Dog Bite at Public Park? Here’s What to Do Next

Dog bites are among the most traumatic personal injuries—and when they happen in a public park, the damage isn’t just physical. Victims are often left with deep emotional scars, disfigurement, costly medical bills, and the lingering anxiety of not knowing who will be held responsible.

Public parks are designed to be safe, shared spaces. Yet when a dog owner fails to leash their pet, control their animal, or follow local ordinances, innocent people pay the price. In Michigan, this issue is especially urgent. State law imposes strict liability on dog owners, but when the bite occurs in a government-managed space like a city park, the legal path becomes more complicated. Victims must navigate layers of liability, identify the correct party, and act quickly to preserve their rights.

Marko Law is Michigan’s go-to trial firm for serious injury claims—especially when public agencies and complex liability structures are involved. Whether the dog owner tries to disappear, or the city refuses to take responsibility, we’re ready. Our team investigates fast, builds strong claims, and demands real accountability for you or your child.

Michigan’s Dog Bite Law (MCL 287.351)

Strict Liability Means the Owner Is Responsible—Period

Michigan takes dog bite injuries seriously. Under MCL 287.351, the law imposes strict liability on dog owners whose pets bite someone—regardless of the animal’s past behavior.

This means:

• You don’t need to prove the dog was known to be dangerous.
• You don’t have to show that the owner acted negligently.
• You only need to show that you were legally present at the location and the bite occurred.

Public Parks Are Covered

Michigan’s strict liability statute explicitly applies to public places—including:

• City parks
• County recreation areas
• Public walking trails
• Municipal dog parks (even off-leash zones)
• Shared community green spaces

As long as you were not trespassing or provoking the dog, you have a legal right to pursue damages for your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

The Dog Owner

Under MCL 287.351, the dog’s owner is strictly liable. It doesn’t matter if the dog had no history of aggression or if the bite occurred on “accident.” If their dog bit you or your child in a public park, they are legally responsible.

The Handler or Person in Control of the Dog

If the dog was being walked or supervised by someone other than the owner—like a friend, family member, or pet sitter—that handler may also share liability. Courts may hold them accountable if:

• They were aware of the dog’s behavior risks
• They failed to maintain control
• They violated leash laws or park rules

Municipal Entities or Park Staff

In some situations, city governments, park authorities, or school districts may bear partial responsibility. This often applies if:

• Park officials ignored prior reports of aggressive dogs
• Signage was missing or misleading about leash rules
• Staff failed to enforce park ordinances
• The area had a known history of dog attacks without intervention

Third Parties (Dog Walkers, Trainers, Kennels)

If the dog was under the care of a paid handler, trainer, or boarding service, those businesses or individuals may also face liability—especially if:

• They knew the dog was dangerous
• They allowed it in a park in violation of rules or city law
• They failed to take reasonable precautions

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite at the Park

Get Medical Attention Right Away

Even if the wound seems small, dog bites carry high risks of infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Prompt medical care:

• Prevents complications
• Creates a medical record tied to the incident
• Documents the severity of your injury

Identify the Dog and Its Owner (If Possible)

If the dog is still present, ask calmly:

• Is this your dog?
• What’s the dog's name and breed?
• Has the dog had rabies shots?
• Get their full name, contact info, and a photo of the dog, if possible

Take Photos of the Injuries and the Scene

Use your phone to document:

• Bite wounds (from multiple angles)
• Torn clothing or blood stains
• The dog (if possible)
• Park conditions or lack of signage
• Any broken leash or collar

Report the Incident to Animal Control and Police

Official reports are critical. Call:

• Local police to report the bite (especially if the owner fled)
• County animal control to initiate an investigation and potential quarantine

Get Contact Info from Witnesses

If anyone saw the bite or the events leading up to it, ask for:

• Names
• Phone numbers
• A brief written or recorded statement (if they’re willing)

Preserve Evidence

Hold on to:

• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Shoes, bags, or any personal items damaged in the incident
• Any debris or objects involved (like a broken leash or collar)

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Immediately

The sooner you involve legal counsel, the stronger your case. At Marko Law, we act fast to:

• Preserve time-sensitive evidence
• Identify the dog and owner
• Notify the appropriate agencies
• Protect you from lowball insurance tactics

Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Michigan

Legal Timeline: File Before It’s Too Late

Under Michigan law, most dog bite victims have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. But in cases involving:

• Government entities (e.g., bites on city-managed park grounds),
• Minors (extended statute may apply), or
• Missing or unidentified owners

…it’s critical to act much sooner. In some situations, notice to a public agency must be filed within 60 to 120 days.

What Evidence Will Strengthen Your Claim?

To build a strong case under Michigan’s strict liability statute, your attorney will gather:

• Medical records from doctors, ERs, and specialists
• Photographs of injuries, the dog, and the scene
• Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack or the dog’s behavior
• Police or animal control reports
• Local leash law or ordinance violations

Why Local Ordinances Matter

Many Michigan cities and townships have specific leash laws, dangerous dog classifications, or breed-specific restrictions. Violating these rules may add additional liability or bolster your claim.

For example:

• A city may require all dogs to be leashed in public parks
• Certain dogs may be barred from dog-friendly zones if previously reported for aggression
• Failing to muzzle or restrain certain breeds may violate municipal code

What Can Be Recovered?

Michigan law allows dog bite victims to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (including surgeries and future care)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma or therapy
• Scarring, disfigurement, or long-term disability
• Lost wages (if a parent misses work)
• Punitive damages in gross negligence cases

Can You Sue the City or Park Authority?

Governmental Immunity: The Basics

In Michigan, public entities like cities, townships, and park authorities are generally protected from personal injury lawsuits under MCL 691.1407. This legal doctrine—called sovereign immunity—limits liability for government operations.

Key Exceptions: When the City May Be Liable

You may still have a valid claim if:

• City officials or staff knew about a dangerous dog being present in the park and failed to intervene
• Prior complaints about aggressive animals were ignored or not addressed
• Leash laws were not enforced, creating an unsafe environment for the public
• The park failed to post or maintain proper warning signs about off-leash areas
• Park employees acted with gross negligence, leading to injury

Act Fast—Short Deadlines Apply

Filing a claim against a government entity in Michigan comes with strict and unforgiving timelines:

• In many cases, you must file a formal notice of injury within 60 to 120 days
• Failure to file notice properly and on time can bar your claim entirely

Don’t Let a Bite Go Unchallenged

Dog bites at public parks aren’t just unfortunate incidents—they’re often the result of clear, preventable failures. Whether it’s a careless dog owner who ignored leash laws or a city agency that failed to respond to repeated complaints, someone didn’t do their job—and you or your child got hurt because of it.

A dog bite can leave lifelong physical and emotional scars. Victims may suffer from infections, permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, PTSD, and more. Children are especially vulnerable—not just to the initial trauma but to long-term psychological harm. These injuries demand more than just first aid. They demand accountability.

At Marko Law, we understand that public park injury cases—especially involving dog bites—can be confusing and intimidating. There’s often a mix of private and public liability, government red tape, and insurance companies eager to dodge responsibility. That’s exactly why you need a legal team that knows how to cut through the noise, get results, and stand firm when others back down.

📞 Phone: +1‑313‑777‑7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com

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