Dog Bite Lawyer Oakland County

Dog bites are far more common in Oakland County than most people realize. In communities like Berkley, Royal Oak, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Troy, and the surrounding neighborhoods, families share sidewalks, parks, and backyards with dogs of every size and breed. Most encounters are harmless, but when a dog suddenly attacks, the results can be devastating.

After a dog bite, you’re suddenly facing medical bills, time off work, pain, emotional stress, and questions about who is responsible. Michigan’s dog bite laws are strong, but they can be confusing when you’re trying to focus on healing. Having a lawyer who understands these laws and how they apply in Oakland County is critical.

Liss, Shapero & Mitnick is a long-standing, community-rooted firm based in Berkley and serving dog bite victims throughout Oakland County. The firm is built on integrity, clarity, and genuine care for the people it represents. When you hire LSM, you don’t just get one attorney who disappears behind a file. You get the strength of the entire team working together on your case, making sure you are supported, informed, and protected at every step.

Michigan Dog Bite Law: Key Principles for Oakland County Cases

Strict Liability Under MCL 287.351

Michigan has a specific dog bite statute, MCL 287.351, that provides powerful protection for victims. Under this law, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites someone under the right circumstances. That means the victim does not have to prove that the owner was careless.

To establish strict liability, three basic requirements must be met:

• The dog bit a person.
  The statute applies to actual bites, not just being knocked down or chased.
• The person was on public property or lawfully on private property.
  This includes sidewalks, streets, parks, and any private property where the person had permission to be, such as a guest, delivery worker, or utility worker.
• The bite occurred without provocation.
  If the victim did not provoke the dog, the owner is typically responsible under the statute.

Defenses Dog Owners May Raise

Dog owners and their insurers often try to avoid responsibility by raising legal defenses. Common defenses include:

• Provocation
  An owner may claim that the victim provoked the dog, for example by hitting, teasing, or tormenting it. Courts look carefully at the victim’s behavior and the dog’s reaction. Innocent actions, such as walking by or reaching out gently, are not provocation.
• Trespassing or criminal activity
  If a person is unlawfully on private property or committing a crime at the time of the bite, the statutory protections may not apply. These situations can be complex and fact-specific.
• Assumption of risk in limited scenarios
  In rare cases, such as certain professional handlers or people who knowingly take on the risk of working with dangerous animals, an owner may argue that the victim accepted the risk.

Who May Be Liable in an Oakland County Dog Bite Case

Dog Owners

In most dog bite cases, the primary responsibility falls on the dog’s owner. Under Michigan’s statute, the owner is liable if their dog bites someone who is legally on public or private property and did not provoke the dog.

Keepers, Handlers, and Caretakers

Sometimes, someone other than the owner is in control of the dog at the time of the bite. This might be a:

• Pet sitter
• Dog walker
• Neighbor watching the dog
• Friend or relative temporarily caring for the dog

Who had control over the dog and the property at the time can make a real difference in how a claim is pursued. The team at LSM examines these details to ensure all responsible parties are identified.

Landlords and Property Owners

Landlords and property owners are not automatically liable for a tenant’s dog, but they can share responsibility in certain situations. Examples include:

• The landlord knew a tenant had a dangerous dog and did nothing to address it
• Lease provisions that limit or restrict pets were ignored or not enforced
• Prior complaints or attacks were reported, and the landlord failed to act

Employers and Businesses

Dogs are sometimes present in workplaces, stores, or service environments. Examples include:

• A business that allows employees to bring dogs to work
• A store or office where a dog is kept on the premises
• Dogs used in security, delivery, or home service roles

If a dog bite occurs in a business context, the employer or business may be liable under premises liability or employer responsibility principles. These claims often involve commercial insurance policies and more complex legal issues, which LSM is well equipped to handle.

Compensation Available for Oakland County Dog Bite Victims

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the concrete, measurable losses caused by the attack, including:

• Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
  Ambulance transport, ER care, diagnostic tests, and inpatient stays after a serious bite
• Surgeries, wound care, and infection management
  Follow-up appointments, debridement procedures, antibiotics, and treatment of complications
• Scar revision and reconstructive procedures
  Plastic surgery and other treatments to improve appearance and function after scarring or tissue loss
• Physical and occupational therapy
  Rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and use of affected limbs or joints
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  Paychecks missed while you recover, and long-term impact if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future
• Medication, counseling, and future medical expenses
  Pain medications, anxiety or PTSD treatment, and anticipated medical care over months or years

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages recognize that the harm from a dog attack is much more than financial. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
  Physical pain during and after the attack, as well as ongoing discomfort
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  Anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, flashbacks, and other emotional injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  Being unable to participate in hobbies, activities, or family events the way you once did
• Permanent disfigurement and impact on self-esteem
  Visible scars or deformities that affect how you feel about yourself and how others see you

Wrongful Death in Dog Attack Cases

In rare but tragic cases, a dog attack results in a loss of life. When that happens, the victim’s family may bring a wrongful death claim for:

• Funeral and burial costs
  Expenses associated with laying a loved one to rest
• Loss of companionship and support for surviving family
  The emotional and relational loss suffered by spouses, children, and other close relatives
• Loss of services and contributions in the household
  The value of childcare, household tasks, guidance, and other day-to-day support the person provided

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Oakland County

What you do in the hours and days following a dog bite can make a real difference for both your health and your legal rights.

• Seek prompt medical attention, even if the wound appears minor
  Dog bites can lead to serious infections and internal damage that is not obvious at first
• Identify the dog and the owner, including names, addresses, and contact details
  This information is essential for insurance claims and legal responsibility
• Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement
  Official reports help document what happened and may reveal prior incidents with the same dog
• Take photographs of the injuries, the dog if possible, the location, and any visible blood or damage
  Photos provide powerful evidence of what occurred and how serious the incident was
• Preserve torn or bloodstained clothing as evidence
  Do not wash or throw away clothing that may later help show the force and nature of the attack
• Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies
  Insurers may try to get you to say things that reduce or eliminate their responsibility
• Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick to understand rights and next steps
  The sooner the firm is involved, the sooner they can protect evidence, deal with insurers, and guide you through the process

Standing Up for Dog Bite Victims in Oakland County

A dog bite can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you are walking through your neighborhood, visiting a friend, or watching your child play, and the next you are dealing with pain, medical treatment, fear, and uncertainty about what comes next. You do not have to carry that burden alone.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we are committed to helping dog bite victims in Oakland County rebuild their lives with dignity and security. Our client-first approach means you are never treated like a file or a number. From the first call through the final resolution, you have the support of a firm that values integrity, honest communication, and real human connection.

If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Oakland County, now is the time to get answers and support. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and start taking steps to protect your future.

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

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