Grand Rapids and Kent County
Unattended death cleanup in Grand Rapids
When a person dies alone and is not found for some time, the home needs more than ordinary cleaning. This page explains what is involved, without detail you do not need.
Phones answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
First, the medical examiner
Call 911 if no one has yet. A death at home that was not expected is reported to the Kent County Office of the Medical Examiner, whose investigators take custody of the person and arrange transport. Michigan law requires the county medical examiner to investigate a death that is unexpected, and one where the person had not seen a physician within the past year, unless the attending physician can determine the cause (MCL 52.202).
After that, the home is released to the family or the owner. Keep the room closed and stay out of it until it has been assessed.
More on the office: Kent County Medical Examiner.
Why it is more than cleaning
- Fluids soak through carpet into pad and subfloor, and into mattresses and upholstery. Those are usually removed, not cleaned.
- Odor stays until every source has been taken out. Air fresheners only cover it.
- Insects and contaminated items are part of the job.
- Waste from the room is handled as a biohazard, separately from household trash.
Questions
Common questions
How long does it take?
It depends on how long the person was undiscovered, how far things soaked in and whether flooring or walls have to come out. The company will give you an estimate of the time after seeing the space.
Can we keep belongings from the room?
Often hard items can be cleaned. Soft items that fluids reached usually cannot. Tell the company what matters to you before they start, so it can be set aside and checked.
Does homeowner's insurance pay?
Sometimes. Coverage depends on your policy. Call your agent or insurer, ask whether the cleanup is covered and whether they need to see the room first. The who pays guide lists the questions to ask.
Other situations
- Crime scene and trauma cleanupAfter a homicide, assault or other violent event, once police have released the home.Read more
- Cleanup after a suicideSo that no family member has to clean the room themselves.Read more
- Blood and bodily fluid cleanupInjuries, falls, medical events and anything that soaked into floors or furniture.Read more
- Hoarding with biohazardsHomes where clutter hides animal or human waste, rodents, spoiled food or used needles.Read more
- Disinfection after illness or rodentsRooms contaminated by rodent droppings, sewage-soaked materials or a sick person's fluids.Read more
- Vehicle biohazard cleanupBlood or bodily fluids in a car, truck or van after an injury, crime or death.Read more
Whenever you are ready
One call to find out what the cleanup involves
Nothing has to be decided tonight. Keep the room closed, keep children and pets out, and call when you want to hear the options from someone who does this work.
Speak with a cleanup company
Your call goes to an independent company that works in your ZIP code. Describe what happened, ask how they would handle it and how they set the price, then decide in your own time.
Call (616) 616-9979Phones answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded for quality. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.