Michigan Dog Bite Attorneys

Michigan is one of many states that holds a dog owner liable for dog bites. Michigan’s dog bite law has a “strict liability” statute. That means the dog owner is automatically liable, even if the dog has never acted aggressively before. But there are a few exceptions. The owner may not be held responsible if the injured person was found to have been provoking the dog, or had no lawful right to be in the location where the incident happened. [MCL section 287.351]

One important wrinkle: Michigan law specifically talks about “dog bites,” not other injuries. If a dog hurts someone without biting them (for example, knocking them down), this statute (and the automatic liability) doesn’t apply. But that dog’s owner can still be found liable for negligence, if the court determines that they failed to use “reasonable care” in keeping control of their dog.

Obviously, most dog owners will build their defense on either claiming their dog was provoked, the injured party was trespassing, or they took all reasonable measures to control the dog. Meanwhile, someone injured by a dog will argue that they didn’t provoke the dog, had a right to be where they were, and the owner failed to keep the animal in check.

Given how easily these cases can devolve into he-said-she-said, talking to a lawyer early on proves critical.

We’ll begin helping you to sort all of this out on our very first call. You’ll speak to a qualified lawyer that day and have an opportunity to explain the basics of your situation.

We’ll then lay out the entire legal process in plain language, including your rights and the responsibilities of all parties involved. If you decide to move forward with your case, we’ll schedule an in-depth meeting at your convenience. That may be at your home, at our office, via phone or video conference—whatever works for you. During this talk you will have an opportunity to discuss every detail. Once you sign retainer documents, the Sigal Law Firm will officially be your legal representation. At that point, we can begin finding solutions for your most immediate problems.