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How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Sue in Illinois?
Most dog bite injury claims fall under the strict liability statute of the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), which states that owners are liable for legal damages caused by their pets, even for a first offense. However, the timeline of your legal action is important. With that in mind, how long after a dog bite can you sue in Illinois?
We will examine the Illinois dog bite statute of limitations and other contributing factors in this guide.
Pursuing compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and other losses is a challenging process without experienced attorneys on your side. Our team will stand by your side during the claims process to give you a better chance of securing compensation.
What Is the Illinois Canine Bite Statute of Limitations?
Canine bites fall under the same statute of limitations as most personal injuries in Illinois. Under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of your injuries to pursue legal action in a dog bite case.
This two-year window applies regardless of whether the dog owner is held liable under Illinois’s strict liability law or through general negligence, so it’s important to understand how the Illinois dog bite statute of limitations applies to your specific situation. For a broader overview of your rights as a victim, see our summary of Illinois dog bite law.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Minor and Legally Disabled Dog Bite Injury Victims?
The typical statute of limitations can be paused, or “tolled,” for certain victims under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-211.
For minors under the age of 18, the two-year clock begins once they turn 18. For legally disabled individuals, the statute is paused until the disability ends or a guardian acts on their behalf. This ensures victims have some flexibility if filing right away is not an option.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Fatal Dog Bite Cases?
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows surviving family members of deceased individuals to pursue legal damages from the at-fault party in a dog bite wrongful death claim.
The two-year deadline begins on the date of the person’s death, not the date of the attack.
Why Acting Quickly Is Critical After an Illinois Dog Bite Injury
Most of the time, missing a deadline will result in the court dismissing your case. However, exceptions can apply if the defendant concealed information or the victim was mentally incapacitated when the attack occurred.
There are also practical reasons not to delay filing a lawsuit:
- Evidence deteriorates (fading memories or misplaced medical records)
- Animal Control records are easier to obtain right after the incident
- The dog owner’s insurance company will try to settle early for less
- Prompt legal action gives your lawyers time to investigate, collect proof, and meet filing deadlines
Acting within the Illinois dog bite statute of limitations also gives your attorney more time to build the strongest possible case and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to, rather than settling for less because a deadline is approaching.
How Our Chicago Law Firm Can Help You Hold Dog Owners Accountable
Our personal injury law firm knows what it takes to earn compensation for lost wages, medical attention expenses, and emotional suffering.
Our legal services include:
- Filing the claim before the statute of limitations expires
- Gathering medical documents, witness statements, and Animal Control records
- Notifying the dog owner and insurer
- Assessing all legal damages
- Protecting your rights under state law
- Working on a contingency fee basis (no costs unless we win)
Don’t wait until the Illinois dog bite statute of limitations is close to running out. Contact our dog bite injury law firm in Chicago today to schedule a free consultation about your dog bite injury claim.
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.