement, the child and parent must appear in court with their attorney so a judge can determine if the child is being fairly compensated in the case.

If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog, contact our Michigan dog bite lawyers to discuss seeking compensation.

By hiring a personal injury attorney familiar with these cases, you can focus on your recovery with the knowledge that a caring legal professional is on your side.

Michigan Dog Bite References and Resources

• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• American Veterinary Medical Foundation
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Legally reviewed by:

Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: Nov., 2024