Dog bites don’t just happen in backyards or parks, they often occur on the job. Whether you’re a delivery driver, home health aide, postal worker, or technician, encountering dogs during your workday can be a real and serious risk. If you were bitten by a dog while performing your job duties in Michigan, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you might also be able to pursue a separate claim against the dog’s owner. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your health, your paycheck, and your future.
When Do Dog Bites Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
Not every dog bite is eligible for workers’ compensation but if the injury happened while you were doing your job, you may have a valid claim. In Michigan, workers’ comp covers injuries that arise “out of and in the course of employment.” That means the dog bite must have occurred while you were performing work-related duties or acting in your employer’s interest. A dog bite may qualify for workers’ comp if:
- You were delivering packages or mail when the bite occurred
- You were providing in-home services (nursing, caregiving, repair work, etc.)
- You were bitten while working on someone’s property as part of your job
- You were attacked by a customer’s or client’s dog during a job-related visit
- You were required to enter a yard, driveway, or home where the dog was located
If the bite happened during your normal route, assignment, or work responsibilities and not during a personal errand or unauthorized activity you likely qualify for medical benefits and lost wage coverage through your employer’s workers’ comp insurance.
Jobs at Higher Risk for Work-Related Dog Bites
Some professions carry a much higher risk of encountering aggressive dogs especially jobs that involve entering homes, walking onto private property, or making unannounced visits. Workers in these roles often have little warning or control over the presence of a dog, making them more vulnerable to sudden attacks. The table below highlights common occupations where dog bites frequently occur and how these incidents typically happen.
👷 Occupation | 🐾 How bites typically happen |
---|---|
📦 Delivery drivers | Bitten while dropping off packages at front doors or porches |
📬 Postal workers | Attacked by dogs while approaching mailboxes or walking routes |
🧑⚕️ Home health aides | Bitten during in-home visits when pets are not properly secured |
🔧 Utility workers | Attacked while entering backyards or side gates to check meters |
🧹 Property maintenance | Bitten during lawn care, snow removal, or repair work on private property |
🧼 Cleaning professionals | Attacked while working inside homes with unrestrained or unsupervised dogs |
If you work in any of these roles and were bitten while performing job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation and possibly more if the dog’s owner was negligent.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Dog Bite
If you were bitten by a dog while on the job, it’s important to act quickly. Workers’ compensation covers medical bills and lost wages but only if the injury is reported and documented properly. Missing a step could delay or jeopardize your claim. The table below outlines the typical steps involved in filing a Michigan workers’ compensation claim after a dog bite.
📅 Step | 📝 What to do |
---|---|
🗣️ Report the injury | Notify your employer or supervisor immediately — preferably in writing |
🏥 Seek medical treatment | Get care from an approved provider if required; document your injuries |
🧾 File an incident report | Complete any internal forms your employer requires for workplace injuries |
📋 Submit a WC claim | Your employer should file the claim with their insurance carrier |
📞 Follow up regularly | Stay in contact with HR or your employer about claim status and medical care |
⚖️ Contact a lawyer | Speak with a workers’ comp attorney if your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued |
The sooner you begin the process, the easier it is to secure benefits and avoid disputes with the insurance company. If there’s a chance for a third-party claim (against the dog owner), a lawyer can help pursue that as well.
Can You Sue the Dog’s Owner in Addition to Filing for Workers’ Comp?
Yes, in many cases, you can file a third-party claim against the dog’s owner in addition to collecting workers’ compensation. While workers’ comp covers medical bills and wage loss, it does not pay for pain and suffering, scarring, or emotional trauma. A separate claim against the dog’s owner can help you recover these additional damages. You may be able to sue the dog owner if:
- The dog was not owned by your employer
- The bite occurred on private property (e.g., a homeowner or client’s yard)
- The dog’s owner acted negligently by failing to restrain or warn you
- You were lawfully on the property and not trespassing
- The dog was known to be dangerous or had bitten before
This type of claim is separate from your workers’ comp case and handled like a standard personal injury claim. It may allow you to recover significantly more than workers’ compensation alone especially if you suffered serious injuries, visible scarring, or emotional harm. An experienced attorney can pursue both claims at the same time to maximize your total recovery.
Common Injuries and Complications From Work-Related Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious medical issues especially when they happen on the job and aren’t treated right away. Beyond the initial wound, many workers experience complications that affect their ability to return to work, especially in physical jobs or roles with public contact. The table below outlines common injuries seen in work-related dog bite cases and the complications that often follow.
🩺 Injury type | ⚠️ Possible complications |
---|---|
🐾 Deep puncture wounds | High risk of infection, nerve damage, or permanent muscle weakness |
💥 Crush injuries | Tissue damage, internal bleeding, or broken bones from strong bite force |
🧠 Facial or head wounds | Long-term disfigurement, emotional trauma, and need for reconstructive surgery |
💉 Infections | Cellulitis, sepsis, or rabies if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown |
😢 Psychological trauma | Anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, or fear of returning to field-based work |
🔁 Repeated exposure | Increased risk of cumulative trauma in jobs with frequent animal contact |
Many of these injuries require long-term medical care and rehabilitation which is why it’s important to pursue all available compensation, both through workers’ comp and potentially through a separate lawsuit.
What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?
If you were bitten by a dog while performing your job duties in Michigan, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover your medical treatment, lost income, and any long-term effects caused by the injury. Workers’ comp benefits after a dog bite may include:
- Medical treatment — including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments
- Wage loss benefits — partial income replacement while you’re unable to work due to your injury
- Vocational rehabilitation — retraining or placement assistance if you can’t return to your previous job
- Mileage reimbursement — for travel to and from medical appointments
- Permanent disability — additional compensation if the bite leaves lasting physical or psychological effects
- Disfigurement benefits — for visible scarring or permanent marks, especially on the face or hands
While workers’ comp helps cover essential expenses, it may not fully compensate you for all of your losses which is why many workers also explore third-party claims when the dog owner is someone other than their employer.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a Dog Bite Workers’ Comp Case
Dog bite cases that happen on the job are more complex than typical work injuries. You may be dealing with two claims at once, one through workers’ compensation, and another against the dog’s owner. An experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer for dog bites can help protect your rights, ensure deadlines are met, and pursue full compensation from every available source. The table below outlines how a lawyer can support your case and take the pressure off you while you recover.
👨⚖️ Legal service | 🧰 What this includes |
---|---|
📋 Coordinating your claims | Managing your workers’ comp claim and third-party case at the same time |
🕵️ Investigating the incident | Identifying the dog owner, securing reports, and gathering witness statements |
💼 Dealing with insurance | Handling communication with both workers’ comp and liability insurers |
🧠 Evaluating long-term impact | Accounting for future care needs, permanent injuries, and emotional trauma |
💰 Maximizing total recovery | Ensuring you pursue all available compensation — not just what WC offers |
⚖️ Representing you in disputes | Appealing denied claims and representing you at hearings or settlement conferences |
At The Clark Law Office, we handle every dog bite case personally with no handoffs, no shortcuts. If you were injured at work, we’ll fight to protect your job, your health, and your future.
Bitten by a Dog While on the Job? We’re Here to Help.
If you were attacked by a dog while working, you may be entitled to more than just workers’ comp. At The Clark Law Office, we’ll help you file your claim, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue full compensation from all responsible parties. You shouldn’t have to face this alone and you don’t have to. Call now 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. See how work-related dog bites fit into broader claim types in our dog bite locations and situations guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites at Work
Does workers’ comp cover dog bites in Michigan?
Yes. If you were bitten while performing job duties — such as delivering packages, providing services, or working on someone’s property — you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Can I still sue the dog’s owner if I get workers’ comp?
Yes. You may be able to file a third-party claim against the dog’s owner for pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional distress. This is separate from your workers’ comp case.
Do I have to prove the dog had bitten before?
No. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You only need to prove the injury happened during the course of your employment. A third-party claim may require more detailed evidence of negligence.
What if I was bitten on private property while working?
You still have a right to file a claim. As long as you were performing work-related duties, workers’ comp applies — and you may also have a valid claim against the property or dog owner.
How long do I have to report the injury?
You should report the dog bite to your employer as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Delays can lead to denied claims or reduced benefits.