Can You Sue If A Dog Bit You At Work Or On The Job In Michigan

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, both physical and emotional. When a person is bitten while simply walking through their neighborhood or visiting a friend’s home, it’s often clear that the dog owner may be held responsible. But what happens when a dog bite occurs while you are working? Whether you are delivering packages, reading meters, or making home visits for your job, being bitten by a dog while performing work duties adds another layer of complexity.

If you were injured by a dog while on the job in Michigan, you may have more than one option for seeking compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation, a personal injury claim, or possibly both.

Dog Bites at Work Are More Common Than People Realize

Many jobs require workers to enter private property, sometimes without the homeowner present. Postal workers, delivery drivers, maintenance crews, real estate agents, and even home healthcare providers frequently encounter dogs while performing their duties. Unfortunately, not all pet owners properly restrain their animals. Even dogs that seem friendly can become aggressive or territorial.

In Michigan, if a dog bites someone without being provoked—even on private property—the dog’s owner may be liable. This applies whether the bite occurs in a park, on a sidewalk, or during a work visit to a client’s home.

Michigan’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

Under Michigan law (MCL 287.351), the state follows a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries. This means that a dog owner can be held legally responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. The only major exceptions are if the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing on private property.

If you were bitten while working—especially if you were on the property legally as part of your job—you likely have grounds to file a claim under this statute. This is true even if the dog never bit anyone before or if the owner claims they didn’t expect the dog to act aggressively.

Workers’ Compensation May Also Apply

If you were bitten by a dog during the course of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits typically cover medical treatment, wage loss, and disability if you are unable to work due to your injuries.

Workers’ comp is available regardless of who was at fault. You don’t need to prove that the dog owner was negligent. Instead, you only need to show that the injury happened while you were performing job-related duties.

For example, if you were delivering a package to someone’s home and their dog bit you as you walked up the driveway, that would usually qualify for workers’ compensation coverage.

You May Be Able to File a Third-Party Claim

In some situations, you can pursue both workers’ compensation and a third-party personal injury claim. While workers’ comp helps with basic benefits, it doesn’t allow you to recover for pain and suffering or hold the dog owner directly accountable. A third-party claim against the dog owner can provide additional compensation for:

• Pain and emotional distress
   
• Scarring or disfigurement
   
• Loss of enjoyment of life
   
• Future medical care needs
   
• Long-term disability

Filing a third-party lawsuit does not impact your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you do receive money from the dog owner, the workers’ comp insurer may seek reimbursement for some of the benefits they paid. An attorney can help you manage this process and ensure your recovery is not unfairly reduced.

Proving Your Case After a Work-Related Dog Bite

If you decide to pursue a third-party personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp, you’ll need to prove a few things. These include:

• That you were lawfully present on the property (not trespassing)
   
• That the dog bit you and caused injury
   
• That you did not provoke the dog
   
• That the owner knew or should have known the dog had the potential to cause harm

In most cases, evidence such as medical records, photographs of the injury, witness statements, and even animal control reports can help support your case. If the dog had a history of aggression, this information can be useful in showing that the owner failed to act responsibly.

Why Legal Representation Is Important

Handling a dog bite injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to heal. When a work injury involves both workers’ compensation and a potential lawsuit, the legal process becomes even more complicated. Insurance companies may deny claims, delay payments, or try to shift blame.

An experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, handle communication with all parties involved, and build a strong case. They can also coordinate your workers’ comp claim with any third-party lawsuit to make sure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Injuries from Dog Bites Can Be Serious

Dog bites can cause more than just cuts or bruises. Many result in infections, torn muscles, nerve damage, or lasting scars. Some victims require surgery or ongoing treatment for physical and emotional trauma. In severe cases, the injury may lead to permanent impairment or make it difficult to return to work.

Even a seemingly minor bite should be taken seriously. Medical documentation from the start is essential, both for your recovery and for your legal claim. Make sure to follow all treatment recommendations and keep records of your medical visits, expenses, and missed workdays.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

Michigan law limits the time you have to file a lawsuit. In most dog bite cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. However, workers’ compensation claims have much shorter deadlines for reporting the injury and filing paperwork.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog while on the job, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through each step and ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Protect Your Rights With a Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer

Suffering a dog bite while on the job is more than just an accident; it can impact your health, income, and future well-being. In Michigan, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, even if they happened on someone else’s property during work.

The law firm of Smith & Johnson understands these challenges and can help you explore your options, whether through workers’ compensation, a third-party claim, or both. Taking legal action may be the best way to protect your finances and hold the dog owner responsible. If you’ve been bitten while working, don’t hesitate to reach out to Smith & Johnson, your trusted Michigan dog bite lawyer, for guidance and support in your recovery.