Michigan Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

Michigan dog-bite lawsuits generally have a three-year filing deadline, but exceptions can shorten or extend the time available. Claims involving minors or government defendants need particular attention. This is Baldori Law's explanation of the deadline and related liability rules; the official statutory text is linked below.

The General Filing Deadline

Michigan’s general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite injuries, is three years under MCL 600.5805(2). The clock begins running on the date of the injury — in most dog bite cases, that means the date you were bitten.

This three-year deadline applies to filing a lawsuit in court. It does not mean you have three years to begin the process. In practice, building a strong claim takes time. Medical treatment may be ongoing, evidence needs to be preserved, and witnesses need to be interviewed while their memories are fresh. Starting early gives your attorney the time needed to build the strongest possible case.

Michigan’s Strict Liability Law (MCL 287.351)

Excerpt from MCL 287.351(1); the complete statute is linked above:

One of the most important features of Michigan’s dog bite law is that it imposes strict liability on dog owners. Under MCL 287.351, if a dog bites a person without provocation while the person is on public property or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for damages — regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before and regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

Michigan’s statute does not require proof of a prior bite or the owner’s knowledge of aggressive behavior. The statutory conditions, including a bite without provocation and lawful presence, still apply.

Provocation can prevent recovery under the dog-bite statute. For this statutory claim, the injured person must prove that the bite occurred without provocation. An unintentional act can qualify as provocation; the circumstances and the dog's response matter. Preserve witness accounts and any available photos or video of what happened before the bite.

Sources: Michigan Model Civil Jury Instructions 80.02–80.03 and Brans v Extrom (2005).

Exceptions That May Shorten or Extend the Deadline

While the standard filing deadline is three years, several situations can change that timeline:

Claims Involving Minors

Children are among the most common victims of dog bites. When the victim is under 18, Michigan law allows extra time — but less than many families assume. Under MCL 600.5851(1), a minor generally has until the later of (a) the normal three-year deadline, or (b) one year after their 18th birthday. For a young child, that usually means filing by age 19 — not 21.

A parent or legal guardian can bring the claim on the child’s behalf much earlier, and usually should, while evidence is fresh and witnesses can be located.

Claims Against Government Entities

If the dog that bit you was owned or controlled by a government entity — such as a police K-9 unit or a dog kept at a government facility — the deadlines get much shorter, and they differ by defendant. Claims against the State of Michigan generally require a written claim or notice with the Court of Claims within six months for personal-injury claims (MCL 600.6431). Different notice and immunity rules apply to counties, cities, and townships. Missing a notice deadline can bar your claim entirely.

If you believe a government entity may be responsible for the dog bite, consult with an attorney immediately to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.

The deadline discussion in this article was reviewed by attorney Marcus Baldori on August 17, 2026. The September 12, 2026 revisions were not part of that review.

Steps to Protect Your Claim

Regardless of how much time remains on the statute of limitations, taking prompt action strengthens your case. Here are the key steps to follow after a dog bite:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry a risk of infection, scarring, nerve damage, and other serious complications. Prompt treatment both protects your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the bite.
• Report the bite. File a report with your local animal control office or county health department. An official report documents the incident and may trigger an investigation into the dog’s history.
• Document everything. Photograph your injuries on the day of the bite and throughout your recovery. Keep records of medical visits, prescriptions, medical bills, and any time missed from work.
• Identify the dog and its owner. If you do not already know the identity of the dog’s owner, gather as much information as possible. Ask witnesses, check with neighbors, and request information from animal control.
• Preserve evidence. Keep the clothing you were wearing at the time of the bite. Do not wash it — the tears and bloodstains may serve as evidence.
• Consult a dog bite attorney. An experienced Michigan dog bite lawyer can evaluate your claim, determine which deadlines apply to your situation, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Michigan’s strict liability law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but those protections are only meaningful if you act within the required time frame. If you have been bitten by a dog in Michigan, do not assume you have plenty of time. Contact Baldori Law today for a free consultation so we can review your case and advise you on the best path forward.