Strict liability. Straight answers. A team that moves fast.
If you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog, the law in Michigan is clear: owners are generally strictly liable for dog bites that happen without provocation when you’re on public property or lawfully on private property. You shouldn’t have to battle insurers while you’re healing. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), you get the entire team — attorneys, investigators, and case managers — protecting your rights from day one.
Strict liability statute: If a dog bites you without provocation while you are on public property or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for your damages. (MCL 287.351).
Beyond “one‑bite” myths: Prior aggression or notice usually does not matter under the statute.
Other injuries: If a dog knocks you down or causes injury without biting, we may pursue claims under negligence or the Dangerous Animals Act.
We’ll explain your rights, deadlines, and the best path to compensation — in plain English.
If a dog knocks you down or causes injury without biting, we may pursue claims under negligence or the Dangerous Animals Act.
What to do after a dog bite in Michigan
Get medical care immediately; follow up for infection and scarring care.
Report the bite to local animal control/police; ask for the report number.
Document everything: photos of wounds (day‑by‑day), torn clothing, the scene, and the dog if safe to do so.
Collect info: owner’s name, address, insurance (often homeowners/renters), witnesses, and prior complaints if neighbors know of issues.
Call LSM. We take over insurer/owner communications and start building proof.
How LSM proves dog bite cases
Rapid evidence preservation: reports, rabies/vaccination records, prior incidents, HOA or landlord complaints, and surveillance.
Liability & coverage: identify all policies (homeowners, renters, landlord, commercial) and pursue every at‑fault party.
Medical & scarring documentation: coordinate records, photographs at key healing stages, plastic surgery consults, and psychological counseling when needed.
Future‑impact analysis: vocational and economic experts for wage loss; life‑care planning for significant injuries.
Trial‑ready: we prepare like your case will be tried — which drives stronger settlements.
Injuries we commonly see
Puncture wounds, lacerations, avulsions, and infection (including MRSA)
Nerve damage, tendon injury, and impaired function
Facial injuries and scarring (especially in children)
Psychological trauma (anxiety, nightmares, PTSD)
Who can be responsible?
Dog owner (primary liability under statute)
Landlord or property manager in limited circumstances (e.g., knowledge/control issues)
Homeowners/renters insurers (policy coverage)
Commercial entities when bites occur at businesses or rental properties
Damages you may recover
Medical expenses (ER, surgery, plastics, therapy) and future care
Do I need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous? No. Michigan’s statute is strict liability for bites without provocation when you’re lawfully present. Prior incidents usually aren’t required.
What counts as “provocation”? Provocation can include actions that cause pain or fear to the dog — in some cases even unintentional acts. We investigate facts and witness statements to defeat this defense where appropriate.
What if there was no bite — I was knocked down? We may pursue claims under negligence or dangerous‑animal laws. Evidence (video, witnesses, prior complaints) becomes crucial.
Will the claim affect a friend or neighbor? Most claims are paid by insurance, not out of pocket. We handle communication respectfully to preserve relationships while protecting your rights.
How long do I have to file? Deadlines are strict and can vary. Call us promptly so we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
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