Dog bites can lead to serious physical injuries and unexpected medical bills that add stress to an already traumatic situation. Even a single bite can require emergency treatment, follow-up care, or reconstructive surgery costs that quickly add up. If you were bitten by someone else’s dog in Michigan, you shouldn’t be stuck footing the bill. This guide explains the typical medical expenses after a dog bite and what steps to take to get those costs covered.
Understand the Medical Costs You May Face After a Dog Bite
Medical treatment after a dog bite can range from simple first aid to extensive surgical procedures, depending on the location and severity of the injury. In many cases, victims require immediate emergency care, vaccines to prevent infection, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Some may even need plastic surgery, physical therapy, or counseling to deal with trauma. These expenses can become overwhelming especially if you’re uninsured or unsure who is financially responsible. Below is a breakdown of common medical costs dog bite victims face:
| 🧾 Treatment Type | 💰 Estimated Cost Range | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency Room Visit | $500 – $3,000+ | Often needed for bleeding or trauma |
| 💉 Rabies or Tetanus Shots | $200 – $1,200 | Prevents infection; may need multiple doses |
| ✂️ Wound Cleaning & Stitches | $300 – $2,000 | Common for puncture wounds |
| 🩹 Surgery or Skin Grafting | $2,000 – $20,000+ | Necessary for deep or infected wounds |
| 👃 Plastic or Reconstructive Surgery | $5,000 – $50,000+ | Often required for facial injuries or scarring |
| 🏃♂️ Physical Therapy | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Helps recover strength and movement |
| 🧠 Mental Health Counseling | $100/session | For trauma, anxiety, or PTSD |
Even minor dog bites can come with major costs, especially when they affect sensitive areas like the face, hands, or joints. The longer you wait to get care—or the more complications arise the more these bills can climb.
Identify Who Pays for Dog Bite Medical Bills in Michigan
In Michigan, the person legally responsible for the dog is typically also responsible for your medical bills. This is based on Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law, which holds the dog owner accountable for injuries their dog causes even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. That means your medical bills may be paid through:
- The dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance – Most standard policies cover dog bite liability up to a certain limit, often $100,000 to $300,000.
- Your own health insurance – You may need to use your health coverage first, especially in emergency situations, but you can often seek reimbursement through a claim.
- A personal injury settlement or lawsuit – If the dog owner is uninsured or if their insurance doesn’t fully cover your costs, legal action may be necessary to recover the rest.
It’s important to act quickly and document everything. Identifying the correct party and insurance source early in the process can make a major difference in how quickly your bills get paid.
File an Insurance Claim with the Dog Owner’s Home or Renters Insurance
If the dog owner has homeowners or renters insurance, that policy likely includes liability coverage for dog bites even if the incident happened off their property. Filing a claim through their insurance can help you recover medical costs without going to court, but the process can be more complicated than it seems. Follow these steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of full reimbursement:
| 🪪 Step | 📝 What to Do | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🔍 Identify the Dog Owner | Get their name, address, and contact info | Needed to locate their insurance provider |
| 📄 Report the Bite | File a report with animal control or police | Creates an official record of the incident |
| 📸 Document Your Injuries | Take clear photos and keep all medical records | Essential for proving the extent of harm |
| 📞 Contact the Insurance Company | Ask for their liability coverage details | Often listed in the incident or police report |
| 📬 Submit a Claim | Include medical bills, photos, and reports | Be thorough and organized |
| 🤝 Negotiate or Get Legal Help | If they deny or underpay your claim | An attorney can fight for fair compensation |
Some insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or delay payment. Do not sign anything or accept a settlement offer without understanding the full cost of your treatment—especially if long-term care might be necessary.
Use Your Own Health Insurance If Necessary
If you need immediate treatment after a dog bite don’t wait to sort out liability, use your health insurance to get the care you need. Hospitals and urgent care centers often require proof of coverage upfront, especially for expensive services like surgery, vaccinations, or hospitalization. Your health insurer may pay first, but if another party is found legally responsible, the insurer may seek reimbursement later through a process called subrogation. This means they’ll recover what they paid by going after the dog owner’s insurance or any settlement you receive. Here’s how to protect yourself while using your health insurance:
- Tell your provider it was a dog bite – This ensures proper medical coding and documentation.
- Keep all Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) – These show what your insurer paid and what you may still owe.
- Track co-pays and deductibles – These out-of-pocket costs may be included in your injury claim later.
Even though health insurance can help cover costs up front, it won’t compensate you for pain and suffering, scarring, or lost wages. Those damages typically come from a claim against the dog owner.
Get Reimbursed for Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
Even with health insurance, many dog bite victims still end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket. These expenses can include co-pays, deductibles, prescription medications, wound supplies, or treatments not covered by insurance like plastic surgery or mental health therapy. To get reimbursed for these costs, documentation is key. You’ll need detailed records showing:
- What the treatment was
- How much it cost
- Why it was medically necessary
Submit these documents to the dog owner’s insurance company as part of your claim, or include them in your demand for compensation if you pursue a personal injury case. Keep copies for your own records, and be ready to explain each charge if questioned.
💡 Tip: Start a folder (physical or digital) the day of the injury to organize receipts, bills, photos, and communications. A well-documented claim is far harder for insurers to dispute.
Determine If a Lawsuit Is Needed for Long-Term Care or Future Expenses
Not all dog bite cases are resolved through insurance claims. In more serious situations, especially when long-term care is involved, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover the full cost of your medical treatment including future expenses that haven’t happened yet. Insurance companies often focus on short-term payouts. They may refuse to cover ongoing therapy, future surgeries, or the emotional impact of permanent scarring. If your injuries are severe, or if the dog owner’s insurance is limited or nonexistent, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to get the compensation you truly need.
| ⚠️ Situation | ⚖️ Legal Action Needed? | 💬 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent disfigurement or visible scarring | ✅ Likely | Long-term damages may exceed insurance limits |
| Future surgery or therapy expected | ✅ Yes | Must account for costs not yet incurred |
| Owner denies responsibility | ✅ Yes | Liability must be established in court |
| No insurance coverage available | ✅ Yes | A lawsuit may be your only recovery option |
| Minor bite with full recovery | ❌ Unlikely | Insurance likely sufficient for reimbursement |
If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies for a lawsuit, consult a dog bite attorney who can evaluate your medical records and help project future costs. The more severe your injuries, the more important it becomes to plan for long-term recovery not just short-term bills.
What to Do If the Dog Owner Has No Insurance
If the dog owner doesn’t have homeowners or renters insurance or if their policy excludes dog bite claims, you still have options. While it can be more challenging to recover compensation, Michigan law still holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause. That means you can pursue them personally for your medical expenses and other damages. Here’s what to consider:
- You can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the owner. A judgment could allow you to collect through wage garnishment, liens, or other methods.
- Check if the bite occurred at a rental property. If so, the landlord’s insurance may apply, especially if they knew about a dangerous dog on the premises.
- Look into other liable parties. Dog walkers, pet sitters, or businesses (like kennels) may also carry insurance if they were responsible at the time of the bite.
Recovering compensation without insurance coverage often requires legal action, so it’s especially important to work with a lawyer who can investigate all possible sources of recovery.
Hire a Lawyer to Maximize Your Medical Compensation
Dog bite injuries often involve more than just emergency room bills. Many victims face lasting scars, nerve damage, or trauma that requires ongoing care and insurance companies are rarely eager to pay the full value of those losses. That’s where a skilled dog bite lawyer can make a real difference. Schedule a free consultation with a Michigan dog bite attorney to learn how we can help you:
- Calculate the full cost of your injuries, including future treatment and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handle communication with the insurance company, so you don’t say something that could hurt your claim.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or file a lawsuit if the insurance offer falls short.
- Uncover all potential sources of compensation, even if the dog owner has no insurance.
The earlier you get legal representation, the better. A lawyer can help preserve key evidence, deal with aggressive insurance adjusters, and ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence. See how medical expenses relate to other types of compensation in our dog bite settlement guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Medical Bills
How much does the average dog bite cost to treat?
Medical costs vary, but even a moderate bite can lead to $3,000–$10,000 in treatment. Severe injuries involving surgery or cosmetic repair can exceed $50,000.
Will the dog owner’s insurance pay for my medical bills?
Yes, if they have homeowners or renters insurance, it usually covers dog bite liability. However, claims may be denied or underpaid without proper documentation or legal help.
Can I get reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses?
Absolutely. Keep all receipts, co-pays, and EOBs. These can be included in your injury claim or settlement demand.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
You may still sue the dog owner directly or investigate if a landlord or third party could be liable. A lawyer can help identify recovery options.
Can I sue for future medical expenses?
Yes. If you need long-term care, future surgeries, or therapy, those costs can be included in a lawsuit or settlement.
Do I need a lawyer to get my medical bills paid?
Not always—but if your injuries are serious, the dog owner is uninsured, or the insurer is lowballing your claim, a lawyer can protect your rights and help maximize your compensation.