Child Dog Bite Injuries in Michigan

When a dog bites a child, the consequences may last far beyond the initial emergency-room visit. Facial wounds, nerve damage, infections, and visible scars can affect a child’s health, confidence, and development.

Michigan Law Protects Children Injured by Dogs

Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 287.351, a dog owner is generally liable when their dog bites someone without provocation on public property or while the person is lawfully on private property. The law does not require proof that the dog previously bit someone. Whether an action amounts to provocation depends on the circumstances, including the child’s conduct. Insurance companies often claim that almost any action by a victim is provocation, but that is not the law. We regularly inform insurance companies that their assertion is wrong and that only actions that would induce a dog to bite could be considered provocation.

Planning for Future Medical Needs

A serious bite may require stitches, infection treatment, plastic surgery, scar revision, counseling, or ongoing specialist care. You may be surprised that the doctor does not stitch the dog bite injury but this is to ensure that an infection does not get trapped inside the wound. Because a child is still growing, future treatment may be difficult to predict. Medical records and opinions from treating professionals can help document anticipated costs and lasting effects. Often, plastic surgeons can perform scar revision that greatly reduces the appearance of the scarring.

What Parents Should Do

Seek prompt medical attention, photograph the injuries as they heal, identify the dog and owner, preserve witness information, and report the incident to the appropriate local authority. Keep treatment records and receipts. Michigan generally has a three-year personal-injury filing period under MCL 600.5805, but special rules may apply to minors under MCL 600.5851. Do not assume you can safely wait.

Speak With a Northern Michigan Dog Bite Attorney

Hanley & Hodek can review the circumstances of your child’s injury, possible insurance coverage, and available legal options. Contact our Traverse City office to request a consultation at 231-486-6556.