A dog attack happens in seconds but can leave permanent scars, nerve damage, and lasting trauma — especially for children. Our Brighton dog bite attorneys have spent more than 45 years holding negligent owners accountable across Michigan. Brighton sits at the busy US-23 and I-96 interchange in Livingston County, where heavy commuter and commercial traffic, lake-season congestion around the Mill Pond and Brighton State Recreation Area, and fast-moving highway ramps combine to cause serious crashes.
Michigan's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Michigan strongly protects bite victims. Under MCL 287.351, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone — regardless of whether the animal has ever shown aggression before. Unlike states with a "one bite rule," Michigan holds owners responsible from the very first incident. To recover, you must show you were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. When those conditions are met, liability is automatic.
Beyond Bites: Other Dog-Related Injuries in Brighton
Dogs also injure people in ways the strict liability statute doesn't cover — knocking people down, causing falls, or chasing cyclists into traffic near US-23, I-96, Grand River Avenue, Old US-23, and Lee Road. For these injuries, Michigan common law allows recovery when the owner knew the dog was dangerous or failed to use reasonable care, such as violating leash laws or leaving a gate unsecured.
Compensation for Dog Attack Victims
Bite victims may recover for medical expenses, reconstructive surgery, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and psychological treatment for PTSD and anxiety. Children who suffer facial scarring often require special consideration, and we work with life-care planners and child psychologists to document the full, lasting impact.
Why Choose Logeman & Iafrate
We are not a high-volume settlement mill. We take cases other firms turn down and prepare every case for trial, and insurance companies know it. Our verdicts and settlements include a $250,000 award for a woman bitten on the hand by a dog. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis — no fee unless we win.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is decided on its own facts.
Attacked by a Dog in Brighton?
If you or your child was injured in a dog attack in Brighton and the surrounding Livingston County communities, contact Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. We understand Michigan's strict liability law and know how to pursue the full compensation you're owed. Call us at (734) 994-0200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We take cases on a contingency-fee basis — no fee unless we win.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Michigan's strict liability statute holds owners responsible for bites regardless of the dog's history. You don't need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — only that you were lawfully present and did not provoke the attack.
What if the owner says I was trespassing?
You must have been lawfully present to recover under the bite statute, which includes being on public property or lawfully on private property as a guest, delivery person, or service provider. Even if the statute doesn't apply, a common-law negligence claim may still be possible.
Can I recover if the dog knocked me down but didn't bite me?
Yes, under a different theory. For non-bite injuries you can pursue a common-law claim by showing the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was negligent in controlling it, such as violating a leash law.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
Many homeowners and renters policies cover dog bite liability, and in some cases your own policy may apply. We investigate every available source of compensation.
Our record speaks to those we've helped in Michigan
Numbers that speak to our commitment to our Clients and our Community
Our track record reflects years of hard work and dedication to our clients' recovery.
Combined experience
60+
Years of trial work and case victories
Cases won
1,000+
Successful outcomes for injured clients
Compensation secured
$50M+
In damages recovered for our clients
Client satisfaction
4.9
Our rating on Google Reviews
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Lawyer
Don't face this alone. Let us review your case and show you what's possible. We never charge legal fees unless we recover damages on your behalf and the initial consultation is free as well. Reach out to us today.
Adrienne D. Logeman
Partner
James A. Iafrate
Partner
What Our Clients Say About Us
Cases won, lives changed, and we are happy to have helped each one of our clients.
If I could give them 100 stars I would!
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Vivian S.They did wonderfully in winning our case!
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Ashley B.I could not have asked for better representation!
"Adrienne Logeman is an exceptional auto injury attorney. Adrienne put me at ease and explained every step of the process. She was composed, professional, polite and extremely competent. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in our favor. I could not have asked for better representation and care. I am very thankful for her. An incredible experience."
Robert A.I truly believe you could not find a better firm to work with.
"Jim Iafrate and his staff are wonderful to work with, professional, compassionate, and do everything in their power when working on your case. I was always part of the process as communication was timely. Additionally, they know the law and will not be bullied by big insurance companies."
Joannie E.Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!
"Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process."
Joan F.I cannot recommended them highly enough!
"I'm so grateful to Logeman & lafrate for taking care of my legal needs for my case. The entire staff are exceptional, professional, communicate well during the entire process."
D JuneBy far the best lawyer I've ever had!
"I had the pleasure of Jim Iafrate representing me. He was professional, had excellent communication skills and is trustworthy. He always kept me up-to date, was responsive and worked diligently. His abilities enabled us to settled my case in a timely manor. Thanks for your hard work Jim!"
Lana D.I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!
"I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients."
Debra Q.My wife and I strongly recommend this law firm and are grateful for all their efforts.
"The attorneys at Logeman,Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident. They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement."
Vince G.I know that we can always trust their advice!
"I work with individuals that have suffered a brain injury because of an auto accident. This law practice has always been an amazing resource for them. They always put their clients first and I know that we can always trust their advice."
Courtney W.I would recommend James and his office to anyone!
"James and his team worked right beside our entire family during the whole process and even after. James was always available and fought hard to get my family what we deserved. He didn't back down and was uplifting through the entire process. Not only was I proud to have him as our lawyer, we were even prouder that we can now call him a friend."
Rob K.