Dog Bite Liability in Michigan
Whether a dog owner in Michigan is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability for bites. If a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property (including the owner's property), the owner is liable for the damages regardless of the dog's past viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it. MCL 287.351
| Dog bites | Strict liability for bites. If a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property (including the owner's property), the owner is liable for the damages regardless of the dog's past viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it. Source: MCL 287.351 |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years after the time of the injury for most actions to recover damages for injury to a person. Shorter periods apply to some claims, such as 2 years for assault, battery or false imprisonment and 2 years for malpractice; 10 years applies to claims for criminal sexual conduct. Source: MCL 600.5805(2), (3), (6), (8) |
More Michigan personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Michigan
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Michigan
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Michigan
- Car Accident Claims in Michigan
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Michigan
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Michigan
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Michigan
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Michigan
- Truck Accident Claims in Michigan
- Construction Site Injuries in Michigan
- All Michigan personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Michigan?
Strict liability for bites. If a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property (including the owner's property), the owner is liable for the damages regardless of the dog's past viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Michigan?
Three years after the time of the injury for most actions to recover damages for injury to a person. Shorter periods apply to some claims, such as 2 years for assault, battery or false imprisonment and 2 years for malpractice; 10 years applies to claims for criminal sexual conduct.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.