Chicago Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$1,200,000 Settlement – Messody, a toddler from the South Side, was attacked by a relative’s Doberman, leaving her with deep facial wounds and lasting scars. The young age and the extent of the victim’s injuries significantly increased the case’s value.

$885,000 Settlement – Jaylen, a teenager from Humboldt Park, was bitten by a dog and pushed into a bonfire during a cookout. His burns, emotional trauma, and the location of the incident played a significant role in the recovery amount.

$700,000 Settlement – Tasha was walking near Douglas Park when a neighbor’s dog lunged and bit her, causing nerve damage and facial scarring. Her need for ongoing medical attention and psychological effects influenced the settlement.

What Makes Us the Best Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers

As one of the top-rated Chicago dog bite lawyers, our firm has recovered millions for clients injured in severe animal attacks. Recognized by Super Lawyers and holding a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, we’re trusted by victims across Illinois.

Our track record in personal injury claims reflects our commitment to helping clients recover full compensation after a Chicago dog bite.

Types of Chicago Dog Bite Cases We Handle

Our Chicago dog bite lawyers represent clients in cases involving:

• Children and Families – Injuries to children in neighborhoods, schools, or dog parks; cases of PTSD in children; permanent scarring and disfigurement; fall injuries linked to dog attacks; wrongful death of a child.
• Public Spaces and Dog Parks – Dog park attacks, unleashed and roaming dogs, aggressive or untrained dogs, encounters with “dangerous” breeds under Chicago law, and injuries when the dog’s owner is unknown.
• Rental and Housing-Related Incidents – Bites occurring in apartment complexes or rental properties; cases where landlords may be liable for a tenant’s dog; attacks linked to inadequate fencing or negligent supervision.
• Workers at Risk – Delivery workers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), postal carriers, contractors, and utility workers facing bites during their job duties, sometimes leading to workers’ compensation claims.
• Serious and Lasting Injuries – Cases involving scarring and disfigurement, facial injuries, nerve damage, broken bones, infections, and emotional distress. We also pursue claims for medical expenses like plastic surgery or long-term therapy.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dog Bites in Chicago?

Dog attack incidents in Chicago often happen because of preventable actions—or inaction—by dog owners. One of the most common causes is failing to leash or properly restrain a dog in public areas, which can quickly lead to an unprovoked attack. Some property owners also fail to secure yards with proper fencing, allowing dogs to roam freely.

In other cases, dangerous dogs with a known history of aggression are ignored or mishandled by their owners. These situations often point to negligence, making the owner legally responsible for any dog bite injuries that follow.

What Are the Most Common Dog-Related Injuries?

Dog attack injuries can range from moderate to life-threatening, depending on the nature of the attack. Common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, soft tissue damage, nerve injuries, and long-term scarring or disfigurement, especially to the face, arms, or legs.

Dog bite infections are also a serious concern due to bacteria carried in a dog’s teeth. Many victims–particularly children–experience lasting emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dog bite statistics show that fatal injuries can also occur in tragic cases. Between 2011 and 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 468 dog bite fatalities in the U.S., an average of 43 per year. In 2021 alone, 81 people died from dog-related injuries, more than doubling from earlier years.

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

Medical Expenses

Dog bite victims often face significant medical costs, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, hospital stays, and ongoing care like physical therapy. In more severe cases, victims may also need reconstructive surgery or long-term treatment for dog bite infections.

Lost Income

If a dog bite injury prevents someone from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes income lost during recovery and potential future earnings if the injury leads to permanent disability or reduced work capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond physical injuries, animal attacks often cause lasting pain that disrupts daily life. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical discomfort, limitations, and long-term impact of injuries caused by the bite.

Emotional Distress

Many dog bite victims, especially children, suffer psychological trauma. Anxiety, nightmares, and PTSD are common. These emotional effects can linger long after physical wounds heal. Victims may be able to recover damages for the emotional toll of the incident.

Disfigurement

Visible scars, especially on the face, arms, or legs, can lead to lifelong emotional and social challenges. Disfigurement damages in a dog bite lawsuit account for the permanent impact on appearance and self-esteem. These injuries often increase settlement value, particularly in cases involving children or public-facing careers.

What Is the Average Payout in Chicago Animal Attack Lawsuits?

Based on Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, the average payout in a Chicago dog bite lawsuit is approximately $171,079, with a median value of $42,500. Settlements and verdicts can range from as low as $2,221 to $1,125,000.

Several factors influence how much a dog bite victim may recover, including:

• Severity of the injuries caused
• Need for reconstructive surgery or long-term medical treatment
• Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
• Impact on the ability to work and resulting lost wages
• Whether the animal’s owner acted with gross negligence or ignored prior aggressive behavior
• Dog owner’s insurance policy limits

Example Dog Bite Injury Cases

$940,000 Verdict for Nerve Damage and CRPS in Lombard Dog Bite Case

Kristen Hayes, age 8, was bitten on the thumb by a Lhasa Apso that escaped while in the care of a Lombard veterinary clinic. The bite caused nerve damage and later developed into complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), requiring multiple surgeries and long-term pain management. Though the dog’s owner was dismissed from the case, the jury awarded $940,000 against the clinic.

$225,000 Settlement for Teen Bitten by Pit Bull in Cicero Backyard

Thirteen-year-old Jacob Rodriguez was attacked by a pit bull while helping move furniture at a Cicero home. The dog was supposed to be confined, but got loose and bit him in the left leg, causing permanent scarring and a soft-tissue deformity. The family sued the animal’s owner, alleging prior aggressive behavior. During jury selection, the case settled for $225,000, including compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress.

$185,000 Verdict for Child Mauled by Neighbor’s Dog in Chicago

Nine-year-old Glendell Miller was bitten multiple times by a neighbor’s pit bull that escaped over a fence in a Chicago yard. He required surgery, skin grafts, and spent a month unable to walk. The defense argued provocation and denied negligence, but the jury sided with the dog bite victim and awarded $185,000, including damages for scarring, pain and suffering, medical costs, and emotional trauma related to the attack.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Chicago

Pursuing a personal injury case involving a dog bite in Chicago isn’t always straightforward. These cases often involve disputes over provocation, conflicting witness statements, and aggressive tactics by the dog owner’s insurer.

Proving liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act requires showing the victim did not provoke the animal attack and had a legal right to be where the bite occurred. Local courts, like those in Cook County, apply these rules carefully, making legal guidance essential.

A skilled Chicago dog bite lawyer understands how to build strong evidence, challenge common defenses, and push for full compensation in both settlement negotiations and trial.

How Common Are Dog Bite Incidents in Chicago?

According to recent USPS data, Chicago ranks third in the U.S. for dog attacks on postal workers, with 57 incidents reported in 2024. Illinois had 344 reported dog attacks, placing it fourth among all states.

The Insurance Information Institute ranks Illinois eighth nationwide for dog bite insurance claims, as claim costs have surged over the past ten years. Most victims are children, and many bites involve familiar or neighborhood dogs.

Where Do Dog Bites Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Dog attack incidents in Chicago are most common in high-traffic and residential areas where dogs and people frequently cross paths. Public parks like Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and Douglas Park often see off-leash dogs despite city leash laws.

Many bites also occur at apartment complexes and rental properties on the South and West Sides. Sidewalks, alleys, and delivery routes near commercial properties are also common locations, especially when dogs are unsecured or poorly restrained.

What Illinois Laws Govern Dog Bite Claims?

• The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites or attacks, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression.
• Illinois’ Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) applies when dog attacks occur on someone’s property, requiring property owners to maintain safe conditions and prevent foreseeable harm from animals on the premises.
• In the case of Beckert v. Risberg, 50 Ill.2d 16 (1971), the Illinois Supreme Court confirmed that dog owners can be held liable for bites even without prior warnings, reinforcing the state’s strict liability standard.
• Docherty v. Sadler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (2d Dist. 1997) upheld that provocation is a valid defense under Illinois dog bite laws, but it’s the defendant’s burden to prove the victim provoked the dog attack.

Does Illinois Have a One-Bite Rule?

Illinois does not follow the “one free bite rule,” which allows a dog one free attack before the owner can be held liable. Instead, Illinois applies a strict liability standard. This means a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog had no history of aggression.

Are There Any Chicago-Specific Dog Bite Laws?

• §7-12-030 requires dogs to be leashed and under control in public spaces. Violations may support liability in a dog bite case, especially if the dog attack happens while the dog is off-leash.
• §10-36-020 prohibits bringing dogs to parks, playgrounds, airports, and beaches unless in designated “dog-friendly areas.” Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. These restrictions help reduce the risk of dog attacks in public spaces.
• §7-12-050 outlines regulations for handling dangerous or vicious dogs, including reporting requirements, muzzling, and confinement. Noncompliance can strengthen a victim’s case after a serious dog bite.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Illinois?

The Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202) gives victims two years from the date of the dog bite or injury to file a personal injury claim.

735 ILCS 5/13-211 tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations for minors and people under legal disability. The two-year clock does not begin running until the child turns 18. That means a child bitten by a dog or other animal at age 10 would typically have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.

Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago?

In dog bite cases in Chicago, primary liability usually falls on the animal’s owner. However, landlords or property owners may also be held responsible if they knew about a dangerous dog on the premises or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an animal attack.

Common Defenses in Chicago Dog Bite Cases

In dog bite cases, defendants often raise certain legal defenses to avoid liability.

One common claim is that the victim provoked the dog, either by teasing, hitting, or startling it. Another defense is that the victim was trespassing at the time of the dog attack, meaning they had no legal right to be on the property. In some cases, the owner may argue the dog acted in self-defense, reacting to a perceived threat or aggression.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Chicago

To strengthen your dog bite claim in Chicago, take immediate steps to protect your health and your case. First, seek immediate medical care, as even minor bites can lead to serious infections. Report the dog attack to the police and get a copy of the incident report. Gather contact information of the owner and any witnesses.

Photograph the dog, your injuries, the scene, and any damaged property. Preserve torn clothing or other physical evidence. Most importantly, avoid speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company, as doing so could risk your right to full compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.

How to Report a Dog Attack in Chicago

To report a dog attack in Chicago, contact 311 or file a report online through the City of Chicago’s 311 system. For immediate danger or severe injury, call 911. Animal attack injuries must also be reported to Cook County Animal and Rabies Control at (708) 974-6140. They investigate animal attacks and can order quarantine for the animal.

How a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

A Chicago dog bite lawyer plays a critical role in protecting your rights and pursuing compensation. From the start, we will investigate the dog attack, gather medical records, interview witnesses, and collect photos or surveillance footage. We’ll handle all communication with the dog owner’s insurance company and push back against blame-shifting tactics.

We will also assess the full value of your personal injury case, including future care, lost income, and emotional trauma. If needed, we’ll file a lawsuit and represent you in court to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Chicago Dog Bite Resources

• Chicago 311 – Call 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov to report a dog bite or aggressive animal behavior. The system routes your report to the appropriate city department, such as Animal Care and Control or the police. It’s ideal for non-emergency situations where follow-up is needed.
• Local Law Enforcement – Call 911 immediately if someone is seriously injured, in danger, or if the dog attack is still in progress. Emergency responders will provide medical aid and ensure public safety.
• Cook County Animal and Rabies Control – This agency investigates reported animal attacks, enforces quarantine of the animal when necessary, and monitors compliance with rabies vaccination laws. They help determine whether a dog is dangerous or vicious under county and state regulations.

FAQs

What will happen to the dog if I take legal action?

Legal action doesn’t automatically mean the dog will be euthanized. Authorities assess risk and may require quarantine, restrictions, or designation as a dangerous dog.

Can I seek compensation if I don’t need plastic surgery for my dog bite injuries?

Yes. Even without surgery, you may recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress from the dog bite injury.

Is there a limit to how much compensation can be recovered following a dog attack?

Illinois doesn’t cap compensation in dog bite cases, but recovery may be limited by the owner’s insurance policy or available assets.

How much do dog bite attorneys charge in Chicago?

Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We’re only paid if we help you recover compensation.

Who can file a dog bite claim in Illinois?

Any dog bite victim can file. For children, a parent or guardian must pursue the claim on their behalf within the statute of limitations.

What are the warning signs that a dog might attack?

Growling, snarling, stiff body language, raised fur, baring teeth, and intense staring are all warning signs that a dog might attack.

Can dog attacks be prevented?

Many attacks are preventable. Leashing, training, supervision, and avoiding known dangerous dogs reduce risk. Owners are legally responsible for controlling their pets in public.

Do Illinois dog bite laws view aggressive breeds differently?

No. Illinois laws apply regardless of breed. However, certain breeds may influence how insurance companies or courts view the case.

Can I file a personal injury claim if I was bitten by a service dog?

Yes. Service dogs must still be under control. If a bite occurs due to negligence, you may have a valid personal injury claim.

How do you establish liability for a dog attack?

In Illinois, liability is established if the victim was lawfully present, didn’t provoke the dog, and was injured by the animal attack.

How do you prove emotional distress in a dog bite injury claim?

Emotional distress can be proven through medical records, psychological evaluations, therapy notes, and testimony showing anxiety, fear of dogs, or PTSD.

What if I don’t know who owns the dog that bit me?

Try to identify the dog’s owner through witnesses, video footage, or neighborhood canvassing. Police and animal control may also assist in locating the animal.

Consult Our Dog Bite Attorneys to Understand Your Legal Options!

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, our Chicago personal injury lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and fight for compensation. We offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case, as our fees are based on a contingency. Contact us today to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer and take the first step toward protecting your future.