Child Dog Bite Safety
Do not ever leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, including the family pet, and do not let a child play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. Teach children from a young age to be careful around pets.
Child Safety Around Dogs
Have children and considering a dog? These tips may help you prevent your dog from injuring a child:
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Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler.
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Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
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If your child is apprehensive around dogs, hold off owning one.
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Many families wait until their child is older than 4 years before bringing a dog into the home.
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Families with children and dogs should be even more aware that making a dog a member of your family is a significant commitment.
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Children’s natural behaviors–including running, yelling and grabbing–put them at higher risk for dog bites.
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Do not EVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, including the family pet.
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Do not let a child play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
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Children should first ask their parent for permission to pet someone else’s dog, and then ask the owner for permission as well.
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Shy or nervous dogs can become even more agitated by children.
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Teach children from a young age to be careful around pets.
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Children should know to report a dog bite to an adult immediately.
Bitten By A Dog In Michigan? Contact Us For Help
Our Michigan dog bite lawyers will answer your questions regarding liability in a Michigan dog attack case for free. Contact us today!
Bitten by a dog? Tell us what happened. The consultation is free, and you only pay when we win.
Call (855) 645-3946 or start your free case review onlineQuestions, answered
More Dog Bite Questions
Child Dog Bite FAQs
Have questions about working with Mike Morse Law Firm? We’ve gathered the most common ones to help you understand the legal process and what to expect. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help!
Who is liable when a dog bites a child in Michigan?
In Michigan, the dog’s owner is liable for a dog bite to a child in most cases. Under the Michigan Dog Bite Statute (MCL 287.351), if a dog bites a child without provocation, on public property or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for the damages. Michigan has no “one-bite rule,” so it does not matter whether the dog ever bit anyone before.
Can the dog owner say my child provoked the dog?
Yes, provocation is the one defense a dog owner can raise under Michigan’s dog bite statute, and the owner must prove it. Provocation can be accidental, such as stepping on a dog’s tail, and it turns on the facts of the bite. Insurance adjusters often try to blame the child or claim trespassing, so evidence gathered early matters.
Can I file a claim if a relative’s or friend’s dog bit my child?
Yes. A dog bite claim is made against the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy, which exists to cover a bite like this, so it is not a personal attack on your relative or friend. You can bring a claim against homeowners who invited your child into their home, or a step-parent whose dog bit a child they did not protect.
What compensation can a child get for a dog bite in Michigan?
A child’s dog bite claim in Michigan can include:
- Medical bills, including future treatment such as physical therapy
- Psychological care for fear, anxiety and emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
A bite that seems minor for an adult can be far more serious for a child, and your child’s age can influence the claim.
What does a dog bite lawyer do for my child’s case?
A dog bite lawyer builds the proof of liability and deals with the insurance company for you. That means securing animal control quarantine records and police incident logs, checking the neighborhood for past complaints about the dog, and working with medical specialists to document your child’s scarring and emotional trauma, so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
What does it cost to talk to a lawyer about my child’s dog bite?
Nothing up front and nothing unless we win. Your consultation is free. In that review, our Michigan dog bite lawyers look at the facts of the dog bite, identify the insurance responsible for your child’s injuries and explain your options under the strict liability statute. Call (855) 645-3946.
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