Michigan Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyer

Mungo Law helps injured people understand those facts and their legal options. We serve clients across Michigan, with a particular focus on Wayne County, Genesee County, and Oakland County. If an animal attack has disrupted your life, we help you understand the rules, the insurance process, and your next move.

What Does Michigan Law Say About Dog Bites?

Michigan has a specific law addressing injuries caused by dog bites. Under MCL 287.351, a dog owner may be liable when their dog bites another person.

Michigan's law uses a strict liability framework for qualifying dog bites. That means a victim generally does not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. A previous bite or history of aggression is not required under the statute.

Michigan's Dog Bite Law in Four Questions

A statutory dog bite claim generally focuses on four key questions:

• Did a dog bite the injured person?
• Did the defendant own the dog?
• Was the injured person in public or lawfully on private property?
• Did the injured person provoke the dog?

If those elements are present, the injured person may have a statutory claim against the dog's owner.

What If an Animal Attacks Without Biting?

Not every animal injury involves teeth. A large dog may knock someone down. A loose animal may chase a pedestrian or cyclist. An animal can also scratch or otherwise injure someone without causing a traditional bite wound.

Michigan's statutory dog-bite law specifically addresses dog bites. Other animal-related injuries may require a different legal analysis. The circumstances surrounding the attack become especially important.

Bite Claims and Other Animal Attacks Are Different

A dog bite claim may focus on:

• Whether the defendant owned the dog
• Whether a bite occurred
• Whether the victim was lawfully present
• Whether the dog was provoked

A non-bite attack may require questions about:

• Who owned or controlled the animal
• How the injury happened
• Where the attack occurred
• Whether someone failed to reasonably control the animal
• Whether another person or property owner may share responsibility

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack?

Your health comes first. Dog bites can cause deeper damage than the wound initially suggests. Infection, nerve injuries, tendon damage, and scarring may become clearer during recovery.

Medical records also help document when an injury occurred and how it developed. That can become important if an insurance company later disputes the severity of the attack.

After an Animal Attack Checklist

When possible:

• Get to a safe location.
• Seek appropriate medical attention.
• Identify the animal and its owner.
• Ask for the owner's contact information.
• Report the incident to the appropriate authorities or animal control agency.
• Photograph your injuries as soon as possible.
• Continue photographing injuries as they heal.
• Photograph the location where the attack occurred.
• Get names and contact information for witnesses.
• Save damaged or bloodied clothing.
• Keep medical bills and treatment records.
• Document missed work and other financial losses.
• Write down what happened while your memory is fresh.

What About the Insurance Company?

A homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may provide coverage for a dog bite claim. Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances.

An adjuster may ask how the incident happened and whether you provoked the dog. The insurer may also investigate your injuries and medical treatment. Be careful about signing documents or giving recorded statements before understanding what they mean.

Who Can Be Responsible for a Michigan Dog Bite or Animal Attack?

The dog owner is the central party under Michigan's statutory dog-bite law. Other animal attacks can present more complicated responsibility questions.

Could a Landlord or Property Owner Be Responsible?

In some circumstances, claims involving landlords or other property owners may require further analysis. These claims are different from a statutory claim directly against the dog's owner.

Relevant questions may include whether someone knew about a dangerous animal and what authority they had over the situation. These cases depend heavily on their individual facts.

What Compensation May Be Available After an Animal Attack?

The effects of an animal attack can extend beyond the initial wound. Some victims require emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, or continuing treatment. Others live with permanent scars or emotional effects.

Depending on the facts, an injured person may be entitled to seek compensation for losses connected to the attack.

Potential damages can include:

• Emergency and other medical expenses
• Surgery and follow-up treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Future medical care related to the injury
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological treatment related to the attack

Scarring and Facial Injuries

Dog bites can cause lasting scars, especially when an attack involves the face, hands, or arms. Some injuries may require reconstructive treatment or leave permanent changes in appearance.

Photographs can help show how an injury develops over time. Medical records can document treatment and future care recommendations.

What If a Child Is Bitten by a Dog?

A dog attack can be especially serious for a child. Their size can place the face, head, and upper body closer to an attacking dog.

Physical healing may only be one part of recovery. A child may also experience fear, anxiety, nightmares, or discomfort around animals after an attack.

Document the Long-Term Impact

Parents should consider documenting:

• Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
• Photographs of wounds and scars
• Reconstructive or plastic surgery recommendations
• Counseling or psychological treatment
• Changes in sleep or behavior
• Fear of dogs or outdoor activities
• School absences related to treatment

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Dog Bite Claims?

Many people hesitate to pursue a dog bite claim because the animal belongs to someone they know. It might be a neighbor's dog, a relative's pet, or an animal owned by a friend.

That concern is understandable. In many cases, however, an applicable homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may become part of the claim. Coverage depends on the specific policy.

Why Early Settlement Offers Require Care

An insurance company may investigate:

• Whether its insured owned the dog
• Where the bite occurred
• Whether provocation is alleged
• The severity of the injuries
• The treatment received
• Whether future treatment is expected
• The amount of financial loss being claimed

You Run Point. We Help With the Legal Game Plan.

At Mungo Law, "You Run Point" is more than a basketball reference. It describes how we believe the attorney-client relationship should work.

You stay informed about your case and the decisions that affect your future. We investigate, communicate, prepare, and deal with the legal process alongside you.

That means no unnecessary legal jargon. No leaving you wondering what happens next. We bring discipline, preparation, teamwork, and accountability to the process.

Your Next Move: Put Mungo Law on Your Team

A dog bite or animal attack can leave you managing medical care, insurance calls, missed work, and unanswered questions. You deserve to know what Michigan law says and what options may be available. At Mungo Law, we start by listening, explaining the process, and building a game plan around your circumstances.

You run point. We are on your team. If you or your child was injured in Wayne County, Genesee County, Oakland County, or anywhere in Michigan, contact Mungo Law for a free consultation. All calls and correspondence are responded to within 24 hours.

Every case is different. Speak to a lawyer to understand your rights. This information is educational only and does not constitute legal advice.