Experienced Michigan Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 87 million dogs live in United States homes. Per the Insurance Information Institute, more than a third of the nation’s dog-related injury claims were filed in just 5 states, including Michigan. In 2024, Michigan recorded 1138 dog-related insurance claims, with an average claim cost of $63,656, totaling $72.4 million in insurance payouts. While dogs are man’s best friend, they can also be our worst enemy, as millions of people (mostly children) are bitten by dogs each year. Dog owners in Farmington Hills and across Michigan must secure their animals, because if their unsecured dog bites someone, the owner may be responsible for making the injured victim whole again.

Regardless of the breed, any dog can cause significant harm, and the costs of the dog bite attacks in medical bills alone can be staggering. Equally, if not more staggering, can be the emotional distress inflicted upon a dog bite victim, especially if the bite results in visible scarring.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack

After you have made sure the dog bite victim is safe or at least receiving proper medical attention, it is important to do the following:

• Determine the name of the dog
• Find out who the dog’s owner is (name, address, phone number, etc.)
• Identify all witnesses to the attack and make sure you obtain their contact information
• Photograph where the attack happened
• Get immediate medical attention from a qualified doctor
• Photograph the injuries if possible (Photographs taken by emergency personnel or a doctor are best)
• If possible, have DNA testing and mouth casting performed before the dog is destroyed if there is any question as to the identity of the dog that bit you.”

What are My Options After Being Attached by a Dog in Michigan

First, it is helpful to understand the laws governing dogs in Farmington Hills, Metro Detroit, and all of Michigan. In Michigan, we have a dog bite statute, MCL 287.351(1). This statute imposes strict liability on a dog owner if their dog bites you. Under that statute, if bitten, the owner is almost always found to be responsible and liable for your damages. There are only two exceptions to finding the owner responsible, and they are 1) trespassing and 2) provocation. So, if you are trespassing on the owner’s property or causing the animal to become agitated (intentionally or unintentionally) you proceed at your own risk and the dog owner will most likely not be found responsible.

Dog owners can also be found liable under Michigan’s “Leash Law.” This law forbids a dog owner from allowing their dog to stray unless properly on a leash. Liability can also be established under common law if it can be demonstrated that the dog owner knew or had reason to know of the animal’s vicious nature but did nothing to prevent an attack from occurring.

If you believe a dog owner violated any of these laws, and you suffered injury, you can make a claim against the dog owner. Potential damages recoverable from a negligent dog owner and/or his/her insurance company might include medical and prescription expenses, wage loss, and compensation for pain and suffering stemming from the attack. In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy will cover a dog bite victim’s damages, up to the limits of liability coverage chosen by the dog owner.

Contact Davis Law Center – Your Farmington Hills Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or someone you know was attacked or bitten by a dog in Farmington Hills or anywhere in Michigan, contact us for a free consultation, or call 248-865-7740 to discuss your case in detail and get our best advice on how to proceed.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for dog bite injury cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, and all of Michigan.