Genesee County Dog Bite Attorney: What Happens When Leashes Fail

A dog bite doesn’t just break the skin—it breaks trust, peace of mind, and sometimes, lives.

Whether it’s a sudden lunge at the park or a mauling in a neighbor’s yard, dog attacks leave behind more than scars. Victims often endure intense physical pain, permanent disfigurement, and the emotional weight of trauma that doesn’t fade. Children, in particular, may face years of therapy and fear. For adults, it may mean missed work, overwhelming medical bills, or loss of mobility.

Let’s be clear: dog bites aren’t freak accidents—they are preventable failures. In Genesee County, leash laws and animal control rules exist for a reason. When dog owners ignore them, innocent people get hurt. And when they do, Michigan law steps in.

Under Michigan’s strict liability dog bite statute, victims have powerful rights. You don’t need to prove the dog was previously dangerous. You don’t have to wait until someone else gets hurt. If you were lawfully on public or private property when bitten, you may be entitled to compensation—for your medical costs, pain, emotional trauma, and more.

At Marko Law, we don’t let negligent dog owners off the hook. We act fast, investigate deeply, and fight hard to get full justice for bite victims throughout Genesee County—from Flint to Fenton, Grand Blanc to Clio.

Michigan Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability Explained

In Michigan, dog bite victims are protected by one of the strongest liability laws in the country. Under MCL 287.351, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs—regardless of whether the dog had bitten anyone before or shown signs of aggression.

That means you do not need to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had a dangerous history. If the bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, the law is on your side.

Here’s what Michigan’s strict liability law means for you:

• The dog’s past doesn’t matter. A first-time bite is enough.
• Negligence isn’t required. Even “responsible” owners are still fully liable if their dog bites someone.
• Victims are prioritized. The law is designed to protect those hurt through no fault of their own.

This law applies in places like:

• Parks and sidewalks
• Apartment complexes
• Retail businesses
• A friend or neighbor’s home (as long as you were invited or allowed)

If you were bitten and met these conditions, you may be legally entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more.

When Strict Liability Doesn’t Apply

Negligence

If your injury wasn’t caused by a bite—for example, a dog lunged and knocked you to the ground—you may be able to sue under general negligence.

To win a negligence case, you must prove that:

• The dog’s owner (or caretaker) had a duty to act with reasonable care
• They failed in that duty
• Their failure directly caused your injury

Negligence Per Se

Under Michigan law, if a dog owner violates a local leash law or animal control ordinance, that violation may amount to negligence per se—which means negligence is automatically presumed.

For example:

• Letting a dog roam freely in a no-leash zone
• Failing to register or vaccinate a dog as required
• Violating local Genesee County animal control regulations

Premises Liability

If the injury happened on the dog owner’s property, your case may also fall under premises liability law. This is especially relevant if the victim was:

• An invitee (such as a guest or customer)
• A licensee (like a social visitor)

Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

Provocation

Under Michigan law, if the dog was provoked—physically or aggressively—this can be used to deny or reduce compensation. Provocation can include hitting, teasing, or threatening the dog, even unintentionally in some cases.

However, the legal definition of provocation is specific, and the burden is on the defense to prove it. At Marko Law, we push back hard against false claims that the victim “asked for it.”

Trespassing

If the victim was illegally on private property at the time of the bite, the dog owner may claim a trespassing defense. Michigan’s dog bite statute only protects victims who were:

• In a public place, or
• Lawfully on private property (invited, licensed, or otherwise permitted)

However, exceptions exist—especially for children, mail carriers, and utility workers who are legally allowed on private property in the course of their duties.

Comparative Fault (MCL 600.2959)

Michigan follows a comparative fault system. This means if the victim is found partially responsible for their injury, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault.

For example: If a jury finds the victim was 20% at fault, any damages awarded would be reduced by 20%.

But unless the victim is more than 50% at fault, recovery is still allowed. That’s why a strong legal team is crucial—to keep blame where it belongs.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Genesee County

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even a small puncture wound can turn serious fast. Dog bites often lead to:

• Infection
• Tetanus
• Nerve damage
• Scarring

Go to the ER or urgent care right away. Follow up with your primary doctor, especially if symptoms change or worsen. Your medical records will also be critical evidence in your legal case.

Report the Incident to Animal Control

In Genesee County, all dog bites must be reported to Animal Control. This creates an official record and ensures:

• The dog is quarantined or evaluated for rabies
• Prior complaints or incidents involving the same dog are documented
• The attack is investigated by authorities

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Get the dog owner’s full name, address, and contact information. If they’re uncooperative, ask witnesses or neighbors.

Also note:

• The dog’s breed and appearance
• Whether the dog was leashed or fenced
• If the dog has a known history of aggression

Document Everything

Start gathering evidence right away:

• Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible—and again during recovery
• Photograph the scene of the attack
• Write down names and numbers of any witnesses
• Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and discharge paperwork

Do Not Speak with Insurance Adjusters

The dog owner’s insurance company may contact you quickly. Don’t talk to them without legal counsel.

Their goal is to protect their bottom line—not your recovery. They may:

• Minimize your injuries
• Ask leading questions
• Push for a quick, lowball settlement

Contact a Qualified Dog Bite Attorney

Time is critical. At Marko Law, we jump in immediately to:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Send legal notices to the dog owner and their insurer
• Begin building your case with the full force of our resources

What Damages Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages

These are direct, out-of-pocket losses caused by the attack. They’re backed by records and receipts, and they add up fast.

• Medical Bills
  Emergency care, stitches, infection treatment, hospital stays, and medications.
• Reconstructive Surgeries
  Especially in severe bite cases involving facial trauma, nerve damage, or scarring.
• Lost Wages and Future Income
  If you missed work or can’t return to your job due to physical or psychological injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

These are personal, emotional, and psychological impacts—the parts of recovery no bill can measure.

• Pain and Suffering
  The physical agony and limitations caused by the attack.
• Emotional Distress
  Particularly severe in children, who often develop phobias, nightmares, or PTSD.
• Scarring and Disfigurement
  Permanent reminders that affect self-esteem, confidence, and social interaction.

Special Damages

In more severe or catastrophic cases, additional forms of compensation may be available.

• Loss of Earning Capacity
  For victims who can no longer return to their previous line of work due to lasting disability.
• Long-Term Disability or PTSD
  When the attack leaves lifelong psychological or neurological impact.
• Wrongful Death (in Fatal Attacks)
  In rare but tragic cases where a dog attack results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Dog Attacks Change Lives—We Change the Outcome

A dog bite can leave more than just physical wounds. It can disrupt your job, your sense of safety, and your entire future. The trauma is real—and so is your right to justice.

At Marko Law, we don’t let negligent dog owners or slow-moving insurance companies bury the truth. We act fast to collect medical records, secure evidence, and confront every party standing between you and the compensation you deserve.

Whether the attack happened in a Flint park, a Grand Blanc neighborhood, or on a quiet street in Mt. Morris, we’re ready to step in—and step up—for you.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

Phone: +1-313-777-7777
Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
Website: www.markolaw.com