MI · Strict liability
Michigan dog bite law
Michigan’s dog-bite statute is strict and bite-focused. Lawful presence and no provocation: the owner pays.
- Liability
- Strict liability
- Statute
- Mich. Comp. Laws § 287.351
- Deadline to file
- 3 years · MCL § 600.5805
- Bites only?
- Primarily bites
Three years. Knock-downs without a bite may need a negligence theory. Report to local animal control; rabies quarantine creates a paper trail.
Exceptions insurers will mention
Provocation; trespassing.
Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.
Similar liability rules
This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.