It starts as just another day. A morning jog through the neighborhood. A child playing in a relative’s yard. A delivery worker doing their job. Then—without warning—a dog lunges. Teeth sink in. Blood. Screaming. Chaos. A walk becomes a trip to the ER. A young face is permanently scarred. A worker is left in shock, unable to return to their route.
Dog attacks are sudden, violent, and deeply traumatic. Victims are often left with far more than bite marks. There’s the physical pain—torn skin, nerve damage, risk of infection. There’s the emotional fallout—anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, even PTSD. And then there’s the financial burden—medical bills, lost wages, and disfigurement that can last a lifetime.
In Michigan, dog bites aren’t just bad luck. They’re often the result of a dog owner’s failure to control their animal. And under state law, that means they can be held legally and financially responsible.
At Marko Law, we’ve stood with dog bite victims across Detroit and the surrounding areas—children, postal workers, seniors, neighbors, tenants—people who were blindsided and left to deal with the aftermath. We know the law. We know the defenses you’ll face. And we don’t back down.
Michigan’s Dog Bite Law (MCL 287.351)
In Michigan, the law doesn’t play games when it comes to dog attacks. Unlike some states, Michigan follows a strict liability rule under MCL 287.351—which means there’s no such thing as a “free bite.” Dog owners are legally responsible the very first time their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
What Does “Strict Liability” Mean?
If a dog bites you, and you were:
- Lawfully on the property (invited, working, or just passing by), and
- Did not provoke the dog...
Then the owner is automatically liable for your injuries.
That means you don’t have to prove negligence, past bites, or vicious behavior. All you need to prove is:
- You were bitten.
- You were where you were legally allowed to be.
- You didn’t provoke the attack.
Where Does This Law Apply?
This statute applies whether the bite occurred:
- In a public space (like a sidewalk or park),
- Or on private property—including the dog owner’s home, yard, or apartment—as long as you had a legal right to be there.
This includes:
- Delivery workers,
- Postal carriers,
- Utility employees,
- Tenants and guests,
- Children at playdates.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes—but they’re limited.
The dog owner may not be liable if:
- You provoked the dog, such as by hitting, teasing, or threatening it.
- You were trespassing, meaning you entered the property without permission or legal justification.
However, these defenses are often misused—and at Marko Law, we know how to challenge them. Just because a dog owner claims you provoked the dog doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. We dig deep into the facts and fight back.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
The Dog Owner – Always First in Line
Under Michigan’s strict liability statute, the dog owner is almost always primarily liable when their dog bites someone. It doesn’t matter if:
- The dog has no history of aggression,
- It happened at home, or
- The bite happened without warning.
If their dog bites and you were lawfully on the property, the owner is responsible. Period.
Landlords – When They Knew and Did Nothing
If the attack happened on a rental property, the landlord may share liability—but only under certain conditions. Michigan courts have held landlords accountable when they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous and failed to remove it or warn others.
Example: A landlord ignores repeated tenant complaints about a tenant’s aggressive dog—and a child gets mauled in a shared courtyard. That landlord could be liable for negligence.
Property Managers or Caretakers
If a property manager, building supervisor, or caretaker had control over the premises and was aware of the dog’s behavior, they might also bear shared liability—especially if the dog was on common property or should’ve been secured.
This often comes into play in apartment complexes or mobile home parks where common areas are supposed to be monitored and safe.
Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters, and Temporary Keepers
What if the owner wasn’t even present during the attack?
If a dog walker or sitter had temporary control of the dog and their negligence caused the bite—like letting a leash slip or ignoring a muzzle order—they may also be sued. The standard here is reasonable care: did they act responsibly, or did their lapse directly lead to your injury?
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs
These are the out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses tied directly to your injury. They often include:
- Emergency room bills and hospitalization
- Follow-up surgeries and wound care
- Scar revision or reconstructive surgery
- Prescription medications and physical therapy
- Lost wages for time off work
- Future medical care for nerve damage, infection, or trauma
We don’t just calculate what’s already been spent—we project your future needs to ensure you’re not stuck paying later.
Non-Economic Damages: The Emotional and Psychological Toll
Not all wounds are visible. Dog attacks can leave long-lasting psychological scars, especially in children. Under Michigan law, you can recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Fear or phobia of dogs affecting your daily life
These are real harms—and we treat them like it.
Punitive Damages: When the Owner Knew Better
If the dog owner showed gross negligence—for example, ignoring past attacks, violating leash laws, or keeping a known dangerous dog unsecured—punitive damages may be awarded.
These damages aren’t just about your recovery. They’re about punishing reckless behavior and sending a message: this can’t happen again.
Loss of Earning Capacity
In severe cases, a dog bite injury can permanently alter your ability to work—especially in jobs requiring physical labor, public interaction, or manual dexterity.
You may be entitled to damages for:
- Diminished future earning potential
- Job retraining
- Inability to return to your previous career
We work with vocational experts and economists to document every penny of your lost potential.
Fighting the “Provocation” Defense
What Counts as “Provocation” Under Michigan Law?
Michigan courts define provocation narrowly. It has to be deliberate or reasonably interpreted by the dog as threatening or aggressive. It’s not about accidental movements or innocent contact.
Examples that may be considered provocation:
- Hitting or kicking a dog,
- Pulling its tail or ears aggressively,
- Screaming in its face or threatening its owner.
But merely petting a dog, walking nearby, or protecting a child? That’s not provocation. And the law is on your side when that line gets crossed.
What Courts Don’t Consider Provocation
Here’s where things often get twisted by dog owners and their insurance companies:
- Petting a dog on the head
- Trying to separate two dogs fighting
- Running away in fear
- Standing between a dog and a child
In most cases, these are not legally valid defenses. And even if there’s a gray area, the burden of proof is on the owner to show that provocation actually occurred.
How We Fight Back
At Marko Law, we don’t let victim-blaming go unchecked. Here’s how we dismantle the provocation defense:
- Witness testimony: What did bystanders see? Was the victim simply walking by? Did the dog act aggressively unprovoked?
- Expert opinion: Animal behaviorists can testify to whether the dog’s reaction was consistent with actual provocation or pre-existing aggression.
- Medical evidence: The location and nature of the bite can reveal whether it was a defensive response—or a full-on attack.
We build the kind of airtight case that doesn’t leave room for excuses.
You’re Not Powerless—You’re Entitled to Justice
A dog attack isn’t just a moment—it’s a trauma that lingers. The physical pain, the surgeries, the scars. The fear every time you pass a barking dog. The loss of trust in a place you once felt safe. These injuries go far beyond skin-deep—and you shouldn’t be the one left carrying the burden.
Here’s the truth: Michigan law is on your side. It doesn’t require a warning. It doesn’t care if the dog “never did this before.” If you were bitten without provoking the animal, you have rights—and we will fight to protect them.
At Marko Law, we’ve stood up for dog bite victims across Detroit who were ignored, blamed, or pressured to “let it go.” Not on our watch. We take your case seriously. We fight like it’s personal—because to you, it is.
📞 Phone: 1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com
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