Dog Walk Liability

While is doesn’t feel like it today, it is spring. This is the time of year to stretch your legs from their hibernation and take your dog out for a walk. Goodwin & Scieszka wanted to remind you of Michigan’s dog bite statute: 

287.351. Injuries by dogs; liability of owners

Sec. 1. (1) If a dog bites a person, without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

(2) A person is lawfully on the private property of the owner of the dog within the meaning of this act if the person is on the owner’s property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him or her by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or if the person is on the owner’s property as an invitee or licensee of the person lawfully in possession of the property unless said person has gained lawful entry upon the premises for the purpose of an unlawful or criminal act.

The statute imposes what is known as strict liability in the event that your dog bites another person. That means that if you’re in a public place (like a dog park) and your dog bites another person without being provoked, you’re responsible for that person’s injuries.

Remember, our firm has been fighting for those injured in dog bite accidents for over 27 years. If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to a settlement or financial compensation. After a dog or animal bite it’s very important to contact a Michigan personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Don’t risk waiting. Witnesses, victims, medical care providers, and police may not have a clear memory of your dog bite accident and circumstances weeks or months after. Get the justice you deserve.