Most dog bites don’t come from a stranger’s dog. They come from a friend’s dog at a barbecue, a neighbor’s dog over the fence, or a relative’s dog during a holiday visit. And that’s exactly why so many people never make a claim: they don’t want to “sue someone they know.”
If that’s how you feel, you’re not alone — and the good news is that a dog bite claim almost never works the way people fear.
You’re usually not taking money from your friend
Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. When you make a claim, it goes to the insurance company, not to your friend’s bank account. The insurer investigates, negotiates and pays. Your friend’s role is usually limited to reporting the bite to their insurer and cooperating.
Think of it the same way as a car accident. If a friend rear-ends you, their auto insurance pays for your injuries. No one thinks that’s an attack on the friendship. Dog bite coverage works the same way.
Why your claim still matters
Dog bite injuries are often more serious and more expensive than they first look: emergency care, stitches, antibiotics for infection, follow-up visits, time off work, and sometimes plastic surgery years later. If you don’t make a claim, those costs fall on you, your health insurance, and your family. That’s not fair to you — and it isn’t what most dog owners want either.
We recently resolved a Michigan dog bite claim for a six-figure settlement in 30 days. (Every case is different, and prior results don’t guarantee a similar outcome.)
How we handle it so you don’t have to
- We confirm what insurance the owner has, often with a simple letter.
- We communicate only with the insurance company. You don’t have to have an awkward money conversation with your friend or family member.
- We document your injuries and losses and negotiate a fair settlement.
- Most claims settle without a lawsuit. If one is necessary, the insurance company provides and pays for the owner’s lawyer.
Michigan law is on your side. Under Michigan’s dog bite statute, the owner is responsible for a bite if you didn’t provoke the dog and were lawfully where you were — even if the dog was always friendly before. Read how the law works.
Talk it through with us first — for free
You don’t have to decide anything today. Call for a free, confidential conversation. We’ll tell you honestly whether you have a claim, what insurance likely applies, and how it would affect the people involved. Then you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Will my friend or relative have to pay me out of their own pocket?
In most cases, no. Dog bite claims are usually paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which exists for exactly this situation. The insurance company pays the claim and provides the owner a lawyer if a lawsuit becomes necessary. The owner would typically only be personally at risk if your damages were larger than their coverage.
Will this ruin my relationship with them?
It doesn’t have to. Many dog owners want the people their dog hurt to be taken care of — they just don’t have the money themselves. Once we’re involved, you don’t have to negotiate with your friend or family member at all. We deal with their insurance company, and you can keep the relationship separate from the claim.
What if the dog belongs to someone I live with?
That’s different. Homeowner’s and renter’s policies usually exclude injuries to people who live in the same household, so a claim against a household member’s policy is often not possible. Talk to us about the facts — other coverage may still apply depending on where the bite happened and whose policy is involved.
Will their insurance premium go up or their policy be canceled?
It can happen, and we won’t pretend otherwise. But insurance exists to protect both of you, and your medical bills, lost wages and scarring are real losses. Many owners would rather their insurance pay than see someone they care about struggle with the costs.