You Guide to Michigan Dog Bite Laws

The Center for Disease Control released a study saying approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year and of those 4.7 million cases, 800,000 of them result in the need for medical care. With the U.S. population being approximately 328.3 million people, that would mean 1 out of every 70 people are bit by “man’s best friend”…

Another staggering statistic: according to the APPA, around 60.2 million households own at least one dog. All it takes is a powerful tug on a tail or an action reminding an abused-dog of an old foe to set off an attack.

The repercussions of a dog bite are daunting mentally and physically, which is why it is imperative to retain the assistance of an attorney who has mastered the Michigan Dog Bite Laws in order to protect your rights regardless of which side of the dog bite equation you find yourself.

Under the Michigan Dog Bite Laws, or Statute (MCL 287.351):

(1) If a dog bites a person, without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

(2) A person is lawfully on the private property of the owner of the dog within the meaning of this act if the person is on the owner’s property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him or her by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or if the person is on the owner’s property as an invitee or license of the person lawfully in possession of the property unless said person has gained lawful entry upon the premises for the purpose of an unlawful or criminal act.

To definitively secure the justice you deserve in a dog bite case, seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experience Personal Injury Lawyer, specializing in Michigan Dog Bite Laws.

Find the Right Lawyers in Michigan to Handle Your Dog Bite Case

If you are one of the estimated 60.2 million households that own a dog, you’re already at a higher risk than others of experiencing a situation where a dog bite occurs. By extension, anyone you have over or that comes onto your property for any reason, statistically is at higher risk to.

Our experienced Michigan Lawyers will explain that dog owners are held (strictly) liable for any injuries their pets may cause, regardless of their prior awareness of dangerous tendencies or past violent acts. However, there are some caveats that are important for people to know, such as the lawful standing of the victim on the property where the attack occurred and additional factors such as obvious provocation.

They’ll also emphasize two things to victims of dog attacks:

(1) seek immediate medical attention and

(2) seek out one of the many experienced Lawyers in Michigan to help you navigate through the Michigan Dog Bite Laws.

Our Attorneys Fight for Justice
To reiterate, in Michigan, dog owners will be held strictly liable for any injuries their dog may cause unless:
1) The victim was Unlawfully on the Property
2) The Dog was Obviously Provoked

Regardless of whether an owner knows that their dog could be dangerous a dog owner may still be held liable. Michigan no longer has a “one free bite rule” under which owners were only held liable, once alerted to their dog’s dangerous propensities. This is the meaning of “strict liability” when it comes to Michigan’s dog bite law.

Michigan also has strict laws in place regarding dogs on leashes, MCL 287.262, that sets a standard for all dog owners to follow, to avoid being held liable for a loose dogs actions.

Additionally, it’s important to know that under Michigan Law a prompt complaint is required. An individual has three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit unless they are a minor; then they will have until their 19th birthday. So, if you have fallen victim to an attack its important to reach out to expert attorneys today!

When You’re at Fault and the Michigan Dog Bite Laws Don’t Apply

Another instance when it’s important to contact an experienced Michigan Dog Bite Attorney is if: (1) your dog bit someone and it’s possible your dog was provoked or (2) if an individual was unlawfully on your property during the time of an attack.

Engaging with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Battle Creek, MI will provide you with the knowledge and skills to properly handle your case and protect your personal assets. Whether the evidence be animal control records, police reports, medical records or pictures of injuries your dog sustained, it will all be necessary down the line to prove your dog’s reason for attacking someone and limit your personal liability.

Remember, if you are the victim of an attack or need to protect your personal assets from a fraudulent claim, contact our experienced Michigan Attorneys today.