What Are the Laws Regarding Dog Bites in Michigan?

Dog attacks can be frightening and cause lasting damage to the victim. Many people bitten by a dog may never forget the experience, and they usually carry around some fear of dogs for the rest of their lives. If the dog bite leads to serious injuries, the consequences and trauma could be even more severe. Dog bite victims suffer all kinds of injuries ranging from minor cuts and abrasions to major lacerations, dismemberment, and physical impairments. Major injuries usually occur if a dog attacks because it rarely bites once.

The emotional damage from a dog bite usually lasts much longer than physical wounds and will probably require therapy or counseling. With over 4 million attacks occurring annually in the United States, dog bites are one of the most common forms of animal attacks. When a dog attacks, it is usually the result of negligent behavior on the owner's part. The dog is typically not adequately secured or controlled when a biting incident occurs. Most states have laws that protect victims and hold dog owners responsible.

Michigan state law holds dog owners liable for any unprovoked bites or attacks that occur as long as the victim was lawfully on public or private property. If an incident occurs, the law says that the owner will be held liable for any damages suffered by the dog bite victim. In some cities and municipalities in Michigan, local leaders have passed laws beyond state law. In all cases, however, dog bite victims are protected and have the legal right to seek damages and compensation from owners. If you or a family member is the victim of a dog bite in Michigan, you may seek compensation with a personal injury civil suit. If you wish to seek damages, you should contact a Michigan dog bite lawyer for a free consultation and legal advice about your case. You must do this as soon as possible, as there may be deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Beyond this, there are a few other things that you need to do after a dog bite.

Medical Attention

If a dog bites you, you should seek medical attention immediately. If the injuries are severe, calling paramedics and other emergency personnel will be necessary to treat you and provide transportation to the hospital. Even if the injury isn't severe, you should still consider seeking medical attention, as dog bite wounds have a high probability of infection. As soon as the incident occurs, you will want to evaluate the wound to determine the required amount of care.
Police Report



If the bite is severe enough to require emergency medical attention, the police should also be called to the scene. Law enforcement officials will want to investigate the circumstances for possible criminal consequences. If you don't require emergency care, you should still consider filing a police report. This will help document the incident and provide a basis for any legal action you may want to take due to the dog bite.

If you can't contact the police or don't file a report immediately, you will want to get the contact information for the owner and any witnesses. Try to get the name, address, and phone number. At the very least, this information can be used by medical professionals and veterinarians to verify the dog's medical history and vaccination status.

A dog attack can be a traumatic event that leaves the victim with both physical and emotional scars. If you have been bitten by a dog, the state of Michigan has protections that will help you get compensation. You can contact a personal injury attorney specializing in dog bites to help you with your case.

In Michigan, dog bite laws are primarily governed by the Michigan Dog Bite Statute and various case laws. Here’s a detailed overview of the key points regarding dog bites in Michigan:

Michigan Dog Bite Statute (MCL 287.351)

1. Strict Liability:

   • Michigan follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that the owner of a dog is liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggression or the owner had any knowledge of such tendencies.
   • Under MCL 287.351, the owner is liable if the person bitten was on public property or lawfully on private property, including the property of the dog owner.

2. Conditions for Liability:

   • Public or Lawful Private Property: The bite must occur on public property or on private property where the victim is lawfully present. For example, if the victim was invited or had a legal reason to be on the property.
   • Lack of Provocation: The victim must not have provoked the dog. Provocation can be a defense for the dog owner.

Comparative Negligence

• Comparative Fault:
  • If the victim's actions contributed to the bite (e.g., teasing or provoking the dog), the damages they can recover may be reduced by the percentage of their fault. This is known as comparative negligence.

Common Law Negligence

• Negligence Claims:
  • In addition to strict liability under the statute, a victim can pursue a claim based on common law negligence. This involves proving that the dog owner was negligent in controlling the dog or preventing the bite. For instance, if the owner knew the dog had aggressive tendencies but failed to take proper precautions.

Dangerous Dogs and Local Ordinances

• Local Regulations:
  • Some municipalities in Michigan have additional regulations concerning dangerous dogs. These may include requirements for securing such dogs, liability insurance, and reporting bites.
  • Owners of dogs deemed dangerous or vicious may face stricter penalties and requirements, such as mandatory muzzling, confinement, or even euthanasia in extreme cases.

Reporting and Legal Proceedings

• Reporting Dog Bites:
  • Dog bites should be reported to local animal control or law enforcement authorities. This helps document the incident and potentially prevent future occurrences.
• Legal Action:
  • Victims of dog bites can file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

Defenses Against Dog Bite Claims

1. Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog, the owner may use this as a defense to reduce or eliminate liability.
2. Trespassing: The owner might not be held liable if the victim was unlawfully on the owner’s property.
3. Self-Defense: If the dog was defending its owner or the owner’s property from an immediate threat, this could be a defense against liability.

Summary

Michigan’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims by holding dog owners strictly liable for bites in most circumstances. Owners must ensure their dogs do not harm others, especially in public spaces or when others are lawfully on their property. Victims have the right to seek compensation through civil claims, and the strict liability nature of Michigan’s statute makes it easier for them to recover damages without needing to prove the owner’s negligence.