Dog Bites in Detroit: What You Need to Know If You or a Loved One Has Been Attacked
Dog bites are a serious and often underestimated public safety issue in Detroit. Whether the victim is a child, a gig economy driver making a delivery, a postal carrier, or a pedestrian simply walking down the street, the consequences can be traumatic and potentially permanent. As an attorney licensed in Michigan with over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including many dog bite claims, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these incidents can be — physically, emotionally, and financially.
This guide explains your rights under Michigan law, what steps to take if you or someone you love has been bitten, and how our office can help you navigate the process.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Detroit?
Dog bites are not rare in Detroit. In fact, Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) has reported hundreds of bites in recent years, and many more go unreported. In 2023, local news outlets covered several alarming incidents, including cases involving small children, postal carriers, and food delivery drivers.
Detroit’s aging housing stock, large number of stray or loosely supervised dogs, and the rise of gig economy delivery services have all contributed to a higher risk of dog attacks — especially in certain neighborhoods with low rates of fencing or enforcement.
High-Risk Groups: Children and Gig Workers
Two groups I often represent in dog bite cases are young children and gig economy workers such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and Amazon Flex drivers.
Children are particularly vulnerable because of their size, unpredictability, and lack of understanding about animal behavior. Many of these cases involve facial injuries or attacks that occur in familiar places — like a relative’s or neighbor’s yard.
Gig workers face unique risks when delivering to unfamiliar homes. These workers often don’t have time to assess a situation before approaching the door, and unlike postal carriers, they typically receive little or no formal training regarding dog safety. In many Detroit neighborhoods, loose or poorly restrained dogs are a real danger. While postal carriers may receive federal benefits, gig workers must often rely on personal injury claims to recover lost wages and medical costs. There are certainly situations where the gig workers have medical or other coverage through their employer.
Michigan Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability with a Catch
Michigan law follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, which is generally very favorable to victims — but there are important exceptions.
Under MCL § 287.351, the law says:
“If a dog bites a person, without provocation, while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, including the property of the dog owner, the owner is liable for damages.”
In plain terms:
The bite victim doesn’t need to prove negligence.
The dog’s past behavior doesn’t matter.
The owner is automatically responsible — unless the bite was provoked or the victim was trespassing.
These exceptions are often where insurance companies focus their defense. That’s why early investigation and experienced legal representation can make a huge difference.
Local Ordinances in Detroit
In addition to state law, Detroit has city-specific ordinances (Chapter 6 of the Detroit City Code) that govern dog ownership and liability. A few key points:
All dogs must be on a leash when off their owner’s property (§ 6-2-6).
Owners must maintain control and prevent dogs from acting in a threatening or aggressive manner.
Certain dogs may be designated as “dangerous,” triggering extra rules (registration, confinement, insurance).
If the attacking dog was off-leash or deemed dangerous by the city, that may help strengthen your case, but again, remember that in Detroit and in Michigan, we start with strict liability.
Real-Life Detroit Cases
To understand how serious these cases can be, here are a few real examples from recent Detroit headlines:
Child Attacked in East Side Yard – In 2023, a neighbor’s pit bull bit a 6-year-old boy in the face while the boy was playing in the yard. The family had to pursue a homeowner’s insurance claim for reconstructive surgery and trauma counseling.
Amazon Driver Bit While Delivering Package – A driver was attacked in Southwest Detroit when a large dog burst through a storm door. The homeowner’s insurer initially denied the claim, arguing the driver provoked the dog by “moving too quickly.” This tactic is common — and one obvious reason why victims need an experienced advocate.
Multiple Dogs Kill Elderly Man in Alley – One of the most tragic recent incidents involved a pack of dogs attacking and killing an 85-year-old man walking near his home. The owner was later criminally charged, but the family still had to pursue civil remedies through the court system.
In Detroit, I’m seeing a significant increase in bites to FedEx, UPS, Amazon, Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc., drivers.
Can You File a Claim Against the Dog Owner’s Insurance?
Yes. The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is typically responsible for the dog bite claims, even if the bite occurred off the property. But it’s not always simple:
Some policies exclude certain breeds.
Some owners deny they were responsible or claim the dog was provoked.
Insurers may offer low settlements that don’t account for the full cost of scarring, therapy, or future surgery.
This is where an experienced attorney can step in. I’ve helped many Detroit-area victims fight back and recover what they deserve — for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future care.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Detroit?
Get medical attention immediately, even if the wound looks minor. Infections can develop quickly.
Report the bite to Detroit Animal Care and Control or the Detroit Police Department.
Get the dog owner’s name and address.
Take photos of the injury, the scene, and the dog (if safe).
Don’t talk to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
Call a lawyer early so evidence is preserved, including medical records, photos, and witness statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. In Michigan, prior behavior doesn’t matter under the strict liability law.
What if I was bitten while visiting a friend or family member’s home?
You can still file a claim — and it usually goes through their insurance, not their personal assets.
Do gig workers like Uber Eats drivers have rights?
Absolutely. Even if you’re considered an independent contractor, you can still bring a personal injury claim against the dog owner.
What if the dog’s owner says I provoked the dog?
That’s a common defense, but it doesn’t always hold up. Provocation is narrowly defined under Michigan law, and we can fight that argument, but it is fact specific.
A Personal Note from My Practice
I’ve represented families whose toddlers were bitten in the face, and I’ve stood beside gig workers who couldn’t return to work after a bite injury. These are not just legal claims — they are deeply personal challenges. The fear, the scars, the impact on daily life — they stay with people long after the physical wound has healed.
That’s why I don’t treat dog bite cases like routine claims. I personally handle each case from start to finish. You won’t be passed off to a junior associate or shuffled through a call center. When you call, you’ll talk directly to me.
You don’t need to know all the answers right now. That’s my job. I’ll help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to under Michigan law.
Talk to a Detroit Dog Bite Lawyer Who Listens
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Detroit — whether you’re a parent, delivery driver, visitor, or neighbor — you don’t have to go through this alone. I bring over 30 years of personal injury experience, and I know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable.
Call now for a free consultation. Prefer email or text? That works too.
I handle cases throughout Detroit and surrounding areas — including Highland Park, Hamtramck, Dearborn, across Wayne County and throughout Michigan.