Michigan Dog Bite Laws Protect You.

About Us:
We, at the Law Office of Ray E. Richards II PLC, are known in the legal community to be very aggressive, determined and tough in a Court of law.  Our practice, purpose and passion are focused on obtaining justice for families in the State of Michigan and abroad who are victims of negligent dog owners and their vicious animals/dogs.

We represent a wide array of victims who are attacked and or bitten by dogs/animals. Most often and unfortunately our typical clients are our precious children. Nonetheless, often our adult clients become victims by virtue of being a rescuer, bystander or a family member who comes to the aid of the dog bite victim.

Lawsuits for dog bite injuries are usually filed against the insurance policy of the homeowner or business owner of the dog involved in the attack.  There have been some instances where we have sued the individual and or business owner who has no insurance and or inadequate insurance limits to resolve the case.

Plain and simple, at the Law Office of Ray E Richards, II PLC we hold negligent dog owners responsible. Make them liable and make them pay! There is no case to big and no cause to small. If there is an injustice when we are on the case, they are poised to fall!

1. Nine year old girl attacked by a pit bull.  The entire ordeal lasted over 20 minutes before Law Enforcement had to “subdued”.  Sued for Policy Limits – were awarded policy limits.


2. Business/Independent contractor attacked by German Sheppard.  Significant arm injuries from fending off the dog.  Significant wage loss to loss of business.  Settled for an amount that allowed client to save/continue/his and expand business.


3. Five year old kid, ambushed by pit bull.  Ear was significantly mauled. Plastic surgery. Significant Settlement.

Michigan Dog Bite Law

1. The State of Michigan imposes statutory strict liability for dog attacks, making the owner of a dog legally liable to a victim who was bitten.


2. A dog does not get "one free bite" in a statutory strict liability state, the prior behavior of the dog is not an issue, and it is unnecessary to prove that the owner or handler was negligent.


3. The dog bite statutes differ in their scope; depending upon the jurisdiction, the dog bite statute might to non-bite injuries as well as bites, to non-owners who have custody, control or a financial interest in the dog (i.e., a "keeper" or "harborer"), and/or to injuries suffered to property or by animals owned by third parties.

• The victim was a trespasser
• The victim was a veterinarian or canine professional who was treating the dog at the time of the incident
• The victim was committing a felony or other crime against the owner of the dog
• The victim provoked the dog by physically abusing it
• The victim assumed the risk (i.e., explicitly or implicitly consented) to being bitten
• The dog was assisting the police or the military at the time of the incident

Reasons why a case may not be won .

1. Not hiring a lawyer right away to file the case within the statute of limitations. In Michgan the Statute of Limitations to bring a dog bite claim/lawsuit isTHREE YEARS from the date/day the dog bite attack occurred.


2. The custody of a child can be a consideration in a dog bite case. The parent having legal and physical custody of a child is entitled to bring an action for the child's personal injuries from a dog bite. If the other parent also brings an action, the parent having total custody can have the other parent's action dismissed. Murphy v. Bergo, 400 N.W.2d 387 (MI Ct. of App., 1987).

What To Do If Bitten By A Dog

1. Identify the animal that bit you
2. Get medical attention immediately
3. Get name of owner of dog and his/her address
4. Write down the name and address of any witnesses
5. Take lots pictures of the injury
6. Call your counties animal control
7. Call me, Ray E Richards, II PLC! We will assist from any proceeding involving the dog from the animal court to the trial court.

When it comes to Negligent Dog Owners…
At the Law Office of Ray E Richards, II PLC….