“Who’s going to pay for this?” is usually the first question after a dog bite — right after “Am I going to be OK?” In Michigan, the answer is usually an insurance company, and finding every policy that applies is one of the most important parts of your case.
Where the money usually comes from
Homeowner’s insurance
Most dog bite claims are paid under the dog owner’s homeowner’s policy. The liability section of a standard policy typically covers injuries the policyholder’s dog causes — and it often applies even when the bite happens away from the owner’s home, like at a park or on a walk.
Renter’s insurance
Renters’ policies usually include similar liability coverage. If the owner rents, their renter’s policy is often the first place we look.
Umbrella policies
Some owners carry an umbrella policy that adds coverage on top of their homeowner’s or auto policies. In a serious bite case, an umbrella policy can make the difference between a partial recovery and a full one.
Landlord and business policies
Depending on the facts, a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog, or a business where the bite happened, may have coverage that applies too.
Medical payments coverage
Many homeowner’s policies include a small medical payments benefit that pays reasonable medical bills regardless of fault.
When coverage is limited or excluded
Some policies limit or exclude dog bites — for example, excluding certain breeds, excluding a dog with a prior bite, or capping dog-related claims. Policies also usually exclude injuries to people in the owner’s own household. These exclusions are written in insurance-company language, and they don’t always mean what the adjuster says they mean. We review the actual policy language.
Why the amount of coverage matters
Insurance limits are often the practical ceiling on a settlement. That’s why we identify every policy early — before you accept anything. When a serious injury exceeds one policy, other coverage can matter a great deal.
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.)
What you should do now
- Get the owner’s name, address and, if possible, their insurance company.
- Report the bite to animal control.
- Keep every medical bill and receipt.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the owner’s insurer before you talk to a lawyer.
Not sure what insurance applies? Call us for free — tracking down coverage is part of what we do.
Frequently asked questions
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
Then we look harder. We check for a landlord’s policy, an umbrella policy, a business policy, or another person who was keeping the dog. If none exists, a claim may still be possible against the owner personally, but whether it makes sense depends on whether they can pay. We’ll give you a straight answer about that.
Will my own health insurance pay?
Your health insurance will usually cover your treatment, but it may have a right to be repaid from your settlement. We handle those reimbursement claims and often negotiate them down, so more of the settlement stays with you.
Is there coverage that pays medical bills regardless of fault?
Often, yes. Many homeowner’s policies include a small “medical payments to others” coverage that pays reasonable medical bills without anyone having to prove fault. It’s typically a modest amount, but it can help with immediate bills and doesn’t prevent a larger liability claim.