Bitten or Knocked Down by a Dog in Michigan? Why You Aren’t Stuck with the Medical Bills

It happens in a split second. You’re visiting a neighbor, delivering a package, or just walking down a residential sidewalk in Michigan when a dog suddenly charges, lunges, or bites. Beyond the immediate shock and pain, you are quickly confronted with a mountain of medical bills, missed time from work, and the emotional trauma of the attack.

 

If this has happened to you or a loved one on someone else's property, you need to know that Michigan law is heavily on your side. You do not have to carry this financial and emotional burden alone.

 

The Law is Clear: Michigan is a Strict Liability State

 

Many people mistakenly believe a dog owner is only responsible if their pet has a history of aggression—often referred to as the "one-bite rule. " In Michigan, this is entirely false. Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) § 287. 351, dog owners face strict liability . This means that if a dog bites you without provocation while you are lawfully on public or private property, the owner is automatically liable for your damages. It does not matter if the dog was previously the gentlest pet in the neighborhood, and it does not matter if the owner took reasonable steps to restrain the animal. If the bite occurred, the owner is responsible.

Knocked Down but Not Bitten? You Are Still Protected

 

A common misconception is that you can only recover compensation if the dog’s teeth actually puncture your skin. However, powerful dogs often cause severe injuries simply by running at someone and knocking them to the ground.

If a dog barks, lunges, or jumps on you, causing you to fall and suffer a broken bone, torn ligament, head injury, or back trauma, you still have a valid legal claim. Under Michigan common law, an owner can be held liable for negligence if their animal’s behavior directly causes your physical injuries, even without a bite.

 

Who Actually Pays? It’s Not Who You Think

 

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to seek legal help after a dog attack is because the dog belongs to a friend, relative, or neighbor. You may worry that pursuing legal action will ruin a relationship or bankrupt someone you know.

It is vital to understand that you are not suing your neighbor directly out of their pocket; you are making a claim against their homeowners or renters insurance policy. Homeowners insurance is specifically designed to cover liability for injuries that happen on the property, including dog bites and animal-related accidents. The insurance company handles the compensation, ensuring your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are paid for without financially destroying the homeowner.

 

What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Injury?

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Dog bites easily become infected, and fall injuries can be more severe than they initially seem. Documenting your injuries right away is critical.

  2. Identify the Owner & Witness Information: Get the names, addresses, and contact details of the dog owner and anyone who saw the incident.

  3. Take Photos: Capture clear photos of your injuries, the location where it happened, and the dog if possible.

  4. Report the Incident: File a report with local animal control or the police department. This creates an official, legal record of the event.

  5. Call a Dedicated Attorney: Insurance companies will often try to minimize your claim or blame you for provoking the animal. Having an experienced personal injury attorney protects your rights.

Get the Compensation You Deserve—Call Pascaris Law Firm, PLLC Today

 

Navigating the aftermath of a traumatic animal attack can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At Pascaris Law Firm, PLLC , we understand Michigan's complex strict liability and personal injury laws. We fight aggressively to ensure insurance companies pay you every dollar you deserve for medical treatments, scar revision, therapy, and lost income.

 

Don't wait until the insurance company tries to deny your claim. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

  • Call Us: 248-482-7288

  • Visit Our Office: 33505 W. 14 Mile Road, Suite 60, Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.