Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Helping Michiganders recover after dog bites and animal attacks caused by negligent owners.
Protecting Victims of Dangerous Animal Attacks
Dog bites can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. Beyond the immediate pain and medical treatment, many victims suffer scarring, infection, nerve damage, or lasting psychological effects — especially children. These injuries often happen because pet owners fail to control or restrain their animals in public or on private property.
At Muawad PC, we stand up for victims of dog bites and animal attacks across Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan. Our firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can cause. We work tirelessly to hold negligent owners accountable and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, scarring, emotional distress, and lost wages.
Common Causes of Dog and Animal Attacks
Dog and animal attacks can happen anywhere — neighborhoods, parks, apartment complexes, or even at a friend’s home. Common causes include:
Failure to leash or properly restrain the animal
Aggressive or territorial behavior ignored by the owner
Negligent supervision of dogs around children
Untrained or poorly socialized pets
Repeated prior incidents involving the same animal
Even dogs with no prior bite history can cause severe harm. Michigan law recognizes this risk and imposes strict liability on owners for attacks under most circumstances.
Michigan’s Dog Bite Law
Michigan has one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the country. Under MCL 287.351, a dog owner is strictly liable if:
The dog bites a person,
The victim was lawfully on public or private property, and
The victim did not provoke the dog.
This means the injured person does not have to prove negligence — only that the bite occurred under lawful circumstances. Liability extends to the dog’s owner, regardless of whether the animal has bitten before.
Negligence and Other Legal Theories
In addition to strict liability, victims may also file claims based on negligence, premises liability, or failure to control a known dangerous animal. Examples include:
Landlords who knowingly allow dangerous animals on their property
Pet sitters or caretakers who fail to restrain a dog
Owners who ignore leash laws or prior attack warnings
Michigan’s leash and confinement laws (including many city and county ordinances) reinforce these responsibilities, making owners legally accountable for preventable attacks.
Key Legal Considerations
Dog bite victims generally have three years from the date of the attack to file a claim.
Children under 18 have additional time under Michigan’s tolling statute.
Homeowner’s insurance often covers dog bite liability, though claims can still be disputed.
Compensation may include medical expenses, reconstructive surgery, therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Helpful Resources
All the answers you're looking for
Frequently Asked Questions
Get medical treatment right away, report the attack to local animal control or police, and document your injuries with photos. Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
No. Michigan’s dog bite law imposes strict liability, meaning owners are responsible even if they didn’t know the dog could be dangerous.
You can still recover compensation. Prior aggression or bite history is not required under Michigan law.
Yes, as long as you were lawfully on the property — for example, as a guest, delivery worker, or service provider.
You may recover for medical bills, reconstructive surgery, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Yes, if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to act or enforce lease terms related to pets.
You may still have a case under general negligence or premises liability laws, depending on the circumstances and ownership.
Insurance companies often downplay these injuries or push quick settlements. An experienced attorney ensures you receive the full compensation your case deserves under Michigan law.
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