Ajrouch Law uses the state’s strict-liability dog-bite statute to recover for scarring, surgery, and trauma.
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A dog attack happens in seconds, but the consequences last far longer: emergency treatment, the real risk of infection, permanent scarring, and for many victims, especially children, a lasting fear of dogs that does not simply fade with time.
What many people do not realize is that Michigan law is unusually protective of dog-bite victims. The state’s dog-bite statute imposes strict liability on owners in many circumstances, which means you often do not have to prove the owner did anything careless or knew the dog was dangerous. That single feature of Michigan law can be the difference between a difficult case and a strong one.
The Law Offices of Ali A. Ajrouch, PLLC represents people injured by dogs and other animals throughout Michigan. We use the strict-liability statute, and where appropriate ordinary negligence claims, to pursue full compensation for the medical care, scarring, and trauma these attacks cause. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Dog attacks cause far more than puncture wounds. The physical, cosmetic, and emotional injuries can be severe and long-lasting, and a thorough claim accounts for all of them rather than just the immediate medical bills.
Puncture and Crush Wounds
Deep bites can damage muscle, tendons, and nerves, often requiring surgery and carrying a high risk of serious infection. The visible wound is sometimes only part of the damage.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Permanent scarring, particularly to the face and hands, may require reconstructive surgery and scar-revision procedures over time. The cosmetic and psychological impact is real and compensable.
Injuries to Children
Children are the most common dog-bite victims and, because of their height, frequently suffer wounds to the face and head. These cases demand particular care and attention to the child’s future needs.
Infection and Disease
Bites frequently become infected and can transmit serious bacterial infections requiring extended treatment, hospitalization, and sometimes additional procedures.
Nerve and Tissue Damage
Some victims are left with lasting loss of sensation, mobility, or function in the affected area, which can be permanent and life-altering.
Emotional Trauma
Anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and a lasting fear of dogs, especially in young victims, are genuine harms that Michigan law recognizes as compensable.
In many states, a dog-bite victim has to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous — the so-called “one free bite” rule, under which an owner is only on the hook once the dog has already shown it will bite. Michigan is different, and the difference matters enormously. Under Michigan’s dog-bite statute, an owner can be held strictly liable when their dog bites a person who was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal, regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before.
“Strict liability” is a significant advantage for an injured person. It means the central question is not whether the owner did something wrong, but whether the conditions set out in the statute are met: that you were bitten, that you were somewhere you had a legal right to be — such as a public place or a location you were invited to — and that you did not provoke the dog. When those elements are present, liability often follows without the difficult task of proving the owner’s knowledge or carelessness.
That does not mean these cases handle themselves. Insurers raise provocation and trespassing defenses, dispute the severity of the injuries, and push low settlements before the full extent of scarring or the need for future surgery is known. Beyond the statute, we can also pursue ordinary negligence claims — for example, against a dog walker, a landlord who allowed a dangerous animal on the property, or someone other than the owner whose carelessness contributed to the attack. Knowing which legal theory to use, and how to defeat the defenses the insurer will raise, is where experienced representation pays off.
The steps you take immediately after a dog attack protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. If you are able, take these steps.
1. Get medical care immediately.
2. Identify the dog and the owner.
3. Report the bite.
4. Document everything.
5. Call us before the insurer does.
Michigan’s statute does not require a prior bite. An owner can be held liable the very first time their dog attacks.
The Injury Doesn’t End When the Wound Closes
Insurance companies often focus on the emergency room visit and initial treatment costs.
What they frequently overlook are the long-term consequences:
- Future scar revision procedures
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical therapy
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of confidence
- Permanent disfigurement
The effects of a dog attack are not always visible.
Victims may experience:
1. Surveillance video
2. Fear of dogs
3. Sleep disturbances
4. PTSD symptoms
- Direct attorney access.
- Recognized advocacy
- Deep No-Fault knowledge
- Trial-ready preparation
- No fee unless we win
Is the dog owner automatically liable in Michigan?
Often, yes. Michigan’s dog-bite statute imposes strict liability on owners in many situations, meaning you generally do not have to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. If you were lawfully present, were bitten, and did not provoke the dog, the owner can be liable for your injuries. There are exceptions and defenses, which is why a case review matters.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
Under Michigan’s statute, a prior bite is not required. The old idea of every dog getting “one free bite” does not control here. Strict liability can apply even if the dog had no history of aggression, as long as the statutory conditions are met.
Who actually pays the compensation?
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers dog-bite claims, up to the policy limits. This means pursuing a claim usually does not mean taking money directly out of a neighbor’s or friend’s pocket. We identify all available coverage.
My child was bitten. Is that handled differently?
Children are the most common dog-bite victims and often suffer the most serious injuries, including facial wounds and lasting scarring. Claims on behalf of a minor involve additional legal protections and court oversight of any settlement. We handle these cases with particular care and pursue compensation for both current treatment and future needs such as scar revision.
What if I was partly to blame?
Provocation is a defense under the statute, and the owner’s insurer may argue you provoked the dog or were trespassing. Michigan’s comparative fault rules can also apply. These arguments are frequently overstated, and we push back on them with the facts and evidence.
How long do I have to file a dog-bite claim?
Michigan generally allows three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, with different rules that can apply to minors. Evidence such as the dog’s history, witness accounts, and the scene fades quickly, so it is best to act promptly.
What does it cost to hire the firm?
Nothing upfront. We handle dog-bite cases on a contingency-fee basis and advance the costs of the case. You pay an attorney fee only if we recover compensation for you.
A free consultation tells you whether the owner is liable and what your claim may be worth. No pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we recover for you.
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