Why Grand Rapids Dog Bite Victims Choose Lee Steinberg Law Firm
A dog attack can happen without warning and cause devastating physical and psychological injuries. Michigan's strict liability dog bite law (MCL 287.351) puts the responsibility squarely on dog owners — but insurance companies still fight these claims hard. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been fighting for injured Michigan residents for more than 50 years, and our Michigan dog bite injury lawyers know how to win.
Our attorneys are recognized as Super Lawyers, and Co-President Eric Steinberg is a former President of the Michigan Association for Justice. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for Michigan victims. When you retain us, you get a dedicated legal team and a firm with the resources to take on any insurer.
No Fee Until We Win
We handle dog bite cases on a full contingency-fee basis. No upfront costs, no retainers — you pay nothing until we win.
Free Consultation With a Grand Rapids Dog Bite Lawyer
Our consultations are always free, confidential, and available 24/7. Contact our team today.
How Dog Attacks Happen in Grand Rapids
Dog attacks in Grand Rapids occur in residential neighborhoods, parks, sidewalks, and public spaces throughout Kent County. Michigan's strict liability law applies regardless of prior bite history. Common situations our attorneys see include:
- Off-leash dogs in parks and recreational spaces near DeVos Place, Frederik Meijer Gardens, and Spectrum Health
- Dogs escaping fenced yards in Heritage Hill, Eastown, and the Medical Mile
- Attacks on mail carriers, delivery workers, and service professionals
- Children bitten while playing in neighborhood common areas and schoolyards
- Attacks during visits to a dog owner's home
- Dogs that escaped along Division Avenue, Michigan Street, and 28th Street SE
- Attacks involving multiple dogs or animals with prior bite history
Under MCL 287.351, a dog owner is liable for injuries their dog causes by biting another person, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before. You only need to show that you were bitten and were lawfully present at the location.
Common Injuries in Grand Rapids Dog Bite Cases
Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from surface wounds to life-altering trauma:
- Deep lacerations, puncture wounds, and extensive tissue damage
- Nerve damage causing permanent numbness, weakness, or loss of function
- Facial scarring and disfigurement, especially in attacks on children
- Broken bones from the force of a large dog's bite or from being knocked to the ground
- Serious infections including MRSA, cellulitis, and sepsis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lasting psychological trauma
- Wrongful death in the most severe attacks
In cases involving severe head trauma, our team also handles traumatic brain injury claims that require specialized neurological care. In fatal dog attack cases, our wrongful death attorneys practice can help surviving families pursue full compensation.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Grand Rapids?
Michigan's MCL 287.351 imposes strict liability on dog owners. To recover, the injured person must show: (1) the defendant owned the dog; (2) the plaintiff was bitten; (3) the plaintiff was in a public place or lawfully on private property. Dog owner defenses — such as provocation or trespass — are interpreted narrowly by Michigan courts.
Beyond the dog owner, potentially liable parties in Grand Rapids may include a landlord who allowed a known dangerous dog on their property, a dog boarding or daycare facility that failed to control the animal, or a property owner whose premises contributed to the unsafe conditions. Local Kent County ordinances governing leash requirements and licensing can also support a negligence claim.
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Grand Rapids?
Dog bite victims in Grand Rapids and throughout Kent County can seek compensation for:
- Emergency treatment, wound care, and reconstructive surgery
- Physical and psychological therapy and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages during recovery
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of physical function
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life and impact on relationships
- Wrongful death damages if the attack resulted in a fatality
Review our recent results to see the types of recoveries our firm has secured for Michigan victims.
Michigan Dog Bite Laws That Affect Your Grand Rapids Case
MCL 287.351 — Michigan Dog Bite Statute: The owner of a dog is liable for all damages suffered by a person bitten by the dog while on public property or lawfully on private property. Liability is strict — no prior bite history is required.
MCL 287.322 — Dog Licensing: Michigan requires all dogs to be licensed. Failure to license can be evidence of negligence per se. Local Kent County ordinances may impose additional leash and confinement requirements.
MCL 287.262 - Leash Law: A dog owner, except in narrow circumstances, cannot allow their dog to walk or stray in a neighborhood without properly being held on a leash.
Comparative Fault: Michigan follows modified comparative fault. If you provoked the dog or were trespassing, your recovery may be reduced — but most lawful victims recover in full.
MCL 600.5805 — Statute of Limitations: You generally have three years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. Act quickly to preserve evidence.
Our Michigan personal injury attorneys handle dog bite cases across all of Michigan, including communities throughout Kent County.
Evidence That Strengthens a Grand Rapids Dog Bite Case
Prompt evidence collection is critical in dog bite cases. Our attorneys work immediately to secure:
- Photographs of your wounds immediately after the attack and throughout the healing process
- Animal control reports filed with the city or county
- Police reports if law enforcement responded to the attack
- Witness statements from bystanders, neighbors, or anyone who observed the attack
- The dog owner's name, address, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information
- Vaccination and licensing records for the dog
- Any prior complaint records or documented bite history involving the same dog
- Complete medical records documenting physical and psychological injuries
What To Do After a Dog Attack in Grand Rapids
- Seek medical care immediately — dog bite wounds are highly prone to infection
- Report the attack to animal control authorities in Kent County
- Photograph your wounds, the location of the attack, and the dog if safely possible
- Collect the dog owner's name, address, and insurance information
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Do not sign any documents or accept payment from the owner or insurer without legal advice
- Call the Lee Steinberg Law Firm at 1-800-LEE-FREE for a free consultation
