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Dog Bite Scars on the Face: Treatment, Healing, and Compensation
A dog bite scar on the face can affect a person’s appearance, comfort, and emotional well-being. Treatment may include wound care, reconstructive surgery, or later scar revision, depending on the injury. In Illinois, victims may also have legal options to recover damages for medical care, scarring, disfigurement, and other losses.
The Lifelong Impact of a Disfiguring Dog Attack
Dog bites can cause serious facial injuries, particularly when they involve deep wounds, tissue loss, or damage to the eyes, nose, lips, or other sensitive areas. In 2024, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported more than 19,200 reconstructive procedures related to dog bites.
Our Chicago dog bite lawyers know what it takes to assess the impact of facial injuries and seek fair compensation for your legal damages while you focus on recovering. Together, we will seek justice against the at-fault dog owner with a personal injury claim.
Why Facial Injuries from Dog Bites Are So Severe
Facial injuries from a dog bite are very serious. Often, the damage is extensive to vital facial parts, requiring reconstructive surgery. Additionally, the mental impact is massive because the face is part of our outward appearance, so permanent scars can make us feel self-conscious about how we look.
These types of injuries are especially common among children, primarily due to their smaller stature and proximity to the height of a dog’s mouth. Here are some head and neck injuries that could be sustained during a dog attack:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue damage
- Lost skin
- Tissue loss
- Broken bones
- Life-threatening vascular damage
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Facial scars
- Nerve damage
How Long Does a Dog Bite Scar on the Face Take to Heal?
The wound itself may close within the first few weeks, but scar tissue can continue changing for many months. A facial scar may become flatter, softer, or less noticeable as it matures, although some scars remain visible.
The timing varies based on the depth and location of the injury, the treatment provided, the person’s age, and how the wound heals. A plastic surgeon may recommend waiting before determining whether additional scar treatment is appropriate. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that scar revision may be considered about a year after surgery when necessary.
Because healing can continue for a significant period, keep records of medical appointments, procedures, medications, and other treatment related to the injury.
Treatment Options for Dog Bite Scars
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. A physician or board-certified plastic surgeon can evaluate the wound and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Depending on the scar and stage of healing, treatment may include:
- Silicone gel or silicone sheets to help manage certain scars
- Steroid injections for some raised scars
- Laser therapy for selected scar types
- Microneedling in appropriate cases
- Scar revision surgery when a mature scar remains problematic
- Sun protection to reduce discoloration and protect healing skin
Severe facial wounds may require reconstructive treatment soon after the attack, while scar revision is generally considered later. Medical treatment should be based on the individual’s injury rather than an expectation of a particular cosmetic result.
What Does a Dog Bite Scar Look Like?
A dog bite scar can look different depending on how the wound heals. Common scar types include:
- Hypertrophic scars, which are raised but generally remain within the original wound area.
- Keloid scars, which can grow beyond the original wound.
- Atrophic scars, which appear sunken or depressed.
- Contracture scars, which can tighten the skin and sometimes restrict movement.
Because facial scars vary widely, a medical professional should evaluate the injury rather than relying on photographs to determine the appropriate treatment.
The Psychological Trauma of Facial Scars
The healing process for physical injuries may be quick for minor attacks, but emotional trauma can last a lifetime. Many victims of dog bites suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of self-harm.
A victim whose face is affected by permanent scarring after the attack could also struggle with a loss of self-esteem and body confidence. They can withdraw from social interactions to avoid friends and loved ones noticing their appearance.
Facial Dog Bite Scars in Children
Children can be particularly vulnerable to facial dog bites because of their height and proximity to a dog’s mouth. A child’s facial scar may also change as the child grows, making long-term medical evaluation important.
Future treatment can be relevant when evaluating damages. Depending on the injury, a child may need additional procedures as the scar matures or facial structures develop. Medical records and professional opinions can help document these potential future needs.
Photographing Your Scar for Your Claim
Photographs can help document how an injury changes during the healing process. Take clear photos at regular intervals in good lighting and, when appropriate, include a ruler or another object to provide scale.
Keep the original photographs and record the date each image was taken. Continue documenting the scar throughout treatment, including changes after surgery, wound care, or other medical procedures.
How We Value a Claim for Facial Disfigurement in Illinois
Disfigurement and scarring can be categorized as non-economic losses in a civil lawsuit. With facial injuries from dogs, the likelihood of permanent alterations to your appearance is high. Therefore, you can seek a settlement for the impact of the dog attack on your mental well-being.
In Illinois, the value of a claim involving facial disfigurement can depend on the nature and visibility of the injury, the victim’s age, medical treatment, potential future procedures, and the effect of the injury on daily activities, work, and social life. We evaluate these factors based on the individual circumstances of the claim.
Lawyers from our law firm will consider multiple factors to determine the value of your claim, including mental health professional testimony, medical bills, therapy costs, scar revision expenses, surgery bills, journal entries, and other relevant evidence. If your injuries have resulted in permanent scarring or facial disfigurement, speaking with a dog bite scars and disfigurement lawyer can help you understand the damages that may be available under Illinois law.
Recovering Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries in Illinois
Illinois law may allow an injured person to recover damages when the Illinois Animal Control Act requirements are met. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, an owner is liable when a dog, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures a person who is peaceably conducting themselves where they may lawfully be.
Common damages that victims may seek after a dog bite attack include:
Economic Damages
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses (surgical interventions, wound care, cosmetic procedures)
- Future care bills
- Property damage
- Diminished earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering (resulting from injuries)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are different from compensatory damages and may be available only in circumstances recognized by Illinois law. Attorney review is recommended before making a specific statement about punitive damages in a dog bite claim.
The Advantage for Dog Bite Victims in Illinois
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/16, an owner may be liable when a dog, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures a person who is peaceably conducting themselves in a place where they may lawfully be. The Act’s definition of “owner” is also broader than simply the person who holds legal title to a dog and can include a person who keeps, harbors, cares for, or acts as the dog’s custodian.
Because questions involving provocation and the circumstances of the incident can be fact-specific, those issues should be reviewed individually rather than assuming liability in every case.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Treatment
No matter how minimal your injuries or scars may seem, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite. This ensures you receive a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to address the damage to your skin. If you avoid early appointments, your risk of permanent scarring increases.
Early medical evaluation can also create a clear record of the injury, treatment, and prognosis. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and keep copies of relevant medical records, bills, photographs, and treatment recommendations.
Additionally, delaying medical intervention could undermine your claim, as the defendant or insurance company could state that you are exaggerating the dog bite’s impact for a higher settlement. You should also consider taking legal action immediately, as Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (735 ILCS 5/13-202).
If you were under 18 when the cause of action accrued, 735 ILCS 5/13-211 generally provides two years after you turn 18, subject to the statute’s provisions and any applicable exceptions.
How Our Dog Bite Lawyers Fight for You
Our law firm understands the devastating impact a dog bite can have on a victim, especially if it causes scars or disfigurement. Our legal services include:
- Investigating the dog bite attack
- Gathering evidence from witnesses, mental health professionals, and animal control agencies
- Assessing all legal damages, including the lifelong impact of facial scars
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Litigating in civil court
Our attorneys can also help document medical treatment, future care needs, and evidence related to facial scarring and disfigurement.
Dog bite lawyers from our law firm have years of experience securing settlements for victims of these attacks, allowing them to focus on their recovery and well-being.
Here are some past results from cases we have won:
- $1,200,000 – Toddler Noah was attacked by a family member’s Doberman, suffering disfiguring facial injuries that will require lifelong care.
- $885,000 – While at a cookout, 16-year-old Ryan was bitten and shoved into a fire pit by a dog, causing burns and permanent scarring.
- $375,000 – Three-year-old Maya was bitten in the face by a pit bull, requiring surgery and leaving lifelong scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some dog bites can leave permanent scars. The risk depends on the wound’s depth and location, the extent of tissue damage, treatment, and individual healing. Some scars become less noticeable over time, while others may remain visible and require additional treatment.
A facial scar can keep changing for months after the wound closes. Some scars gradually flatten or lighten, while others remain noticeable. A healthcare provider or plastic surgeon can assess the scar’s progress and determine whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
Usually not completely. Treatment may make a scar less noticeable, but no procedure can guarantee that all visible evidence of an injury will disappear. Options such as silicone products, laser treatment, microneedling, or scar revision may be considered depending on the scar.
You should seek medical attention promptly after a facial dog bite. For significant facial wounds, early evaluation by an appropriate specialist may help determine whether reconstructive treatment is needed. Additional scar treatment can be considered later as the wound heals and the scar matures.
Potentially. Illinois law provides a statutory cause of action for certain injuries caused by dogs when the requirements of 510 ILCS 5/16 are met. Damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and disfigurement, depending on the facts of the claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case
If you or a loved one has suffered facial injuries from a dog bite, you can contact our team to discuss your legal options. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Call (312) 779-6171 to schedule a free consultation. Our team can review your injuries, medical treatment, and potential claim under Illinois law.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Content legally reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld The information on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld, founder and managing partner of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. With extensive experience representing dog bite victims across Chicago, Mr. Rosenfeld is dedicated to helping injury victims hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. His deep legal knowledge and commitment to client advocacy ensure that the information provided is accurate, reliable, and aligned with current legal standards.