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Dog bites are a serious and far too common problem throughout Metro Detroit. From neighborhood sidewalks and community parks to apartment complexes and busy residential streets, these attacks often occur without warning and leave victims facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. When a dog bite disrupts your life or harms your child, you deserve the support of a legal team that knows the law, understands the local community, and is committed to protecting your rights from day one.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our firm has served Metro Detroit families for more than 20 years from our Berkley office. We are deeply rooted in the community—supporting local schools, maintaining longstanding relationships with residents, and operating with the same integrity, transparency, and client-centered focus that has defined our practice for decades. When you come to us after a dog bite, you don’t get just one attorney—you get the full strength of our entire team. Every case is a team effort, and every client is treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.
Understanding Michigan Dog Bite Law
Michigan’s Strict Liability Statute
Michigan has one of the strongest legal protections for dog bite victims in the country. Under MCL 287.351, dog owners are automatically liable when their dog bites someone—even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. This is often described as a state with no “one free bite” rule.
For victims, strict liability means the focus is on the injury itself—not on the dog’s past behavior. If a dog bites you and you were lawfully where you were supposed to be, the owner is responsible for your damages.
Requirements for Liability
To recover compensation under Michigan’s dog bite law, a victim must show:
- They were lawfully on public or private property.
This includes sidewalks, parks, and visiting a residence with permission. - The bite caused a physical injury.
Minor, moderate, or severe—any injury qualifies under the statute. - The dog’s owner had ownership at the time of the attack.
A dog sitter or temporary handler is typically not the owner for purposes of strict liability.
Importantly, dog owners cannot argue that they “didn’t know the dog was dangerous.” Lack of knowledge is not a defense in Michigan.
Exceptions and Defenses
Although the law is strong, certain defenses may apply:
- Provocation
If the victim provoked the dog—intentionally or unintentionally—the owner may argue that liability should be reduced or avoided. - Trespassing or Criminal Activity
Individuals unlawfully on private property or committing a crime at the time of the bite may not be protected by the statute. - Comparative Fault
In rare circumstances, fault can be shared, such as when a victim’s actions contributed to the incident.
These exceptions are often misunderstood. Hiring an experienced Metro Detroit dog bite lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and defenses are handled appropriately.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite?
Dog Owners
Under Michigan’s strict liability law, dog owners are the primary responsible party. If their dog bites someone who is lawfully present, the owner is typically liable for the resulting injuries—regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression in the past.
Landlords & Property Owners
While the dog’s legal owner is usually the main defendant, landlords can also be held responsible when:
- They knew a tenant had a dangerous dog.
- They allowed lease violations involving prohibited breeds or unapproved pets.
- They failed to take action after prior complaints or incidents.
Cases involving landlord negligence often overlap with premises liability principles and require meticulous investigation—an area where the LSM team excels.
Homeowners & Renters Insurance
Most dog bite claims are covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, and pursuing compensation often means negotiating with an insurance adjuster, not the dog owner directly.
However, insurance companies frequently attempt to:
- Minimize the seriousness of injuries
- Shift blame onto the victim
- Use delay tactics or issue low settlement offers
LSM is known for advocating strongly against bad-faith insurance practices and ensuring clients receive compensation that reflects the full impact of their injuries.
Compensation Available in a Michigan Dog Bite Case
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for the measurable, financial consequences of the attack, including:
- Medical costs such as ER visits, stitches, wound care, antibiotics, injections, and surgery
- Future medical needs, including scar revision, reconstructive plastic surgery, physical therapy, and psychological counseling
- Lost wages if injuries limit your ability to work
- Reduced future earning capacity when long-term impairment affects career potential
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the profound personal impact of a dog attack:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially in cases involving facial wounds or nerve damage
LSM is particularly experienced in cases involving scarring and permanent disfigurement, ensuring these life-altering injuries are fully valued—not minimized.
Special Considerations for Child Victims
Children often bear the most serious physical and emotional consequences of dog bites. Their claims may include:
- Long-term psychological trauma
- Fear, anxiety, and sleep disturbances
- The lifelong emotional and cosmetic effects of scarring
- The need for follow-up surgeries as they grow
Additionally, Michigan has specific rules for approving minors’ settlements, ensuring the child’s best interests are protected. LSM guides families through every step, offering the clarity and compassion that parents need during an overwhelming time.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Metro Detroit
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and may cause deeper internal damage than is immediately visible. Getting prompt medical care not only protects your health—it also provides vital documentation of your injuries.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Obtain the owner’s name, address, and contact information. This is essential for determining liability and accessing insurance coverage.
Report the Incident
Notify local animal control or the police. These reports often become key evidence, especially if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
Photograph Everything
If safe, take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Torn or bloodied clothing
- The location of the attack
- The dog involved
These images can help establish fault and support the full scope of your damages.
Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies may contact you quickly, hoping to lock in statements—or settlements—that minimize their responsibility. Do not provide any recorded statements before speaking with the attorneys at Liss, Shapero & Mitnick. Our team ensures your rights are protected from the start.
How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Build a Strong Dog Bite Claim
Thorough Investigation
A strong case starts with a detailed investigation. Our team works collectively to gather every possible piece of evidence, including:
- Identifying eyewitnesses and locating video footage
- Securing police or animal control reports
- Investigating prior complaints or attacks involving the same dog or owner
- Examining leash laws, city ordinances, and property conditions
The firm’s team-based approach ensures multiple sets of eyes review your case—enhancing accuracy, thoroughness, and strategy ().
Working With Medical Experts
To fully understand the impact of your injuries, we consult with:
- Emergency and trauma physicians
- Plastic surgeons
- Neurologists
- Mental health professionals
These experts help us prove not only the immediate effects of the bite, but also long-term scarring, nerve damage, disability, and psychological trauma.
Evaluating Insurance Coverage
Dog bite cases often involve several possible insurance sources, including:
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Renter’s insurance
- Umbrella policies
Insurance companies frequently attempt to undervalue claims, shift blame, or delay payment. LSM’s attorneys are known for pushing back firmly and ethically, fighting to ensure your compensation reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Litigation When Necessary
While many cases settle through negotiation, some insurers refuse to offer fair compensation. When that happens, LSM is prepared to file suit and aggressively pursue your claim in court.
The firm’s reputation for integrity, diligence, and strong courtroom advocacy is well known in the Metro Detroit legal community—something consistently emphasized in internal discussions and reflected in their approach to every client.
Your Rights First, Always
A dog bite can turn your world upside down in an instant. Painful injuries, fear, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next can leave you feeling overwhelmed. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand exactly what you are going through—and we’re here to help you reclaim control, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our firm was built on integrity, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. Every client who walks through our doors is treated with the same care and respect we would give our own family. That approach isn’t marketing—it’s the culture that has shaped our reputation in Metro Detroit for decades. Our team works together on every case, ensuring no detail is missed and no client ever feels alone in the process ().
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Metro Detroit, don’t wait. Evidence fades quickly, insurance companies move fast, and your rights deserve immediate protection. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let our family help protect yours.
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