Bite Lawyer Wayne County

Dog bites often leave more than just physical marks. Victims may face emergency room visits, stitches or surgery, infections, permanent scarring, and ongoing pain. Medical bills arrive quickly, time off work leads to lost income, and the emotional shock of the attack can linger for months or years. Children, in particular, may struggle with nightmares, fear of going outside, or a lasting fear of animals.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, every dog bite case is handled with a client-first, team-based approach. When you hire us, you don’t just get one lawyer and a stack of forms—you get the full support, experience, and dedication of our entire firm. Each team member plays a role in gathering evidence, tracking your medical recovery, documenting your damages, and preparing your case for negotiation or trial.

With decades of experience representing injury victims throughout Wayne County and Metro Detroit, our practice is built on integrity, clear communication, and a deep connection to the communities we serve. We take the time to learn your story, explain your options plainly, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Michigan Dog Bite Law Overview (MCL 287.351)

Michigan’s dog bite law is one of the strongest in the country for victims. Under MCL 287.351, dog owners are subject to strict liability when their dog bites someone, as long as certain conditions are met. This means you generally do not need to prove that the owner was careless or negligent—the fact that the bite happened under the right circumstances may be enough.

Legal Elements of a Michigan Dog Bite Claim

To bring a dog bite claim under MCL 287.351, a victim generally must prove that:

The dog bit the victim.
There must be an actual bite, not just a scratch or a chase (those may fall under other legal theories, discussed below).
The bite occurred without provocation.
The victim did not provoke the dog in a way that would reasonably cause it to defend itself, such as hitting, kicking, or intentionally tormenting the animal.
The victim was lawfully on public or private property.
- Public spaces: sidewalks, streets, parks, or public facilities.
- Private property: the victim had permission to be there, or was there for a lawful purpose (like a delivery driver or invited guest).

Potential Defenses

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often raise certain defenses, such as:

Trespassing / unlawful presence – Claiming the victim did not have a legal right to be on the property.
Provocation – Alleging the victim teased, threatened, or physically harmed the dog.
Assumption of risk – Suggesting the victim knowingly put themselves in harm’s way.

Liability Beyond the Dog Owner

Primary Liability of the Dog Owner

Michigan’s dog bite statute is designed to ensure that owners take responsibility for their animals. Even if the owner says the dog has “never done this before,” that does not excuse them from liability when the legal elements are met.

Potential Liability of Landlords

In certain circumstances, landlords may also be held liable, particularly when:

They knew or should have known a tenant’s dog was dangerous, aggressive, or had a history of attacks.
They had the ability to remove or control the presence of the animal, such as through lease terms prohibiting dangerous dogs or giving them the power to evict.

Responsibility of Dog Sitters, Walkers & Caretakers

Sometimes the dog is not with the owner at the time of the attack. Dog sitters, walkers, and other caretakers have a duty to reasonably restrain and control the animal. They may be liable when their failure to:

Use a leash,
Secure a gate or fence, or
Intervene when the dog shows aggression

Overlap With Premises Liability

Dog bite cases can overlap with premises liability when unsafe property conditions combine with poor dog control, such as:

Broken or missing gates or fences that allow a dog to escape
Dangerous property layouts that create blind spots or trapping scenarios
Negligent supervision of children around dogs, particularly when visitors or tenants bring young children onto the property

Evidence Needed to Prove a Wayne County Dog Bite Case

Medical Records

We gather complete medical records and bills to show:

The initial wounds and emergency treatment
Infection, complications, or hospitalizations
Plastic surgery or scar revision
Long-term prognosis, restrictions, and future care needs

Photographs & Videos

Images are incredibly powerful in dog bite cases. We look for:

Photos of your injuries immediately after the attack, and as they heal over time
Pictures or video of the dog (when available)
Photos of the scene where the attack occurred, including broken fences, open gates, or other hazards

Animal Control & Ordinance Records

We obtain:

Animal control reports documenting the attack
Any citations issued for leash-law or ordinance violations
Records of prior complaints about the same dog or owner

Witness Statements & Neighbor Accounts

Witnesses can help confirm:

How the attack occurred
Whether the dog was loose, off-leash, or previously aggressive
Prior episodes of barking, lunging, chasing, or biting

Ownership & Vaccination Records

We work to confirm:

Who owns the dog (which can be contested in some cases)
Vaccination status, especially rabies
Whether the dog is licensed or has been designated as dangerous

Employment & Wage Documentation

To prove lost wages and work-related losses, we gather:

Pay stubs and tax records
Employer letters describing job duties and time missed
Documentation of any work restrictions or job changes due to your injuries

What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Wayne County

Get Prompt Medical Attention

Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as possible. Dog bites can worsen quickly and infections can be serious. Follow all treatment recommendations and keep copies of all records.

Report the Bite to Animal Control

Report the attack to the appropriate Wayne County animal control or your local city animal control office (Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, etc.). This creates an official record and may help confirm the dog’s vaccination status and prior history.

Get the Dog Owner’s Information

If you can do so safely, obtain:

The owner’s name, address, and phone number
Homeowners or renters insurance information

Collect Witness Information

Get names and contact information for any witnesses, including neighbors or bystanders who saw the attack or know the dog’s history.

Take Photos

If possible, take pictures of:

Your injuries (and continue to photograph them as they heal)
The location of the attack (yard, sidewalk, porch, alley, etc.)
The dog, if it can be done safely and without provoking another incident

Avoid Arguments About Fault

Do not argue with the dog owner about who is to blame. Anything said in the heat of the moment may be twisted by an insurance company later.

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance

Insurance adjusters may call quickly and ask for a recorded statement. Politely decline until you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can reduce or deny your claim.

Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick

Reach out to Liss, Shapero & Mitnick as soon as you can. Early involvement allows us to:

Preserve critical evidence
Handle communications with insurers
Guide you through medical documentation and follow-up
Protect your rights from the very beginning

Compensation Available in a Wayne County Dog Bite Claim

Economic Damages

These are the financial losses you can document with bills and records, including:

Emergency room visits and hospital bills
Follow-up medical care, wound care, antibiotics, and infection treatment
Plastic surgery and scar revision, especially for facial injuries and visible scarring
Therapy and counseling for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
Lost wages for time missed from work
Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long term

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate you for losses that are real but not tied to a specific bill, such as:

Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery process
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed
Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability, especially when it affects confidence, social interactions, and daily functioning

Speak With a Wayne County Dog Bite Lawyer Today

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we are committed to standing beside dog bite victims in Wayne County and across Metro Detroit with compassion, honesty, and strength. Our team takes the time to understand what you’ve been through, carefully prepares every case, and fights for full and fair compensation—not quick, low settlements that don’t reflect the true impact of your injuries. From gathering evidence and coordinating with your doctors to dealing directly with insurers, we handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, Canton, or any surrounding community, we invite you to schedule a confidential, free consultation. We’ll review what happened, explain your rights in plain language, and outline the next steps to protect your future.

Liss, Shapero & Mitnick — Your Rights First
2695 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072

Phone: 248-584-1300
Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)
Fax: 248-584-1323

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