Dog Bites in Grand Rapids, Michigan: What You Should Know if You or a Loved One Has Been Attacked
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you're not alone — and you may have important legal rights. West Michigan has seen an increase in dog bite incidents, including several recent attacks involving children, delivery drivers, and other innocent victims. This blog will walk you through the key facts about dog bite cases in Grand Rapids, your legal options, and how to protect yourself or your family after an attack.
Dog Bites in Kent County: More Common Than You Might Think
Kent County consistently reports dozens of serious dog bite incidents each year, and Grand Rapids accounts for a significant share. While many bites occur in residential neighborhoods like Alger Heights, Creston, or Garfield Park, others happen in public parks, apartment complexes, or near schools.
Dog bite victims in Grand Rapids range from young children to mail carriers, utility workers, and delivery drivers. These incidents often lead to emergency care, stitches, infection risks, and long-term scarring or trauma.
Common Victims: Children and Gig Workers
In my practice, two groups come up repeatedly in dog bite cases:
Children — especially toddlers and infants — are among the most frequent and severely injured victims. Because of their size and limited ability to defend themselves, even a single bite can result in facial trauma, long-term scarring, and psychological harm. These are some of the most emotional and complex cases I handle. Those photos are difficult to look at, even after years of helping families.
Gig Economy Drivers — such as Amazon Flex, DoorDash, and Uber Eats workers — are often bitten while walking up to homes or dropping packages. Unlike postal workers, they typically receive no training on avoiding dog encounters. In many cases, the delivery platform doesn’t offer much protection either, leaving the driver dependent on homeowner’s insurance or a personal injury claim. It makes sense, but the more we rely on delivery service, the more often we see attacks to these delivery drivers.
Michigan Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Michigan has a “strict liability” dog bite statute, meaning a dog owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone — even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before.
Under MCL 287.351, the law reads in part:
"If a dog bites a person, without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the dog owner, the owner is liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten."
In plain terms:
You don’t have to prove the dog had a history of aggression.
You don’t have to prove the owner was otherwise negligent.
If you were legally on the property and didn’t provoke the dog, the owner is liable for the damages their dog causes.
Grand Rapids Leash Laws: What the City Requires
In Grand Rapids, the local ordinance requires that dogs be leashed and under control whenever they are off their owner’s property. It is unlawful for a dog to run at large unless the dog is on a leash no longer than six feet and under the control of a responsible person. This means that even in parks or neighborhoods, a dog must be physically leashed — voice control alone is not enough under the law.
Violating leash laws not only creates danger for pedestrians, children, and other animals — it also strengthens a victim’s legal case. If a dog was off-leash in a public space and bit someone, the owner may be found negligent per se, meaning negligence is presumed due to the ordinance violation.
Case Spotlight: Delivery Driver Bit on Front Porch
A delivery driver was placing a package on a front porch in a Grand Rapids neighborhood when an unleashed dog burst through the screen door and bit him on the leg. The driver had not entered the home or made contact with the dog — he was lawfully on the property doing his job. The dog owner later admitted the door latch had been broken for weeks but hadn’t been fixed.
The bite caused puncture wounds and permanent scarring. The victim missed time from work and required follow-up care. Because the driver was lawfully on the property and had not provoked the dog, the owner was strictly liable under Michigan law. With the increase in home deliveries, I am receiving more calls similar to this fact pattern.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Grand Rapids
Seek medical attention immediately. Even a small bite can cause infection or nerve damage.
Report the bite to Kent County Animal Control or the Grand Rapids Police Department. This creates a public record.
Identify the dog and owner. Get names, addresses, and vaccination info.
Document your injuries. Take photos, save medical records, and keep track of your recovery.
Speak with a dog bite attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Can You Sue a Dog Owner in Grand Rapids?
Yes. If you were lawfully on the property (even delivering a package or visiting a tenant in a rental unit), and you didn’t provoke the dog, the owner is liable under Michigan law. In addition to the strict liability statute, we also review cases for possible negligence claims, especially when:
The dog had a known history of biting or attacking
The dog was off-leash in a public area
The owner violated a local ordinance or lease agreement
In some cases, we've also pursued claims against landlords or property managers who knew about a dangerous dog on the premises but failed to act.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases
Victims of dog attacks often suffer more than just puncture wounds. Common injuries include:
Severe scarring (especially to the face, arms, or legs)
Nerve damage
Infections or rabies risk
Emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
Permanent disfigurement
For children, scarring and trauma can have long-term emotional and developmental consequences.
Why Hire a Local Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bite cases are personal injury cases — but they’re also unique. You want an attorney who:
Understands the Grand Rapids municipal codes and Kent County court procedures
Has experience negotiating with local insurance carriers
Can quickly track down dog ownership records and prior incident reports
Will treat your case with the urgency and compassion it deserves
We’ve handled dog bite claims across Michigan, including right here in West Michigan. Whether you’re a parent of an injured child, a delivery driver hurt on the job, or a tenant attacked by a neighbor’s dog, we’ll fight to hold the right party accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Grand Rapids
What if the dog’s owner is a renter and not the property owner?
In Michigan, the dog owner is liable regardless of whether they rent or own the property. However, landlords may also face liability if they knew about a dangerous dog on their property and failed to act.
Can I sue if the dog bite happened on private property where I was invited?
Yes. Michigan’s strict liability statute protects anyone lawfully on the property, including guests, delivery drivers, and service workers.
What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
Provocation can be a defense to liability. However, courts require clear evidence that the victim’s actions actually provoked the bite. Simply being near the dog or trying to defend yourself usually isn’t considered provocation.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Michigan?
The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the bite. I’d encourage you to act as quickly as practical. There are different laws that apply to bites to minors, but it is best to consult with an attorney familiar with these issues.
Will my own health insurance cover my injuries from a dog bite?
Often, your health insurance will cover medical bills. However, liability and compensation claims usually come from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. So your health insurance, or even workers compensation provider, may initially cover your medical expenses, but you need to be really careful to protect any rights your carrier has to recoup those expenses. This is generally referred to as its right to subrogation. If you recover money, you may have to pay a portion of it back to cover medical expenses or wage loss.
A Personal Note from My Practice
Over the years, I’ve represented families in Grand Rapids and across Michigan after terrifying dog bite incidents. These are deeply personal cases. It’s not just about money — it’s about healing, justice, and ensuring it doesn’t happen to someone else.
When you call my office, you speak with me directly. I’ll take the time to understand what happened and what you need — and I’ll handle your case personally from start to finish.
Talk to a Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in Grand Rapids, don’t wait. The sooner we’re involved, the easier it is to gather evidence and secure your claim.
Your consultation is free, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
Serving Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Walker, and West Michigan statewide.