Michigan dog bite law, in plain English.
Michigan is one of the strongest states in the country for dog bite victims. Here’s how the law actually works — strict liability, what you have to prove, and the deadline that can make or break your case.
Download the 1-page guide →Or call (313) 474-8203 1-page plain-English reference · freeMichigan is a “strict liability” state
If a dog bites you, the owner is responsible — even if the dog never bit anyone before.
Under Michigan’s dog-bite statute, MCL 287.351, a dog owner is liable for a bite without the victim having to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. That’s very different from the “one-bite rule” in many other states. In Michigan, there is no “first bite free.”
What you have to show
Injuries that don’t involve a bite — for example, being knocked down by a large dog — may fall under ordinary negligence instead. Either way, you may have a claim; the path just looks a little different.
You have a deadline — and it’s closer than it feels
Michigan generally gives you three years from the date of the bite to file a claim (MCL 600.5805). Miss it and you can lose the right to recover entirely. But the practical deadline is much sooner — evidence and memories start disappearing in the first weeks.
Who actually pays
In most cases the money comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance — not their personal savings. Pursuing a claim usually isn’t about “going after” a neighbor or friend; it’s about accessing coverage that exists for exactly this. Curious what a claim might be worth? See what a Michigan dog bite case is worth.
Related resources
Have a Michigan dog bite question?
Solomon Radner handles dog bite cases exclusively. A free, no-obligation review tells you exactly where you stand — and you pay nothing unless we win.
Get a free case review →Or call (313) 474-8203This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Statutory references should be confirmed for your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.