A dog bite can turn an ordinary day upside down—leaving you or your child with painful injuries, overwhelming medical concerns, and questions about what comes next. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand how disruptive and frightening these moments can be. For more than 20 years, our firm has been deeply rooted in Berkley, Michigan, serving the community from the heart of Coolidge Highway and advocating for neighbors who need guidance and protection after an injury.

Our office culture is built on a simple but unwavering principle: your rights come first. When you come to us, you don’t just get one attorney—you get the support, insight, and dedication of our entire team, working together to protect you every step of the way. Our attorneys and staff collaborate closely on every case, ensuring that no client is ever left waiting for answers or wondering who to call. This team-centered approach is a hallmark of our practice and a source of comfort to the individuals and families we serve .

We also know that a dog bite is more than a physical injury. It can bring lasting emotional trauma, financial strain, and stress for families—especially when a child is involved. From the moment you reach out to us, you will be met with compassion, respect, and clear communication. We take the time to listen, educate you about your rights, and give you the clarity you deserve while we fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Understanding Dog Bite Claims in Berkley, Michigan

Michigan’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Michigan has one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the country. Under the state’s strict liability law, a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. This means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent—only that:

• You were lawfully on public or private property, and
• You were bitten by the owner’s dog.

Strict liability applies whether the attack occurred on a public sidewalk, in a park, or on private property where you had permission to be. This makes a significant difference in protecting victims, as it removes the burden of proving the owner had prior knowledge of aggression.

However, there are exceptions. Dog owners may attempt to argue:

• The victim provoked the dog.
• The victim was trespassing.

These are common insurance defenses, and our team knows how to counter them with evidence, documentation, and expert insights.

Additional Legal Theories That May Apply

Negligence

If strict liability does not apply—for example, if the dog did not bite but caused injury by jumping or knocking someone over—negligence theories can be used to show the owner failed to act reasonably.

Landlord Liability

In some rental situations, a landlord may share responsibility if they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to take appropriate action.

Negligent Supervision

Cases involving children often require careful examination. If an adult responsible for supervising a child—or supervising the dog—fails to exercise reasonable care, that negligence may contribute to liability.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we evaluate every legal path available to ensure no avenue for compensation is overlooked.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We See in Our Cases

Puncture Wounds, Lacerations & Permanent Scarring

Dog bites frequently cause deep punctures and tearing injuries that require stitches, surgery, or scar revision. Visible scars—especially on the face, arms, or legs—may have lifelong impacts.

Soft-Tissue Damage

Ligament tears, muscle injury, and tendon damage can occur when a dog clamps down or shakes its victim. These injuries may lead to long-term mobility issues and extended rehabilitation.

Nerve Injuries

Bites can sever or damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, chronic pain, or loss of function in affected areas.

Infections & Complications

Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including cellulitis, abscesses, and in rare cases, rabies exposure. Immediate medical attention is essential to reduce risk and document injury severity.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond the physical wound, dog attacks commonly cause emotional distress. Many victims experience:

• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Heightened fear around animals
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Special Considerations for Child Victims

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites. Their smaller stature often leads to facial injuries, and the emotional impact can be severe and long-lasting. Our team approaches these cases with exceptional care, ensuring both the medical and emotional needs of young victims are fully understood and represented.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Berkley, MI

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Your health comes first. Even bites that appear minor can lead to infections, nerve damage, or scarring. Prompt medical treatment also creates important documentation for your case.

Report the Incident to Local Authorities

In Berkley, incidents should be reported to the Berkley Police Department or local animal control. Their reports help establish what happened, identify the dog, and create a record of the incident.

Collect Information at the Scene

Whenever possible, gather:

• Dog owner’s name, address, and contact information
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Photos of injuries, the dog, the property, and the surrounding area

Preserve Evidence

Keep everything related to the attack, including:

• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Medical records and discharge papers
• Bills, receipts, and prescriptions
• Messages or communications with the dog owner or witnesses

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may contact you quickly—sometimes within hours. Their goal is to minimize the payout. Before answering questions or providing statements, speak with an attorney who can protect your rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of.

Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite Injury

Recoverable Compensation

Medical Bills

Covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, stitches, wound care, antibiotics, and specialist visits.

Future Medical Care

Includes scar revision, physical therapy, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing treatments for nerve damage or chronic pain.

Lost Wages & Future Earnings

If your injuries limit your ability to work—temporarily or permanently—these losses can be recovered.

Pain & Suffering

Recognizes the physical pain, emotional trauma, and disruption to daily life caused by the attack.

Disfigurement & Long-Term Disability

Permanent scarring, nerve damage, or functional limitations may significantly increase a settlement or jury award.

When You May Be Denied – And How We Challenge It

Provocation Claims

They may allege you provoked the dog. We counter with witness statements, medical evidence, and expert testimony.

Trespassing Allegations

Strict liability applies when you are lawfully on public or private property. We establish your lawful presence and dismantle attempts to shift blame.

Insurance Coverage Disputes

Some insurers deny coverage or reduce liability. Our firm identifies all available policies, challenges denials, and holds insurers accountable.

How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Builds a Strong Dog Bite Case

Comprehensive Investigation

Our process is thorough and detail-driven. We collect:

• Medical records and treatment documentation
• Animal control or police reports
• Photographs and physical evidence
• Witness statements
• Prior bite history, complaints, or citations involving the same dog

If the dog has a documented history of aggression, this information can significantly strengthen your claim.

Proving Liability & Maximizing Damages

Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law gives victims powerful protections—but insurance companies often resist full accountability. We:

• Use the statute to establish clear liability
• Document the full physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries
• Work with medical providers, psychological experts, and economic specialists to calculate long-term damages

Our goal is simple: to secure the compensation you need to heal and protect your future.

Transparent Communication Throughout Your Case

One of the hallmarks of Liss, Shapero & Mitnick is how we care for clients. You will never feel alone in this process because:

• You work with our entire team, not just one attorney—every member contributes to your case and supports you directly .
• We explain each step clearly, ensuring you always understand what is happening and why.
• We check in proactively, even if we haven’t heard from you, because your well-being matters to us just as much as your case’s outcome .
• You can reach us whenever you need answers, reassurance, or guidance.

This is what sets us apart from large “factory law firms.” Here, you are treated like family, and your story receives the respect and attention it deserves.

Your Recovery Matters. Your Rights Come First.

A dog bite can change your life in an instant—but you never have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, you receive the strength of an entire team standing behind you, protecting your rights with compassion, transparency, and the integrity that has defined our firm for over five decades.

Our attorneys and staff work together on every case, ensuring you are supported, informed, and treated with the respect you deserve. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And we are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

If you or your child was injured by a dog in Berkley or the surrounding Metro Detroit area, reach out today. Let us help you regain control, rebuild your life, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick

Address:
2695 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072

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

Free Consultation. No Fees Unless We Win.

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