What Happens if a Dog Bites Someone on Your Property?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Dog bites are a serious problem in the U.S., seriously injuring thousands of people every year. Emergency departments see around 340,000 visits annually for dog bites, with some injuries leading to hospital admission.

Dog attacks can happen anywhere but often occur on private property. In 2024, a 6-year-old girl suffered a near-fatal dog attack when a neighbor’s pet got into the yard she was playing in, highlighting the danger these animals can pose.

Knowing what happens if a dog bites someone on your property can help you protect your rights, whether you’re a dog owner or a bite victim. Speak with our dog bite attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. to learn your options after an attack and seek compensation for your injuries.

Liability for Dog Owners in Dog Bite Cases in Michigan

To understand what happens if a dog bites someone on your property, you need to know Michigan’s dog bite laws. The state has strict liability dog bite rules that hold owners liable if their dog bites someone. This is true even if the dog has never shown warning signs or previous displays of aggression.

Under Michigan law, the dog owner is responsible for damages if their pet bites someone legally on the property. Protected parties include the following:

• Invitees. This includes individuals like workers, contractors, or business visitors on the property for specific purposes. It protects those coming to the property for professional or service reasons.
• Guests. This category covers friends and family who are visiting socially. The law makes owners liable for dog bite injuries to social visitors while they are on the property for events like parties, get-togethers, or personal visits.

Exceptions to Strict Liability

While strict liability makes pet owners liable for damages to dog bite victims in most cases, there are exceptions. The law does not hold owners responsible for injuries or property damage in the following circumstances:

• Provocation. If evidence shows that the person bitten provoked the dog through aggressive behavior or harassment, the owner might not face liability for the dog’s actions.
• Trespassing. Owners generally do not face liability for bites when someone trespassed on your property. If the person bitten was there without permission, they typically cannot claim damages under the strict liability dog bite statute.

What Happens if Someone Else’s Dog Bites Someone on My Property?

In Michigan, owners must leash their dogs once they leave their enclosed property to prevent incidents. When a dog escapes and bites someone on another’s property, the owner faces liability for the damages.

A dog wandering onto your property and biting someone shows the owner failed to secure their pet properly. In this case, the pet owner would be liable for the harm caused, not you.

Should another person’s pet attack you or a loved one on your property, reach out to our qualified personal injury attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. We can review the details of your dog bite case to determine liability and seek compensation through a claim with their homeowner’s insurance company claim or lawsuit.

Injuries Caused by a Dog That Bites on Your Property

Dog bite injuries can leave victims with serious harm, resulting in high medical expenses, chronic pain, and disfigurement. One study found that 47.3% of attacks were to the head and neck, with another 26.8% to the lower extremities. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds. Puncture injuries occur when a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, creating deep, narrow wounds that can be very serious.
• Lacerations. These cuts can range from shallow to deep, with edges that might be jagged or smooth and often need medical attention, like stitches.
• Infections. Bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections that might need treatment to prevent further health complications.
• Broken bones. Severe bites have the potential to crush or break bones, particularly in areas like the hands or arms.
• Nerve damage. Bites to the hands, arms, or legs can sever or damage nerves, which may result in long-term sensory or motor function issues.
• Scarring and disfigurement. Bites, especially to the face, can cause permanent scarring, affecting the injured person’s appearance and emotional well-being.

Damages That a Dog Bite Victim Can Recover

When a dog bites someone on your property, they can hold you liable for injuries and damages. At Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., we work with dog bite victims to seek the following compensation:

• Medical expenses. This covers the cost of hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and future medical care related to the injury.
• Lost wages. Compensation for any time the victim had to take off work due to the injury, including future lost earning capacity if they cannot return to work.
• Pain and suffering. This addresses the physical pain and emotional distress the victim has endured because of the bite.
• Rehabilitation costs. Includes physical therapy and any other rehabilitation needed to recover from the bite.

Why Hire Our Dog Bite Lawyers at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C.?

Choosing the right legal representation can impact the outcome of your dog bite case. At Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., our attorneys specialize in dog bite injury cases, offering the following assistance to those injured:

• Comprehensive evidence review. We gather and analyze all evidence for your case, including witness testimony, photos, and expert insights. Your legal team includes Eileen Kroll, a registered nurse and senior partner, who uses her medical knowledge to assess the severity of your injuries.
• Maximize compensation. We strive to secure maximum compensation for you, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team will build a strong case and stand up to insurers, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
• Handle insurance claims. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to fight for what you’re owed. We make every effort to streamline the process, reducing stress and complexity for you so you can focus on recovery.
• Develop personalized legal strategies. We tailor our legal strategies to suit the specifics of your case, using our legal experience to improve your chances of a successful outcome. We’ve successfully won settlements for dog bite victims in Michigan, including a $250,000 award for a man attacked in Ann Arbor.

Get Experienced Legal Representation With Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C.

Knowing what happens if a dog bites someone on your property can help owners take steps to prevent attacks on visitors and guests. However, if a dog bite occurs, you need qualified legal help from experienced attorneys in Michigan.

Meet with our team for a free consultation and learn your rights and options after a dog attack. We will help you hold a negligent owner responsible for your injuries and get the financial support you need to work on rebuilding your life.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.