If a dog bites you in Lansing, seek medical attention immediately, even for minor wounds. Report the bite to Lansing Animal Control, gather evidence, and get witness information. Avoid speaking to insurance companies, as it may affect your claim. For legal guidance, contact a dog bite attorneys in Lansing to protect your rights.
In this article, we’ll dive into the essential steps to take after a dog bite in Lansing, Michigan, including how to seek medical care, report the incident, gather evidence, and protect your legal rights. We’ll also discuss common injuries, legal options, and when to contact a dog bite lawyer for guidance.
Why Do Dog Bites Happen?
Dog bites can happen for many reasons, but most of the time, they’re a reaction to fear, stress, or feeling threatened. Some bites are purely accidental—like during playtime or roughhousing—but many occur when a dog feels scared, startled, or protective, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Children are the most common victims, and they’re also more likely to suffer serious injuries from a bite.
“People don’t always notice the warning signs when a dog is uncomfortable,” says Dr. Christopher Baugh, an emergency medicine expert. Some dogs are highly territorial and may bark, growl, or snap if someone enters their space—whether that’s a yard, home, or crate. Others may show resource guarding, meaning they get anxious or aggressive around their food, toys, or favorite spots.
Understanding a dog’s body language and boundaries is key to preventing bites!
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Even the friendliest dogs can bite if they feel scared, threatened, or provoked, according to the AVMA. To stay safe, never leave young children alone with a dog and teach them to avoid disturbing a dog while it’s eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that 88% of dog bites came from dogs people already knew. Many happened during playtime, feeding, or when someone got too close to the dog’s face. For adults, the most common bite location is the dominant hand, says Dr. Christopher Baugh.
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites (CDC Guidelines):
✔️ Always ask the owner before petting a dog—even if it looks friendly.
✔️ Let the dog see and sniff you before reaching out.
✔️ Avoid petting a dog that looks nervous, scared, sick, or aggressive.
What to Do If an Unfamiliar Dog Approaches:
🐕 Stay calm and still—don’t run or make sudden movements.
🐕 Turn your body slightly to the side to appear less threatening.
🐕 Use a firm, deep voice to say “No” or “Go home.”
🐕 Slowly back away once the dog loses interest.
Being cautious and respecting a dog’s space can help prevent bites!
What Should You Do if a Dog Bites You?
You’re having fun playing with your dog when—ouch!—those teeth catch your skin. Or maybe you’re just out for a walk when an unfamiliar dog suddenly bites.
No matter how it happens, it’s important to act fast to treat the wound and lower the risk of infection. Dog bites can cause deep, jagged wounds because their front teeth grip and compress tissue while their smaller teeth tear the skin. If bacteria enter the wound, an infection can develop—and it can get serious fast.
“The biggest concern with dog bites is infection,” says emergency medicine physician Dr. Stephen Sayles III. “You may even need hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.”
To be safe, always see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite. The longer you wait, the higher your risk of infection—especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Quick medical attention can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
What Are the Steps to Treat a Dog Bite?
If a dog bites you, follow these steps immediately:
- Wash the wound with mild soap and warm water for 5–10 minutes.
- Stop the bleeding by pressing a clean cloth on the wound.
- Apply an antibiotic cream if available.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- Keep it bandaged and visit a doctor as soon as possible.
- Change the bandage several times a day after a doctor examines it.
- Watch for infection signs like redness, swelling, pain, or fever and seek medical help if they appear.
Following these steps lowers infection risk and helps wounds heal properly. If the bite is deep or from an unknown dog, seek medical attention immediately.
Why Seeking Medical Attention After a Dog Bite is Important
If a dog bites you, don’t wait—get medical help right away. Dog bites can cause serious injuries like deep cuts, puncture wounds, and even broken bones. But beyond the immediate damage, there’s also a risk of infection, including rabies, tetanus, and cellulitis, which can become dangerous if left untreated.
Seeing a doctor ensures you get proper treatment and lowers the risk of complications. Plus, your medical records can be important if you decide to file a dog bite claim. They help prove the extent of your injuries and the care required.
Bottom line? Quick medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights.
What Will Your Doctor Do After a Dog Bite?
When you see a doctor for a dog bite, they’ll ask about how it happened and details about the dog. They’ll also clean the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and may prescribe antibiotics like Augmentin if there’s a risk of infection.
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot?
If it’s been more than five years since your last tetanus shot, your doctor may recommend a booster, especially if the wound is deep or dirty.
Will You Need Stitches?
In most cases, dog bites are left open to heal naturally. However, if the wound is on the face or could cause severe scarring, your doctor may suggest stitches.
Why Infection is a Concern
About 50% of dog bites introduce bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus, pasteurella, and capnocytophaga, which can cause serious infections. If the dog was unvaccinated or feral, rabies may also be a concern.
At the end of the day, proper care is key to preventing infection and ensuring your wound heals safely.
What are Michigan’s dog bite laws?
Michigan follows strict liability laws, meaning dog owners are responsible for bites, even if the dog had no history of aggression. The Michigan Leash Law (MCL 287.262) also requires dogs to be leashed in public. Owners who violate these laws may face fines and legal liability for dog bite injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Michigan?
In Michigan, the dog’s owner is typically responsible for a bite under strict liability laws. Victims can seek compensation through the owner’s homeowner’s insurance or directly from their assets. In some cases, landlords, property managers, or caretakers may also be liable, depending on the circumstances.
Do I need to prove the dog owner’s negligence in a dog bite case?
No, Michigan’s strict liability law (MCL 287.351) means victims don’t have to prove negligence—the dog owner is automatically responsible. However, you must show:
✔️ The injury was caused by the bite
✔️ You didn’t provoke the dog
✔️ You were lawfully present (not trespassing)
If bitten on private property, you’re legally there if you were:
Performing state-required duties
A mail carrier
An invited guest or customer
These factors determine if you have a valid dog bite claim.
Why is it important to get medical attention after a dog bite?
Getting medical attention right after a dog bite is crucial to prevent infection (like rabies or tetanus) and treat serious injuries such as lacerations or broken bones. Medical records also serve as key evidence for any dog bite claims, helping document your injuries and treatment.
How Much is a Dog Bite Case Worth in Lansing, Michigan?
The value of a dog bite case depends on the severity of injuries and their impact. Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and psychological trauma. While serious cases can reach hundreds of thousands, minor injuries result in smaller settlements. Each case is unique.
Can I file a dog bite claim against a friend or neighbor in Lansing?
Yes, you can file a dog bite claim against a friend or neighbor in Lansing. Most claims are covered by homeowner’s insurance, not personal assets. This means their insurance company, not them personally, will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury.
