{"id":374104,"date":"2019-05-14T13:07:49","date_gmt":"2019-05-14T18:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-04-08T09:18:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T14:18:20","slug":"michigan-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Michigan Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Dogs and humans have been sharing their lives together for over 12,000 years. And as of 2018, 48% of Americans owned at least one dog<\/a>. It\u2019s not a perfect relationship, though, and when things go wrong, dog bite injuries<\/a> are usually involved.<\/p>\r\n

While dogs can’t always be blamed for exhibiting their natural behavior, their owners can be held responsible for a dog attack by their pet. In this article, we’re going to examine the specifics of Michigan dog bite laws, who can be held liable<\/a> in a dog bite case, and what defenses, if any, a dog owner has against a dog bite claim.<\/p>\r\n

Strict Liability for Dog Bites<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Michigan recognizes strict liability<\/a> when it comes to dog bites. This means that the owner of the dog is liable for dog bite injuries or property damage caused by their pet unless they can properly defend against the claims.<\/p>\r\n

The owner may try to defend against liability by showing that the injured person provoked the dog or that the victim was trespassing<\/u><\/a> on the dog owner\u2019s property when the bite occurred.<\/p>\r\n

What Happens After a Dog Attack<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you\u2019re the dog bite victim, the first and most important thing you can do is seek immediate medical attention<\/a>. Dog bites are often punctures that can be infected by bacteria from the dog\u2019s mouth. You may be able to judge how serious the injury is<\/a>, but if you have any<\/i> doubts, err on the side of caution and see a doctor.<\/p>\r\n

Doctors in Michigan are not required to alert the authorities after treating a dog bite, although they must inform local animal control officials. Once you\u2019re patched up, you should file a dog bite claim<\/a> with the police. The dog owner\u2019s insurance company may balk at paying your claim if you neglect to do this, even if you have serious injuries.<\/p>\r\n

In addition, if you plan on filing a dog bite lawsuit later, it\u2019s absolutely crucial that you have a dog bite claim in place. If you have any questions, consider reaching out to a dog bite attorney<\/a> for legal guidance.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Dog Bite Laws Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

It\u2019s important to understand the laws you\u2019ll be dealing with in a dog bite claim, but sometimes the legal jargon can be difficult to decipher. Seeing statutes laid out in plain language can help make the process a little easier. Below is a helpful overview of Michigan dog bite laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Dog Bite Statute<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 287, Section 287.351<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

 <\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Standard of Proof<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

If you suffered a dog bite in Michigan, you don’t have to prove that the dog owner was at fault or was negligent<\/a>. Rather, you must show the following:<\/p>\r\n

Damages<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The amount of money someone can recover depends on:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n

  • The severity of the injuries<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n

  • Whether the injuries are permanent<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n

  • The amount of medical bills, wage loss, and other factors such as the level of scarring, emotional distress, and humiliation<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Statute of Limitations<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit for a dog bite is three years<\/b>.<\/b><\/i> This begins running from the date that the dog bite occurred.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Michigan also has leash laws<\/a> that are very strict and require a dog to be leashed \u2014 unless it\u2019s either working or hunting \u2014 if the dog is taken off the owner\u2019s private property.<\/p>\r\n

Note:<\/b><\/i> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Common Michigan Dog Bite Law Queries<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While no two dogs are exactly alike, there are similarities between some of their dog bite cases. Following are some frequently asked questions about dog bites in Michigan.<\/p>\r\n

Does Michigan have a \u201cone bite rule\u201d?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Some states have a "one bite rule<\/a>,\u201d <\/a>which means if a dog has no history of aggression and bites someone for the first time, an owner may not be held fully liable. This is because the owner lacked notice of the dog’s viciousness, even if it occurred on public property.<\/p>\r\n

This rule does not apply in Michigan, which follows a policy of strict liability (see more above).<\/p>\r\n

Is there a limit on damages in Michigan dog bite cases?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

While some states limit the amount of money that can be awarded in personal injury cases that involve dog bites, Michigan is not one of them. The amount awarded can depend on a number of factors, including:<\/p>\r\n