Warmer weather in Michigan means more people are getting outside. Neighborhoods fill up with walkers, joggers, and kids playing in yards. Most dogs are friendly. But dog bites happen every day, and when they do, the injuries can be serious and the recovery long.
Michigan has some of the strongest dog bite protections in the country. If you were bitten by a dog in Michigan, you have rights and you have options. Here is what you need to know.
How Often Do Dog Bites Happen?
Across the United States, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, around 885,000 seek medical attention and close to 1,000 are treated in emergency departments every single day.
Children are the most frequent victims. The CDC reports that kids between 5 and 9 years old have the highest rate of dog bite injuries. Most attacks happen with dogs the victim already knows, including family pets and neighbors' dogs.
In 2024, homeowners insurers across the country paid out $1.57 billion in dog bite and dog-related injury claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average settlement reached $69,272 per claim, an 18 percent increase from the previous year. California and Florida led the nation in total claims, but dog bites are a serious issue in every state, including Michigan.
(Sources: CDC; Insurance Information Institute, Spotlight on Dog Bite Liability, 2025)
Michigan's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Michigan is one of the strongest states in the country for dog bite victims, and that comes down to one law: MCL 287.351.
Under this statute, if a dog bites you without provocation while you are lawfully on public property or on private property, the dog's owner is liable for your damages. Period. It does not matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before. It does not matter if the owner had no idea the dog was dangerous. It does not matter if the owner took precautions. Michigan does not follow the "one free bite" rule that still exists in some other states.
This strict liability standard applies to a wide range of situations: walking down the sidewalk, visiting a friend's home, receiving a package delivery, or simply being on public property when a dog escapes.
There are two main defenses an owner can raise. First, if the victim provoked the dog through intentional conduct like hitting, kicking, or cornering the animal, the statute may not apply. Second, if the victim was trespassing at the time of the bite, strict liability does not cover the claim. Michigan courts set a high bar for both of these defenses.
One important note: Michigan's strict liability statute covers bites specifically. If a dog jumps on someone and knocks them down, that injury is handled under a negligence theory rather than the strict liability statute, though a claim may still be viable.
Michigan's statute of limitations for dog bite claims is three years from the date of the bite.
What You Can Recover
If you have a valid dog bite claim in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, follow-up treatment, and physical therapy. Scarring and disfigurement from dog bites can require reconstructive procedures that are expensive and ongoing. You may also be able to recover for lost wages if your injuries kept you out of work, as well as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
In 2023 alone, more than 19,000 people across the country underwent reconstructive surgery following serious dog bite injuries, according to published data from multiple medical and insurance sources. The face, hands, and arms are the most commonly affected areas.
Because Michigan's law is strong, insurance companies representing dog owners still look for ways to reduce payouts. They will investigate whether provocation was involved, dispute the severity of injuries, or question whether the victim was lawfully on the property. Having an attorney on your side from the start makes a real difference.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Michigan
Get medical care right away, even if the wound looks small. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and injuries to the face or hands can escalate quickly without proper treatment.
Report the bite to your local animal control agency. This documents the incident and may help protect others from the same dog.
Take photos of your injuries and the location where the bite happened. Get the dog owner's contact information and ask about their homeowners or renters insurance.
Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Early offers from insurers often do not reflect the full value of your claim.
Keller and Keller Has Fought for Michigan Injury Victims Since 1936
Our Michigan injury attorneys understand exactly how MCL 287.351 works and what it takes to build a strong dog bite case. We handle these claims on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation today.
Call us at 1-800-253-5537. We are here when it matters most.
