Dog Bite Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, both physically and emotionally. If you were injured by a dog in Grand Rapids, Michigan law may give you the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner. Under Michigan’s strict liability law, owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. This applies when the bite occurs on public property or when you were lawfully on private property.
If you required medical treatment, missed work, experienced scarring or emotional distress, or have lasting injuries from the attack, you may have a valid claim. You don’t have to prove the dog was known to be aggressive, only that the bite happened under qualifying circumstances.
Barrix Law Firm has extensive experience helping injury victims in Grand Rapids hold negligent dog owners accountable. We can evaluate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and more. We offer free consultations and charge no fee unless we win.
Michigan’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability Explained
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Michigan, we’re here to help you understand what you should know about dog bites and how the law protects you. Michigan follows a strict liability rule, which means a dog owner is legally responsible for a bite victim’s injuries, even if the dog has never bitten or acted aggressively before.
There is no “one free bite” rule in this state. Owners are held accountable based on the circumstances of the bite, not the dog’s past behavior.
The law applies when:
The bite occurred on public property, or
- You were legally on private property (for example, as a guest, tenant, or delivery worker)
These protections are outlined in Michigan’s dog bite liability statute and entry-on-premises statute, which explain when and how a victim may pursue compensation.
However, these laws do not apply if the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing. If you were lawfully present and suffered an injury, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Michigan
Being bitten by a dog can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after the incident can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to pursue full and fair compensation. Here’s what to do when a dog attacks:
Get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. Ask for:
- Their name and phone number
- The dog’s vaccination history
- Proof of rabies vaccination, if possible
If the dog’s owner is unknown or leaves the scene, report the incident to the authorities.
Report the bite to Kent County Animal Control or your local Grand Rapids-area law enforcement agency. A formal report helps document the incident and may reveal if the dog has a history of aggression. If you go to the ER for your injuries, you may be able to file a report there.
- Kent County Animal Control: 616-632-7300
- Grand Rapids Police (non-emergency): 616-456-3400
Take photos of:
- Your injuries
- The location where the bite occurred
- The dog, if safely possible
- Any torn clothing or damaged property
Write down the time, date, and any details you remember about what happened.
The dog owner’s insurer may contact you. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame onto the victim.
- Explain your rights under Michigan’s strict liability law.
- Gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with the insurer to protect your rights.
- Help you pursue full compensation.
We offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Dog bite claims often involve more complications than most people expect. Insurance companies may try to blame the victim, claim the bite wasn’t serious, or argue that you had no legal right to be on the property. These tactics are designed to limit or deny your compensation, and without legal representation, you could walk away with far less than you may deserve.
At Barrix Law Firm, we bring decades of experience handling dog attack injury cases across Michigan, including in Grand Rapids and throughout Kent County. We understand how to push back when insurers try to shift blame or downplay your injuries.
Here’s how we help:
- Build a strong case using detailed evidence, including medical records, eyewitness accounts, and any history of the dog’s aggression.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement and prevent yourself from being pressured into an undervalued offer.
- Navigate the legal process, including Michigan’s strict liability laws, filing deadlines, and required documentation.
- Pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and long-term damage.
With Barrix Law Firm on your side, you’ll have a local team with a long-standing track record of results, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Dog Bite?
The value of a dog bite claim in Michigan depends on the specifics of your injury and how it affects your life. There’s no universal payout amount, but victims may be entitled to significant compensation, especially when the injuries are serious or permanent.
Factors that can affect the value of your claim include:
Severity of the injury (e.g., deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infection)
Medical expenses, including ER visits, surgeries, and follow-up care
Permanent damage or disfigurement (such as scarring on the face or limbs)
Lost income from time missed at work or reduced future earning ability
Emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs
Some dog bite victims, especially children, require long-term care or plastic surgery. Others are left with visible scars that affect their confidence and quality of life. Compensation is designed to cover both financial losses and the emotional and physical toll of the attack.
However, it’s important to understand that Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be partially at fault. For example, if the insurer claims you provoked the dog, your compensation may be reduced. And if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything.
Attorney Jason Barrix and his team from Barrix Law Firm can help you gather the evidence you need to defend your rights and avoid unfair blame. We assess every angle of your case to pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Michigan law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
Our dog bite attorneys at Barrix Law Firm work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and no legal fees at all unless your lawyer successfully recovers money for you. Free initial consultations are always available, so you can learn about your rights without any financial risk.
To build a strong case, you’ll need:
- Photos of injuries and the scene
- Medical records showing treatment and recovery
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the incident
- Prior complaints about the dog, if available (e.g., past aggressive behavior or bites)
We can help you gather this evidence and request any relevant records or reports.
Settlement amounts can vary significantly. In Michigan, payouts typically range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to tens of thousands or more for serious wounds, disfigurement, or permanent impairment. The value depends on the medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether the injuries had long-term consequences.
You can pursue a claim for a wide range of injuries, not just the most extreme cases. Legally actionable bites often involve puncture wounds, infections, scarring, nerve damage, or emotional trauma like anxiety or PTSD. Even a seemingly minor bite may qualify if it required medical attention or affected your daily life. It’s worth speaking with a lawyer even if you’re unsure of the severity.
Why Choose Barrix Law Firm: 4 Reasons
When you’ve been bitten by a dog in Grand Rapids, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. Here’s why Barrix Law Firm is the trusted choice for injury victims across Michigan:
- Local experience handling Grand Rapids dog bite claims with an understanding of the courts, insurers, and community.
- Aggressive advocacy against negligent dog owners and insurance companies that try to avoid paying what you’re owed.
- Proven results in personal injury settlements that reflect the full impact of your injuries: physical, emotional, and financial.
- Personalized support from your first call to the final resolution. We treat your case with care because we know it’s not just a case. It’s your life.
We offer free case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no fee unless we win. Want to know more about us and how we can help you?
