When a dog bite happens at a Lansing dog park, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Public parks are meant to be safe spaces for people and pets, but aggressive or uncontrolled dogs can turn a normal outing into a serious medical and legal situation. Whether the attack occurred at Hawk Island Park, Soldan Dog Park, or a smaller neighborhood green space, understanding your rights is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down what happens after a dog bite in a public park, who may be legally responsible, and how to protect your health and your potential claim.
Dog Bites at Lansing Dog Parks: How Common Are They?
Dog parks and public spaces are popular spots in Lansing for residents to let their dogs exercise and socialize. While most visits are uneventful, dog bites can and do happen often when owners fail to properly restrain or supervise their pets. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, especially when dogs are off-leash in designated or informal dog areas.
Lansing parks like Hawk Island Park and Soldan Dog Park see heavy foot traffic, especially during warmer months. With more dogs interacting in close quarters, the risk of a bite increases, particularly when owners don’t follow park rules or fail to recognize warning signs of aggression. Even a single lapse in control can result in puncture wounds, infections, or long-term trauma especially for children or elderly individuals.
While exact local statistics may be limited, statewide data shows Michigan consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite-related insurance claims. These numbers suggest that public spaces including parks are a common setting for such incidents making awareness and preparedness all the more important.
Who Is Legally Responsible for a Dog Bite at a Public Park?
In Michigan, dog owners are held strictly liable for bites under state law even if the dog has never shown aggression before. This means that if someone is bitten at a public park in Lansing, the dog’s owner is typically responsible, as long as the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal. The location of the incident, whether at Hawk Island, Soldan Dog Park, or any public green space, does not change the core liability rules.
However, depending on the circumstances, other parties might also share some responsibility. For example, if someone other than the owner was handling the dog, or if a park failed to address a known safety issue, liability could extend beyond just the dog’s owner. Below is a breakdown of potentially responsible parties in a Lansing dog park injury case:
| 🧑⚖️ Liable Party | 📌 When They May Be Responsible | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🐶 Dog Owner | If they failed to control or restrain their dog | Michigan law applies even for first bites |
| 👤 Handler (Non-Owner) | If someone else had custody of the dog at the time | Still responsible under owner liability |
| 🧍♂️ Another Park Visitor | If they acted recklessly and contributed to the incident | Rare, but possible in shared dog areas |
| 🏛️ Local Government | If unsafe park conditions or lack of signage played a role | Only in limited cases involving negligence |
Understanding who may be liable is key to determining your legal options. If you’re unsure who owned or handled the dog, a Lansing dog bite attorney can help investigate and identify the responsible party.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in a Lansing Public Park
If you’re bitten by a dog in a public space, your first instinct might be confusion or panic. But taking the right steps immediately after the incident can make a major difference in both your recovery and your ability to seek compensation later. Acting quickly can help document the attack, identify the dog and its owner, and preserve your legal rights under Michigan law. Here’s what you should do if you or a loved one is bitten at a Lansing dog park:
| 🚶 Step | 🔍 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🏃♂️ Get to a safe location | Prevent further injury from the same or other dogs |
| 📞 Call 911 or animal control | Officially document the incident and get medical help |
| 📸 Take photos of injuries | Creates valuable evidence for a potential claim |
| 🏥 Get medical treatment | Ensures proper care and establishes a medical record |
| 🧾 Gather witness info | Helps confirm what happened if liability is disputed |
| 📋 File an official report | Lansing Animal Control may investigate the incident |
| ⚖️ Contact a personal injury lawyer | Legal guidance can protect your rights and maximize compensation |
Even if the bite seems minor at first, infections or complications can arise days later. Don’t wait to report the attack or seek legal advice especially if the owner was uncooperative or left the scene.
Common Lansing Dog Parks Where Incidents Can Occur
Lansing is home to several public parks and designated dog areas where residents frequently bring their pets to socialize and exercise. While these spaces are popular for good reason, they also present environments where dog bites can occur especially when owners fail to properly supervise their animals. Here are some of the most well-known dog parks and green spaces in the Lansing area where dog-related incidents have been reported or are more likely to happen:
- Hawk Island Park Dog Area – A large, open space with heavy weekend foot traffic. Off-leash areas and crowds can increase the risk of bites.
- Soldan Dog Park – One of Lansing’s primary off-leash parks. Dogs of all sizes interact closely here, which can lead to unpredictable behavior.
- Cooley Gardens – While not a designated dog park, many residents walk their dogs here, making it a potential location for bites during informal encounters.
- Kircher Park – A smaller neighborhood park where children and pets often play, and dogs may be off-leash despite posted rules.
- Fenner Nature Center Trails – Popular with dog walkers. Encounters on narrow trails can result in unexpected aggression, especially with reactive dogs.
Dog bites can happen anywhere even in well-maintained, community-friendly parks. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do and who may be responsible if something goes wrong.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in a Public Park?
Yes, under Michigan law you can file a claim or lawsuit if you were bitten by a dog while lawfully present at a public park. Michigan follows a strict liability standard (MCL 287.351), which means a dog owner can be held responsible for a bite even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. It doesn’t matter whether the bite happened on private property or in a public space like Hawk Island or Soldan Dog Park. If you were bitten without provocation, you may have a valid claim. To succeed in a dog bite case you typically need to prove:
- You were lawfully present at the location (not trespassing)
- You did not provoke the dog
- You were bitten and suffered injury
In most cases the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance will provide coverage even if the incident happened off their property. However, if the owner is unidentified or if the dog was a stray, recovering compensation can become more complex. In rare cases, if poor park conditions or a lack of proper signage contributed to the incident, a claim against the city or county may be explored, but these are much harder to pursue.
What Compensation Can You Get for a Dog Bite Injury?
A dog bite can leave more than just physical wounds. Victims often suffer emotional trauma, permanent scarring, lost income, and steep medical bills all of which can seriously impact their quality of life. Fortunately, Michigan law allows victims to pursue financial compensation from the responsible dog owner, typically through their insurance coverage. The amount and type of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and how the incident has affected your daily life. Below is a breakdown of common damages in Lansing dog bite cases:
| 💰 Damage Type | 📌 What It Covers |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | ER visits, wound care, surgery, follow-up treatment |
| 💼 Lost wages | Time missed from work due to recovery or treatment |
| 😣 Pain and suffering | Physical pain and discomfort following the bite |
| ✴️ Disfigurement/scarring | Permanent scarring, especially on visible areas like the face |
| 🧠 Emotional distress | Anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs after the incident |
| 🧒 Impact on children | Specialized damages if the victim is a minor |
Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement, especially if you’re not represented by legal counsel. An experienced Lansing dog bite lawyer can help ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses not just the immediate medical bills.
When to Contact a Lansing Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been bitten at a Lansing dog park, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible — especially if the injury required medical attention, resulted in scarring, or involved a child. Dog bite cases can seem straightforward, but they often become complicated when the dog owner denies responsibility, leaves the scene, or when insurance companies delay or deny valid claims. Here are a few signs that you should contact a lawyer right away:
- The dog’s owner is unknown or uncooperative
- You or your child suffered serious injuries or required surgery
- There’s lasting disfigurement, emotional trauma, or lost income
- The insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly
- You’re unsure of your legal rights or next steps
A skilled dog bite attorney can help investigate the incident, identify the liable party, gather evidence, and deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf. At The Clark Law Office, we understand the local laws and park regulations that may apply in these cases, and we’ll fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites at Lansing Parks
What should I do if I don’t know who owns the dog that bit me?
Try to get witness information, take photos, and report the incident immediately to Lansing Animal Control. An attorney can help investigate and potentially identify the dog’s owner.
Can I sue the city of Lansing if I was bitten at a public park?
In most cases, the city is not liable unless there’s evidence of gross negligence, such as broken fencing or missing warning signs. Claims against government entities are difficult and have strict deadlines.
Does Michigan have a one-bite rule?
No. Michigan follows a strict liability rule, meaning the dog’s owner can be held responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Will the dog be taken away or put down if I report the bite?
Not necessarily. Lansing Animal Control may quarantine the dog or require further investigation. Reporting a bite does not automatically lead to euthanasia unless the dog poses an ongoing threat.
What if I was bitten while my dog was being attacked?
If you were injured trying to protect your pet, you may still have a claim. Michigan law focuses on whether the person was bitten and whether they provoked the dog.
Is there a deadline to file a dog bite claim in Michigan?
Yes — the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the bite. However, it’s best to take action as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness accounts.
Injured at a Lansing Dog Park? We’re Here to Help
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog at a Lansing public park, don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need. Dog bite claims can quickly become complicated especially when they happen in shared spaces like parks. At The Clark Law Office, we offer personalized legal help and will fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Contact our Lansing dog attack attorneys today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Resources and References
- Where Do Most Personal Injuries Happen in Lansing? A Local Guide to High-Risk Places - April 21, 2025
- What Michigan Drivers Get Wrong About Bicycle Accidents - April 18, 2025
- Injured While Biking Near Campus? Your Rights After a Crash at MSU - April 17, 2025
