Dog attacks on children are among the most devastating personal injury cases we handle. Children are smaller, more vulnerable, and often unable to defend themselves which makes dog bites not only more likely, but often far more severe. Whether the attack occurred in a neighbor’s yard, at a park, or during a family visit, Michigan law provides strong protections for child victims. If your child has been bitten by a dog, it’s critical to understand your rights and the steps needed to secure the medical care, financial support, and justice your family deserves.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable to Dog Attacks
Children account for a large percentage of dog bite victims and they’re far more likely to suffer serious injuries. Their small size, unpredictable movements, and natural curiosity often put them at greater risk. Many children don’t understand how to recognize signs of fear or aggression in dogs, and they may unintentionally provoke an attack by getting too close, making sudden movements, or trying to hug or pet the dog. Several factors make dog bites more dangerous for children:
- Head and face are lower to the ground, increasing the chance of facial injuries
- Lack of experience around animals, especially in unfamiliar environments
- Inability to escape or fight back when attacked
- Higher risk of emotional trauma such as anxiety, nightmares, or PTSD
- Weaker immune response, which can make infections more dangerous after a bite
Understanding why children are more vulnerable is key to proving liability and explaining the full impact of the injuries both physically and emotionally when pursuing a claim.
Common Injuries Children Suffer in Dog Attacks
When a dog attacks a child, the injuries are often more severe than those suffered by adults. Due to their height and physical development, children are more likely to suffer bites to the face, neck, and head which can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-term trauma. In many cases, children also experience deep psychological effects that may last into adulthood. The table below outlines the most common physical and emotional injuries seen in child dog bite cases.
| 🩺 Injury type | 💬 Description |
|---|---|
| 😷 Facial lacerations | Deep cuts or punctures to the face, often requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery |
| 🧠 Head or neck trauma | Bites to the scalp, ears, or throat that can cause serious nerve or tissue damage |
| 🤕 Broken bones | Fractures from being knocked down or bitten with force |
| 💉 Infections | Bacteria from the dog’s mouth leading to serious infections like cellulitis or sepsis |
| 😢 Emotional trauma | Fear of dogs, nightmares, anxiety, PTSD, or difficulty sleeping after the attack |
| 🧸 Long-term scarring | Visible scars that may require future revision surgery, especially on the face |
Because children are still growing, even “minor” injuries can lead to long-term complications that affect their appearance, development, and quality of life.
Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites a Child in Michigan?
Michigan follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone even if the dog has never shown aggression before. The law applies equally to child victims, and it doesn’t matter if the bite occurred on public or private property, as long as the child was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. In some cases, other parties may also be held responsible, such as a landlord, caregiver, or person who was temporarily in control of the dog. The table below outlines common scenarios involving child dog bite injuries and who may be liable in each.
| ⚖️ Scenario | 🧑⚖️ Potentially liable party |
|---|---|
| 🏡 Bite at a family friend’s home | Dog owner (strict liability) |
| 🛝 Attack in a public park | Dog owner; possibly city if park conditions contributed |
| 🧍 Bite while dog was with a babysitter | Dog owner; caregiver may share liability if they failed to act |
| 🏢 Attack in an apartment complex | Dog owner; landlord may be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous |
| 🏫 Bite during school or daycare hours | Dog owner; facility may be liable if it allowed unsafe contact |
Holding the right parties accountable ensures that your child receives the medical care and compensation they need to recover and move forward.
Special Considerations in Child Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite claims involving children are handled differently than adult cases in several important ways. Michigan law recognizes that children cannot advocate for themselves in court, so parents or legal guardians must file claims on their behalf. There are also additional legal protections to ensure that any compensation awarded is used in the child’s best interest. One of the most significant differences is that the statute of limitations is extended for minors. While adults generally have three years to file a personal injury claim, that time period doesn’t start for a child until they turn 18. The table below outlines the key legal considerations unique to child dog bite cases in Michigan.
| 🧒 Legal factor | 📋 How it applies in child dog bite cases |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Statute of limitations | Extended — the child has until age 19 to file a claim in most cases |
| 👨👩👧 Claim filed by parent or guardian | A legal adult must file on the child’s behalf |
| 💰 Settlement approval | Court approval is required for all child settlements |
| 🏦 Use of funds | Compensation may be held in trust or a structured settlement for future use |
| 🧠 Consent and testimony | Children may not be expected to testify, especially at a young age |
Because the legal process is more protective of children, it’s important to work with an attorney who understands how to handle these cases with care, compliance, and long-term planning in mind.
What to Do If Your Child Was Bitten by a Dog
If your child is bitten by a dog, your first priority is their health but it’s also important to take steps that will protect their legal rights. Dog bite cases involving children often require more documentation and sensitivity, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member. Here’s what to do immediately after a dog attack:
- Get medical attention right away, even for small bites. Children are more vulnerable to infections
- Identify the dog and its owner, and ask for contact and vaccination information
- Report the incident to animal control or your local health department
- Photograph the injuries as soon as possible and continue documenting healing progress
- Write down what happened while the details are still fresh. Include the time, location, and any witnesses
- Avoid discussing the bite with the dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer
- Consult a dog bite attorney to understand your child’s rights and your responsibilities as their legal guardian
Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, navigate the claim process, and ensure your child receives the care and compensation they deserve.
Compensation for Child Dog Bite Victims
A dog bite can leave a child with permanent scars, physical limitations, and deep emotional trauma. Michigan law allows families to seek compensation for both immediate and long-term damages — not just for medical bills, but also for the pain, fear, and life changes a child may experience. Damages in a child dog bite case may include:
- Medical expenses — ER visits, stitches, surgeries, infection treatment, and ongoing care
- Future medical costs — including scar revision surgery, reconstructive procedures, or therapy
- Pain and suffering — both physical pain and emotional trauma, such as anxiety or fear of animals
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring — especially for facial injuries or visible marks
- Loss of enjoyment of life — when the injury limits activities like sports, school, or socializing
- Mental health treatment — therapy for PTSD, nightmares, or emotional distress
- Parental damages — in some cases, parents can also recover for lost work time or out-of-pocket costs
In child injury cases, settlements are often structured to protect the child’s future and may require court approval. An experienced attorney can help ensure that any settlement fully accounts for both current needs and future impacts.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a Child Dog Bite Case
Dog bite cases involving children require special care not just in proving liability, but also in navigating Michigan’s legal protections for minors. From dealing with insurance companies to structuring future-focused settlements, an experienced dog bite lawyer can guide your family through every step of the process. If your child has been injured, don’t wait speak with an attorney now to ensure their rights are protected. The table below highlights key ways a lawyer supports parents and protects the rights of injured children.
| 👨⚖️ Legal service | 🛠️ What this includes |
|---|---|
| 📋 Investigating the attack | Gathering medical records, photos, witness statements, and animal control reports |
| ⚖️ Filing the claim properly | Ensuring the claim is filed under the child’s name by a legal guardian |
| 🧠 Calculating long-term damages | Accounting for future surgeries, therapy, or emotional trauma |
| 💰 Structuring the settlement | Guiding parents through trust accounts or structured settlements for minors |
| 📞 Communicating with insurers | Protecting you from lowball offers or aggressive adjusters |
| 🧾 Court approval guidance | Handling all paperwork and hearings required to finalize a child injury settlement |
At The Clark Law Office, we take child injury cases personally. Your case won’t be passed off to an associate, you’ll work directly with Matthew R. Clark to ensure your child’s future is protected and respected. Learn how child injury cases relate to other common dog bite situations in our locations and situations guide.
Your Child Deserves Justice After a Dog Bite
A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Clark Law Office, we take child injury cases seriously and personally. We’ll fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation your family needs for recovery and long-term care. Call us today for a free consultation or fill out our contact form to speak directly with attorney Matthew R. Clark. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children Dog Bites and Injuries
Can I file a claim if my child was bitten by a dog in Michigan?
Yes. Under Michigan’s strict liability law, a dog owner is responsible for unprovoked bites — and parents or legal guardians can file claims on behalf of their injured child.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim for my child?
The statute of limitations for minors is extended. In most cases, you have until your child turns 19 to file a claim — but it’s best to start as soon as possible.
Does the settlement go directly to the child?
No. Courts require that child settlements be placed in a trust or structured settlement to ensure the funds are used appropriately and available when the child turns 18.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or relative?
You can still pursue a claim. In most cases, the compensation comes from homeowner’s insurance — not directly out of the dog owner’s pocket.
Does my child need to testify in court?
Usually not. Most cases settle out of court, and judges rarely require children to testify, especially if they are very young.