Who pays in Michigan?
the owner pays for an unprovoked bite even if the dog never bit before
3 years to file Call about my state law(844) 703-3920Claim details
This is the planning limit for an ordinary adult claim against a private owner. Children's claims and claims against public owners need a separate timing review. It is not an automatic personal last date.
Your state's dog bite lawOhio Rev. Code 2305.07Other state rules
The rule here: strict liability
Michigan is a strict liability state. Under Michigan Compiled Laws 287.351, the owner is liable for an unprovoked bite, no matter how gentle the dog was before.
The rule covers you if you were on public property when the dog bit. It also covers you if you were lawfully on private property. You do not have to prove the dog ever bit anyone before.
Owners usually defend in one of two ways. They say you provoked the dog, or they say you were trespassing. Write down where you were standing and what you were doing. Learn how strict liability works.
Your deadline to file
For an adult, the Michigan dog bite statute of limitations is 3 years from the bite, under Michigan Compiled Laws 600.5805.
Claims against a city or county work differently. A bite by a police dog or another public dog often needs a written notice of claim within months. If a public dog bit you, tell us on the first call.
Write down the date of the bite now and keep the bite report. Compare dog bite deadlines in every state.
What claims pay and who pays
Michigan had 1,138 insured dog bite claims in 2024. The average payment was $63,656, according to Triple-I claims data. That average is not your number.
Your claim's value starts with your medical bills and lost pay. A scar or a bite to the face raises it. Keep every bill and receipt from the first day. Run your own numbers.
The owner's homeowners or renters policy usually pays, up to its limit. Ask the owner for the insurance company name and policy number on day one. Read how the insurance claim works.
| State | Year | Claims | Average paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 2024 | 1,138 | $63,656 |
Updated September 2026