Pet Store Dog Bite Lawyer Wayne County: When the Pet Shop’s to Blame

Dog bites at pet stores are not accidents—they are preventable injuries caused by negligence. Stores that sell or display animals have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for every customer. When that duty is ignored—through inadequate supervision, failure to secure animals, or unsafe handling procedures—the results can be serious, life-altering injuries.

At Marko Law, we have extensive experience holding businesses accountable for dog bites and unsafe conditions. We understand how to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding commercial dog bite liability, including claims against negligent pet stores, corporate chains, and employees. Our attorneys investigate every detail, ensure proper evidence is preserved, and fight to recover the full compensation our clients deserve.

We know that injuries caused by dog bites in retail settings can have lasting physical and emotional consequences. That’s why our approach is aggressive, precise, and tailored to ensure every responsible party is held accountable. When a pet store fails to supervise its animals or provide a safe environment, Marko Law stands ready to pursue justice for the injured.

Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Michigan

Strict Liability vs. Negligence

Michigan law recognizes two main frameworks for dog bite cases:

• Strict Liability: Under certain conditions, dog owners can be held liable for injuries regardless of prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior. This typically applies to bites that occur off the owner’s property or in public spaces.
• Negligence: Liability arises when an owner or handler fails to act with reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm. In commercial settings like pet stores, negligence claims often hinge on the business’s duty to supervise animals and maintain safe premises.

Dangerous Animals Act – MCL 287.351

Michigan’s Dangerous Animals Act (MCL 287.351) establishes legal responsibilities for owners and handlers of potentially dangerous animals. Key points include:

• Owners and handlers are liable for injuries caused by known dangerous animals.
• Liability extends to injuries inflicted on invitees, including customers and employees, when the animal’s behavior is foreseeable.
• The statute provides a legal basis to hold both owners and operators of commercial establishments accountable for unsafe animals.

Owner Liability vs. Business Liability

It is important to distinguish between:

• Owner Liability: The individual who owns the dog is legally responsible for any harm caused by that dog, especially if it has a known history of aggression.
• Business Liability: A commercial entity, such as a pet store, can be liable under premises liability and negligence doctrines if it fails to supervise the animal, maintain a safe environment, or implement proper handling procedures.

Premises Liability in a Commercial Environment

Premises liability applies when a dog bite occurs in a business setting, including pet stores. Under Michigan law, commercial establishments have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for customers. This duty includes:

• Supervising animals to prevent aggressive or unpredictable behavior
• Implementing barriers or enclosures to protect visitors
• Posting clear warnings or instructions regarding animal interactions
• Ensuring employees follow safety protocols at all times

When the Pet Store Is Legally Responsible

Vicarious Liability and Negligence

• Negligence occurs when a business fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm. In the context of a dog bite, this could mean failing to supervise animals, neglecting safety protocols, or allowing dangerous conditions to persist.
• Vicarious liability holds the business itself responsible for injuries caused by employees acting within the scope of their employment. Even if an employee’s action—or inaction—directly led to the bite, the store may be legally liable.

How Pet Stores Can Be at Fault

A pet store may be legally responsible for a dog bite if it fails to uphold basic safety measures. Common examples of negligence include:

• Failing to properly supervise animals: Dogs left unattended or improperly monitored can pose a serious risk to customers.
• Allowing unsocialized or aggressive dogs in areas with customers: Bringing in dogs with known behavioral issues without proper control can lead to preventable bites.
• Lack of proper signage warning of dangerous animals: Customers may not anticipate risks if the store does not provide clear warnings or instructions.
• Failure to secure animals in enclosures or control access: Inadequate barriers or improperly locked cages can allow dogs to interact unsafely with customers.

Respondeat Superior: Liability for Employees’ Actions

Michigan law recognizes the doctrine of respondeat superior, which means a business can be held liable for acts or omissions of its employees conducted within the scope of employment.

• If an employee mishandles a dog, leaves a dangerous animal unsupervised, or fails to follow safety protocols, the store can be held accountable for the resulting injuries.
• This ensures that victims do not face an impossible legal battle against an individual employee alone; the business bears responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.

Damages You May Recover

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to reimburse you for measurable financial losses resulting from the bite. These can include:

• Medical bills for emergency care, follow-up treatment, and ongoing therapy
• Future care costs for long-term injuries, reconstructive surgery, or rehabilitation
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, including reduced earning capacity for the future
• Costs of medications, assistive devices, or home modifications required because of the injury

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical suffering that comes with a dog bite. These include:

• Pain and suffering resulting from the injury itself
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD related to the bite
• Loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if injuries limit daily activities
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring, which can have both emotional and social consequences

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, if a pet store demonstrates gross negligence or willful disregard for customer safety, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Examples of conduct that could justify punitive damages include:

• Allowing aggressive dogs to interact with customers despite prior complaints
• Ignoring established safety protocols
• Failing to supervise animals in a way that any reasonable business would consider unsafe

What To Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog in a Pet Store

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety come first. Even seemingly minor bites can result in infections, nerve damage, or more severe complications if untreated. Prompt medical care ensures your injuries are documented and properly treated.

• Keep all medical records, including emergency room visits, prescriptions, and follow-up care.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly—failure to do so can impact your case.

Document Injuries and Property Damage

Thorough documentation strengthens your claim:

• Take photographs of bite wounds, bruising, or other visible injuries.
• Photograph or preserve clothing, personal items, or belongings damaged in the incident.
• Maintain a detailed log of how the injury impacts your daily life and work.

Report the Incident to Store Management

You should notify the store immediately, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about liability.

• Stick to clear, factual details: when and where the bite occurred.
• Request a copy of any incident report for your records.

Collect Contact Information from Witnesses

Statements from eyewitnesses can be crucial in proving negligence:

• Obtain contact information for other customers who saw the bite.
• Gather details from employees who observed the incident.

Contact a Qualified Dog Bite Lawyer Immediately

Dog bite claims in commercial settings involve multiple layers of liability, including the store, employees, and insurance companies. A skilled attorney can:

• Investigate the circumstances and identify all liable parties
• Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
• Navigate complex insurance claims and corporate defenses
• Ensure your rights are protected under Michigan law

Understand Michigan’s Statute of Limitations

Michigan imposes strict deadlines for personal injury claims:

• Generally, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury.
• Failing to file within this timeframe can bar you from pursuing compensation entirely.

You Deserve Accountability and Justice

Dog bites in pet stores are preventable injuries, and victims have legal rights that should not be ignored. When a store fails to supervise its animals, maintain a safe environment, or follow basic safety protocols, it can be held legally responsible for the harm caused.

At Marko Law, we are committed to holding negligent pet stores accountable. We investigate every detail, identify all liable parties, and fight to ensure our clients receive the full compensation and justice they deserve.

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a dog bite alone. You don’t have to accept a settlement that falls short of your needs. With the right legal team, you can demand accountability, protect your rights, and pursue the justice you are owed.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

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