Need A Dog Bite Lawyer?

We represented the victims of dog bites across Michigan to maximize settlement offers and there is no costs or fees until you win.

Michigan's Dog Bite Law Protects Victims

Michigan law provides important protections for people who are injured by dog bites. One of the most common misconceptions is that a dog is "allowed one free bite" before its owner can be held responsible. That simply is not how Michigan law works.

A dog owner's liability does not depend on whether the dog has bitten someone before or whether the dog had a history of "good behavior." In many situations, Michigan law allows injured victims to pursue compensation when they are bitten by a dog, even if it is the animal's first known attack.

Because every case is different, an experienced attorney can evaluate how Michigan's dog bite statute applies to your specific circumstances.

Dog Bite Injuries Can Have Lasting Physical and Emotional Consequences

A dog attack can leave far more than puncture wounds. Victims often face emergency medical treatment, ongoing care, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship.

Common damages may include:

• Emergency room treatment

• Hospitalization

• Surgery

• Plastic or reconstructive surgery

• Physical therapy

• Prescription medications

• Counseling or psychological treatment

• Lost wages

• Future medical expenses

• Permanent scarring

• Disfigurement

• Physical pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of quality of life

Children are particularly vulnerable to severe facial injuries and may require multiple reconstructive procedures as they grow. Even adults who physically recover often continue to experience anxiety, fear around animals, or emotional trauma long after the attack.

If you or your child has been bitten, seek medical attention as soon as possible. We also recommend photographing your injuries immediately and continuing to document the healing process over time. Clear photographs taken with a smartphone or camera can become important evidence when demonstrating the severity of the injuries and the recovery process.

Homeowner's Insurance Often Covers Dog Bite Claims

Many people hesitate to pursue a claim because they know the dog's owner personally or assume the owner will have to pay out of pocket.

In reality, many dog bite claims are covered under a homeowner's or renter's liability insurance policy. Insurance exists to protect both property owners and people who are injured through no fault of their own.

Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always make the claims process easy. Adjusters may attempt to:

• Minimize the seriousness of the injuries

• Argue that the victim provoked the dog

• Question the need for future treatment

• Dispute the value of pain and suffering

• Encourage an early settlement before the full extent of the injuries is known

Our attorneys understand these tactics and work to ensure that insurance companies evaluate claims fairly based on the facts, the evidence, and the full impact the injuries have had on our clients' lives.

Don't Settle Before You Understand Your Rights

After a dog bite, an insurance company may contact you quickly and ask you to provide a recorded statement or sign settlement documents.

Before accepting any settlement or signing paperwork, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and the legal rights you may be giving up.

Some injuries require ongoing medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, counseling, or future care that may not be immediately apparent in the days following an attack. Once a claim is settled, you may not be able to seek additional compensation later.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog anywhere in Michigan, contact Hanley & Hodek PLC for a free consultation. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward.

For qualifying personal injury matters, there is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.