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Dog Bites

Traverse City Dog Bite Lawyer

Michigan law holds dog owners strictly liable — even for a first bite. You deserve every dollar you're owed.

Why Choose Us

Evidence in Dog Bite Cases Disappears Fast — We Move Faster

Animal control records get buried, witnesses forget, and insurance companies hope you'll wait too long to act.

That's why having a full team matters from the very first call: someone coordinating with animal control while your attorney documents the medical side and builds the liability case under Michigan's strict liability law.

It's decades of combined experience working in parallel, not one person trying to do everything — and it's how we make sure nothing critical to your case slips through the cracks.

50+

Years Combined Experience

$100M+

Recovered for Injured Clients

0%

Fee Unless We Win

24/7

Direct Attorney Access

Dog Bites

Injured in a Dog Attack

A dog bite can seem minor in the moment — until infection sets in, scarring forms, or the trauma won't fade. Insurance companies call it "just a bite." We don't.

Whether you were bitten walking through a Traverse City neighborhood, visiting a friend's home, or working as a delivery driver or mail carrier, Michigan law protects you. We coordinate with local animal control and treating physicians to build a fully documented case from day one.

Michigan is one of the strongest states in the nation for dog bite victims: under the state's strict liability statute, you don't need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. The bite itself creates liability.

Case Results

Recent Dog Bite Case Results

Verified dog bite case results. Every case is different, and past results don't guarantee a particular outcome in your case.

01 Dog Attack — Child Victim $485,000
02 Dog Bite $330,000
03 Dog Bite $278,000
04 Dog Bite $250,000
What To Do Next

What To Do After a Dog Bite

What you do in the hours and days after an attack determines whether you recover full compensation.

1

Seek medical attention immediately

Dog bites carry infection and rabies risk. Even a "minor" bite needs documentation.

2

Report the attack

Notify local police and/or animal control, and file a written report to create an official record.

3

Document everything

Photograph your injuries, the dog, and the scene. Get witness contact information and the owner's details.

4

Preserve your clothing

Do not wash or discard torn or bloodied clothing — it can become critical evidence.

5

Call TC Injury Lawyers

The sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and animal control records get buried.

Why Clients Choose Us

Why Choose TC Injury Lawyers

Dog bite cases move fast — here's how we stay ahead of them.

Direct Access

You'll always reach your attorney directly — not a call center or case manager.

Fearless Advocacy

Small enough for personal service, strong enough to take on billion-dollar insurers.

Proven Expertise

Decades of experience across thousands of Michigan injury cases. We know the playbook.

Max Compensation

We fight lowball offers and don't stop until you receive every dollar you deserve.

Free Consultations

Every case starts with a free, no-obligation conversation about what happened.

No Fee Unless We Win

Zero upfront cost. We only get paid if we recover money for you.

Local Knowledge

We know Traverse City's roads, courts, and communities inside and out.

Trial-Ready From Day One

We prepare every case as if it's headed to trial — insurance companies notice.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Verified Google Reviews from real clients

★★★★★

"I want to sincerely thank the team for the outstanding job they did. From start to finish, everyone was professional, attentive, and truly had my best interests at heart."

Kevin T.

Verified Google Review

★★★★★

"A true professional who balances strong advocacy with kindness and empathy for clients. The type of attorney I would send any family or friend to."

Esther S.

Verified Google Review

★★★★★

"They didn't just handle my case — they took care of me. My attorney fought for the best outcome and never made me feel rushed or ignored."

Paula M.

Verified Google Review

★★★★★

"I received exceptional service from my attorney, who was professional, responsive, and supportive throughout my case. The staff was helpful and attentive, making the process much smoother."

Cheryl T.

Verified Google Review

Common Questions

Dog Bite FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most from Traverse City dog bite victims.

How do I know if I have a valid dog bite case?

Under Michigan's strict liability law (MCL 287.351), if a dog bites you while you're on public property, or lawfully on private property, and you didn't provoke the dog, the owner is liable — regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before.

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

Generally three years from the date of the attack. Minors have until their 19th birthday. Evidence still degrades over time, so it's best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What if the insurance company says I provoked the dog?

The "provocation defense" is the most common tactic insurers use. Under Michigan law, provocation must be intentional and significant — accidentally surprising a dog is generally not provocation.

What if the dog owner doesn't have insurance?

We explore every avenue — homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, landlord liability, and the owner's personal assets. Many dog bites are covered under homeowner's policies even when the owner doesn't realize it.

How much is my dog bite case worth?

There is no "average" settlement. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, scarring, emotional trauma, lost income, and long-term impairment. Children's cases often carry higher value due to permanent scarring during development.

Bitten by a Dog?
You Have Rights.

Free case evaluation. No fees unless we win. Available 24/7.

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