A dog bite can leave you with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills. Whether you were bitten in a public place, at a friend’s home, or while on the job, Michigan’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before.

At The Clark Law Office, we fight for dog bite victims in Okemos and throughout Mid-Michigan helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, pain and suffering, and more. Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or shift blame, but we won’t let them. Our experienced Okemos dog bite attorneys know how to build strong cases and negotiate aggressively to maximize your financial recovery.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or animal attack, you don’t have to face this alone. We offer free consultations and never charge fees unless we win your case. Call us today at (517) 347-6900 to discuss your legal options.

Why Choose The Clark Law Office for Your Dog Bite Case?

Not all law firms handle dog bite cases with the attention and expertise they deserve. At The Clark Law Office, we provide personalized legal representation and fight aggressively to secure maximum compensation for our clients. When you work with us, you get:

  • Decades of Experience – We have successfully handled dog bite claims across Michigan and know how to win.
  • Millions Recovered for Injury Victims – Our results speak for themselves.
  • Personalized Legal Representation – You work directly with an attorney, not a case manager.
  • Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation – We push back against insurance company tactics to ensure you get what you deserve.
  • No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.

Michigan Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Your Rights

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Okemos, you may be wondering who is responsible and what your legal options are. Michigan has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, making it easier for victims to recover compensation.

Strict Liability Law (MCL 287.351)

Michigan follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dog—even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, you don’t have to prove negligence to win compensation. You only need to show that:

  1. You were lawfully present at the location where the bite occurred (not trespassing).
  2. You did not provoke the dog before the attack.

If these conditions are met, the dog owner is legally liable for your injuries.

Okemos & Meridian Township Leash Laws

In addition to Michigan’s strict liability law, Meridian Township and Ingham County have local leash laws that require dog owners to:

  • Keep dogs on a leash in public areas unless in a designated off-leash area.
  • Properly restrain dogs on private property to prevent them from attacking visitors or delivery workers.

If a dog was off-leash at the time of an attack, this can further strengthen your case by proving owner negligence.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Okemos?

While the dog owner is usually responsible, other parties may also be held liable, including:

  • Landlords – If they knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on their rental property.
  • Property Owners – If they failed to secure a dangerous dog on their premises.
  • Dog Handlers, Pet Sitters, or Businesses – If the attack occurred while the dog was in someone else’s care, such as at a pet boarding facility or grooming service.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Okemos

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and legal rights. Dog bite injuries can be severe, painful, and lead to infections, so it’s crucial to act quickly.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

  1. Seek Medical Attention – Even minor bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, or scarring. Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
  2. Stop the Bleeding – Use a clean cloth or sterile bandage to apply pressure and stop excessive bleeding.
  3. Clean the Wound – Wash the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can slow healing.
  4. Take Photos of Your Injuries – Document the bite wound, torn clothing, and the scene of the attack as evidence for your claim.
  5. Identify the Dog & Owner – Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information, along with details about the dog’s vaccination history (especially for rabies).
  6. Report the Attack – File a report with Meridian Township Animal Control and local law enforcement to document the incident.
  7. Get Witness Information – If anyone saw the attack, collect their names and contact details—witnesses can help support your case.
  8. Do Not Talk to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company – Insurers often try to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. Let your attorney handle all communication.
  9. Contact an Okemos Dog Bite Lawyer – An experienced attorney can help you file a claim, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Why Reporting a Dog Bite is Important

Filing a report after a dog bite is essential to protect both your legal rights and public safety. Official documentation of the attack creates a record that can be used as evidence in your claim. It also allows animal control to verify whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations, including rabies, which can be a serious health risk. Reporting the bite helps prevent future attacks by identifying dangerous dogs that may pose a threat to others in the community.

Meridian Township Animal Control may require the dog to be quarantined if there are concerns about rabies or a history of aggression. This step ensures that proper precautions are taken to protect public health. You can also request a copy of the animal control or police report to strengthen your injury claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Okemos, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Acting quickly can help secure the evidence needed to build a strong case. Contacting an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible can make all the difference in your recovery and financial compensation.

How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

The value of a dog bite case depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and the emotional impact of the attack. Victims in Okemos may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These cover financial losses related to the injury, including:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital visits, surgery, rehabilitation)
  • Lost wages if you are unable to work
  • Future income loss due to long-term complications
  • Out-of-pocket costs (medications, travel for medical appointments, assistive medical devices)

Non-Economic Damages

These address the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the attack, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

The circumstances of the attack also play a role in determining compensation. More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment or result in permanent damage typically lead to higher settlements. Cases involving young children often result in larger compensation amounts due to long-term effects.

Insurance coverage is another key factor, as dog bite claims are often paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If you have been bitten by a dog in Okemos, The Clark Law Office can evaluate your case, calculate your damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to help you recover fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Some injuries heal quickly, while others result in permanent damage, scarring, or emotional trauma.

Physical Injuries

  • Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Nerve damage leading to numbness or loss of function
  • Infections such as rabies, MRSA, or tetanus
  • Facial injuries, which may require reconstructive surgery
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Torn ligaments or soft tissue damage

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

  • Anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Fear of dogs or reluctance to be around animals
  • Depression or emotional distress
  • Sleep disturbances or nightmares

Children are especially vulnerable to dog bite injuries, often suffering bites to the face and hands. Because their skin is more delicate, they may require plastic surgery or long-term medical care to reduce scarring. The emotional trauma of an attack can also have lasting effects, impacting their confidence and daily life.

What If the Dog That Bit Me Belongs to a Friend or Neighbor?

Many dog bites happen at the home of a friend, neighbor, or family member. This can make filing a claim feel uncomfortable but it’s important to understand that seeking compensation does not mean taking legal action against your friend personally. In most cases, dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, meaning the insurance company—not the individual—pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Some people hesitate to file a claim because they worry about damaging a relationship, but the reality is that medical bills and long-term care costs can be significant. Insurance exists for this reason, and filing a claim ensures that you receive the financial support needed for your recovery.  If the dog owner is uninsured or denies responsibility, legal action may be necessary. However, most cases are resolved through insurance negotiations, allowing victims to recover compensation without directly impacting the dog owner’s personal finances.

If you have concerns about filing a claim against someone you know, The Clark Law Office can help guide you through the process while protecting your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Dog Bites and Delivery Drivers (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, USPS)

Delivery drivers face a higher risk of dog attacks, especially when dropping off packages at homes with unrestrained dogs. If you were bitten while making a delivery in Okemos, you may have multiple options for compensation.

Legal Options for Injured Delivery Workers

  • Workers’ Compensation – Covers medical expenses and lost wages if the injury occurred while on the job.
  • Personal Injury Claim – Allows additional compensation for pain and suffering if the dog owner is found liable.

Many dog bite cases involving delivery drivers result from owners failing to secure their pets. Even if the dog had never shown aggression before, Michigan’s strict liability law makes the owner responsible for any injuries. If the dog had a history of aggression or was off-leash in violation of local ordinances, the case for negligence may be even stronger.  If you are a delivery driver who was bitten by a dog in Okemos, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides. The Clark Law Office can help you determine the best course of action and fight for the maximum recovery available. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Speak With an Okemos Dog Bite Lawyer for Free Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Okemos, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Michigan’s strict liability law holds dog owners accountable, but insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in securing the full compensation you deserve.

At The Clark Law Office, we provide personalized legal representation and fight aggressively on behalf of dog bite victims. We understand the challenges you may be facing and are committed to handling the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case.  Don’t wait to take action. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Call us today at (517) 347-6900 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

Where to Report a Dog Bite in Okemos

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Okemos, it’s important to report the incident to the proper authorities. Filing a report helps create official documentation of the attack, ensures that the dog’s vaccination records are checked, and may prevent future incidents.

Meridian Township Animal Control – Investigates dog bites and checks vaccination records.

  • Address: 5151 Marsh Rd, Okemos, MI 48864
  • Phone: (517) 853-4800

Ingham County Health Department – Assesses rabies risks and other health concerns.

  • Address: 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48911
  • Phone: (517) 887-4308

Meridian Township Police Department – Files reports for severe injuries or dangerous dog incidents.

  • Address: 5151 Marsh Rd, Okemos, MI 48864
  • Phone: (517) 853-4800

You may be able to request a copy of the incident report to support your claim. If you need help with the legal process, contact The Clark Law Office for a free consultation.

Okemos Dog Bite Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is responsible for a dog bite in Okemos?

Under Michigan’s strict liability law (MCL 287.351), the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their pet, even if the dog has never bitten before. Other parties, such as landlords or pet sitters, may also be liable in certain situations.

Can I file a claim if a dog bit me in a public place?

Yes. If you were lawfully in a public place or on private property with permission, you can file a claim against the dog owner for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What if the dog owner claims I provoked the attack?

Provocation is one of the few legal defenses a dog owner may use to avoid liability. However, the reaction must be proportionate to the provocation. If you were simply trying to pet the dog or move past it, this would likely not be considered provocation.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Michigan?

Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims. If the victim is a minor, they have until their 19th birthday to file a lawsuit.

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?

At The Clark Law Office, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

5/5 - (1 vote)