Updated for 2026 — reviewed and current with Michigan law as of 2026. Bitten in Michigan? Get a free case review — we handle dog bite cases in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties and throughout Michigan.
If you’re reading this, an insurance adjuster has probably already called you about your Michigan dog bite, or they will soon. We’ve already covered whether you should talk to them at all (almost always no, not without a lawyer). But sometimes you end up on the phone before you read the article. Sometimes they corner you. Sometimes you think being polite means being cooperative.
So this is the survival guide. Specific phrases adjusters listen for, what they actually do with what you say, and how to defuse the call without saying anything that hurts your case.
The Phrases That Hurt Your Case the Most
“I’m fine” or “I’m doing better”
These slip out reflexively when someone asks how you are. The adjuster knows that. They’ll open with “Hi, how are you feeling today?” not as small talk but as the first move. “I’m fine” goes into the file as your own admission that the injury is healing well, the pain isn’t serious, and the case isn’t worth much.
Say instead: “I’m still recovering and being treated. I’m not in a position to discuss my condition right now.”
“I think” or “I’m not sure exactly”
Uncertainty in your story gets used against you. Adjusters press for details, and if you guess or estimate, those numbers and details become locked in — even if you’re wrong. Distances, times, what the dog looked like, what the owner said. Get a detail wrong on the call, then correct it later, and the adjuster has “inconsistencies” to use against you.
Say instead: “I can’t answer that right now — I’ll need to provide that through my lawyer.”
“It was partly my fault” or “I should have…”
Self-blame after an accident is incredibly common. You’re replaying it, wondering what you could have done differently, and you say something like “I shouldn’t have gone up to the dog” or “I should have been more careful.” That becomes the foundation of a provocation or comparative fault defense.
Say instead: Nothing. Don’t volunteer your interpretation of events. Stick to the facts of what happened, and ideally don’t even do that on the phone with the adjuster.
“Sure, I can give a quick statement”
There is no “quick” recorded statement. The minute you agree, you’re committing to questions you don’t know in advance, in a recorded format that can be picked apart for months. You don’t have to give one. Ever.
Say instead: “I’m not going to give a recorded statement. My lawyer will handle communications.”
“Let me check my schedule for that”
Even agreeing to schedule a future call commits you to engagement. Once you’ve given them a future appointment, you’ve implicitly agreed to participate. They’ll call back at that time expecting cooperation.
Say instead: “Any further communication needs to go through my lawyer. Please don’t contact me directly.”
“I’ve had similar issues before”
If you mention any prior injuries — old back pain, old scars, previous accidents — adjusters will try to attribute your current injuries to those preexisting conditions. “That scar was probably already there.” “The PTSD is from her previous accident, not this dog bite.”
Say instead: “My medical history will be addressed through my lawyer and my doctors.”
“That sounds fair” or accepting the first offer
First offers in Michigan dog bite cases are systematically lowball — often 25-40% of actual case value, sometimes less. Adjusters frame the offer as fair, reasonable, or generous. None of that is true. They’re testing whether you know what your case is worth.
Say instead: “I’m not in a position to evaluate any settlement until I’ve consulted with an attorney and finished treatment.”
“I won’t sue” or “I just want my medical bills covered”
Saying you don’t plan to sue or that you have modest expectations tanks your leverage immediately. The adjuster will offer the minimum to cover those modest expectations and stop there. Your case is worth what it’s worth, and they shouldn’t know your floor.
Say instead: Don’t share your intentions, expectations, or financial situation. None of it is their business.
The Tactics Adjusters Use to Get You Talking
The friendly opener
“I just want to make sure you’re being taken care of. How are you feeling?” Friendly, sympathetic, reasonable. Designed to get you talking before you remember to be cautious.
The urgency play
“I’d like to wrap this up quickly so you can move on. Can you give me a quick statement today?” The fake deadline. There’s no real urgency — they want you to skip the lawyer step.
The bonding move
“I’ve handled lots of these cases. I know how stressful this is.” Trying to position themselves as your ally. They are not your ally. Their job is to pay you less.
The fear angle
“If you don’t cooperate, your claim could be denied.” Empty threat. The strict liability statute doesn’t care whether you gave a recorded statement.
The off-the-record question
“Just between us, what were you doing right before the bite?” Nothing is off the record. They take notes. They write reports. They use everything.
The Universal Script
If you only memorize one thing, memorize this. Use it for any phone call, voicemail, or in-person encounter with the dog owner’s insurance company:
“I appreciate the call, but I’m still being treated and I’m not in a position to discuss the incident, my injuries, or any settlement at this time. All communication will be through my attorney going forward. Thank you.”
Then hang up. If they call back, repeat the same line. You don’t have to explain. You don’t have to argue. You don’t have to be defensive. Polite, firm, repeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already said something I shouldn’t have?
Don’t panic. Most early statements don’t fatally damage cases. Call a lawyer immediately and stop having any further communication with the adjuster.
Do I have to take the adjuster’s calls?
No. You can let them go to voicemail indefinitely. You can text or email the same script back. No legal obligation to answer the phone.
What if the adjuster offers to email a quick form?
Don’t fill it out. Forms are recorded statements in writing. Same rules apply.
Should I just block the adjuster’s number?
You can, but it’s better to let them know once that you’re represented and to contact your lawyer instead. Once they have the lawyer’s info, ethical rules require them to deal with the lawyer.
What if the adjuster shows up at my home?
Doesn’t happen often, but if it does: same script, hand it to them on paper if you have to, close the door politely. They have no right to enter your home.
Already heard from the adjuster?
Talk to us before you talk to the insurance company. The conversation is free, you owe nothing unless we win, and we represent dog bite victims throughout Michigan.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case depends on its specific facts — consult a licensed Michigan attorney about your situation.
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