Dog Bites on Halloween: Costumes, Doorbells, and Michigan’s Strict Liability

Why Dog Bites Spike on Halloween

Halloween is fun for kids — but stressful for dogs.

From ringing doorbells and flashing lights to strange costumes and excited children, Halloween can overwhelm even the calmest pets. Dogs who are normally friendly and well-behaved may feel confused or threatened by the chaos — and a moment of fear or overstimulation can lead to a serious bite.

According to the Insurance Information Institute and U.S. Postal Service, dog bite incidents tend to increase during holidays and high-activity events like Halloween. With constant door-knocking, masks obscuring familiar faces, and strangers approaching the front door, it’s easy to see why.

Even a gentle family pet can bite when startled — and when it happens, the injuries can be traumatic, especially for children. Fortunately, Michigan law strongly protects dog bite victims. Here, victims don’t have to prove that the dog was known to be aggressive or that the owner acted carelessly. Under Michigan’s strict liability law, dog owners are automatically responsible when their dog bites without provocation.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), we’ve seen firsthand how devastating dog bite injuries can be — both physically and emotionally. Based in Berkley, Michigan, our experienced personal injury attorneys help victims recover medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for scars and trauma caused by dog attacks.

Michigan’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law (MCL 287.351)

Michigan’s strict liability dog bite statute (MCL 287.351) places clear responsibility on the dog owner. Unlike some states that require proof of negligence or a prior “warning bite,” Michigan law holds the owner accountable from the very first incident.

Under this statute:

• The victim must have been lawfully on the property — such as a trick-or-treater, guest, postal carrier, or delivery driver.
• The bite must have occurred without provocation — meaning the victim did not intentionally tease, hit, or threaten the dog.
• The dog’s past behavior doesn’t matter — even if it never showed aggression before, one bite is enough to trigger liability.

This makes Michigan one of the most victim-friendly states when it comes to dog bite law. The owner cannot argue that they “didn’t know” their dog might bite. The only valid defenses typically involve trespassing or clear provocation.

On Halloween, that protection is especially important. Trick-or-treaters and parents are considered lawful visitors. If a dog rushes out the door or bites through a fence when a child reaches for candy, the homeowner may still be liable — even if the dog was startled or “protecting” its home. Courts will look at whether the situation was reasonable and whether the victim’s behavior truly provoked the dog.

In short: Michigan law prioritizes the safety of people, not the past behavior of pets.

How Homeowners Insurance Covers Dog Bite Injuries

For most Michigan homeowners, dog bites are covered under homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. That coverage often includes:

• Medical payments coverage, which pays for immediate treatment such as stitches or emergency care.
• Liability coverage, which can compensate victims for pain and suffering, permanent scars, and emotional trauma.
• Legal defense costs, if a claim turns into a lawsuit.

However, not every policy is the same. Some insurers have breed exclusions for dogs like pit bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans, and others limit payouts for dog bite claims. These details can affect how much compensation a victim ultimately receives.

Victims should also be cautious about talking directly to insurance adjusters. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may encourage quick settlements before the full extent of injuries or scarring is known. This is especially risky when children are involved, since scars and trauma can worsen or require treatment as they grow.

The attorneys at Liss, Shapero & Mitnick handle these communications for their clients — dealing directly with insurers, investigating policy details, and ensuring the claim covers all medical care, future treatments, and long-term damages, not just initial expenses.

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Damages — Especially for Children

Dog bites can cause more than momentary pain — they can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. On Halloween, children are particularly vulnerable, since they often approach unfamiliar homes or dogs without realizing the risk.

Common Halloween-related dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds and deep lacerations to hands, legs, or face.
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement, often requiring plastic surgery.
• Nerve damage or infections that can lead to long recovery times.
• Psychological trauma or PTSD, particularly in children who may fear dogs afterward.

Under Michigan law, victims may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages cover medical expenses, reconstructive surgeries, therapy, and lost income.
• Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we work closely with medical specialists, surgeons, and mental health professionals to document every aspect of the injury — not just the emergency room visit. Our goal is to ensure victims and families receive the full compensation they need to recover, rebuild confidence, and move forward after a traumatic experience.

What to Do Within 24–72 Hours After a Dog Bite

Immediate action after a dog bite protects both your health and your legal rights. Even a minor injury can turn serious quickly, and early documentation helps build a strong claim under Michigan’s strict liability law.

Within the first 24 hours:

1. Get medical attention immediately.
   Even small bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or scarring. A medical record also provides crucial proof of your injuries.
2. Report the bite to local animal control or the police.
   This creates an official record of the incident and ensures the animal’s vaccination status can be verified.
3. Obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
   This information is essential for any future claim under the homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
4. Take clear photos of your injuries, the dog (if possible), and the surrounding area.
   Visual evidence helps show the extent of harm and the conditions where the bite occurred.

Within 48–72 hours:

• Keep copies of all medical records, vaccination details, and witness statements.
  These documents help your attorney establish the timeline and severity of your injuries.
• Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Berkley, MI.
  An attorney can explain your rights under Michigan’s strict liability law, review the homeowner’s insurance coverage, and begin preserving critical evidence.
• Avoid speaking with the insurance company before consulting counsel.
  Insurers may attempt to minimize your injuries or offer a low settlement before you understand the long-term effects — especially if there are visible scars.

Early documentation and legal guidance ensure the strongest possible case, particularly when permanent disfigurement or psychological trauma is involved.

How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Helps Dog Bite Victims

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a dog bite can be — especially when it happens during a family event like Halloween. Our attorneys take immediate steps to protect your rights and pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Our process includes:

• Free consultation and case review to evaluate your claim and explain your legal options.
• Thorough investigation of the dog’s history, the owner’s insurance coverage, and any prior animal control records.
• Coordination of medical care and detailed documentation of scarring, nerve injury, and emotional trauma.
• Aggressive negotiation or litigation to secure fair compensation for both current and future damages.

With more than 25 years of experience representing injury victims across Berkley, Metro Detroit, and throughout Michigan, the attorneys at LSM are trusted advocates for families affected by dog bites, premises liability, and other serious injury cases.

Our values set us apart: integrity, compassion, and a client-first approach. At LSM, every client receives the full support of our entire team — because when you hire our firm, you’re treated like family.

Your Rights Come First

Halloween should be filled with laughter, not liability. But when a dog bite turns a fun night into an emergency, Michigan’s strict liability law ensures victims are protected and compensated. Dog owners must take responsibility for their pets — and in most cases, homeowners insurance pays the claim, not the individual directly.

If you or your child is bitten by a dog, don’t delay. Seek medical attention, report the bite, and speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Early legal help can make the difference between a small settlement and a full recovery for your physical and emotional injuries.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we don’t just take your case — we take your story. Our attorneys will stand beside you every step of the way, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Bitten by a dog on Halloween or anytime in Michigan?
The attorneys at Liss, Shapero & Mitnick have helped injured victims recover compensation for over 25 years.
Call 248-584-1300 or toll-free 1-855-LISS-LAW (547-7529) for a free consultation.
Visit lsmlawyers.com to learn more about your rights under Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law.

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