Dog Bite

Suffered a Dog Attack in Chicago? Fight Back with Confidence!

Chicago dog bite lawyer representation can make all the difference after a serious dog attack. Every year, many Chicago residents suffer dog bites that cause lasting physical and emotional harm, often requiring extensive medical care. You shouldn’t have to shoulder those costs alone.

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we help dog bite victims pursue fair compensation through personal injury claims—ensuring you receive the support and justice you deserve. With decades of experience, you can trust that you’re in capable hands. Below are some examples of the dog bite settlements we’ve secured for our clients:

• $1,200,000 policy limit recovery after a toddler was attacked by a relative’s Doberman Pinscher.
• $885,000 settlement for a teenage boy who was attacked by a large dog and accidentally pushed into a bonfire at a local cookout, resulting in severe injuries.
• $700,000 for a case involving nerve damage following a dog attack.

Dog Bite Statistics

Injuries caused by dogs represent a major problem in the greater Chicago area. Some important statistics worth knowing are:

• Chicago Animal Care & Control receives 35,000+ calls a year related to animal control issues.
• Chicago ranks 10th out of all cities in the United States for the number of postal workers bitten by a dog each year.
• Most reported dog attacks occur on hot, smoggy, or sunny days.
• In accordance with state recommendations, domestic dogs that bite humans should be captured, confined, and monitored by a professional for 10 days after the dog attack to see if it has rabies.
• The last rabid dog found in Cook County was found before 1964.
• According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners and keepers must take reasonable measures to protect the public from vicious dogs.
• According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the state of Illinois has the 8th most expensive dog claim awards in 2023, with more than $61 million in claims being paid out.
• Homeowners’ insurance policies pay an average of $37,000 per dog bite case.
• In Illinois, the average cost per claim reached $73,797, making it the highest of all states.
• Hundreds of thousands of dog bites each year receive medical attention.

Illinois Dog Bite Laws & Your Legal Rights

Understanding Illinois law is essential for anyone involved in dog bite incidents, whether you are a dog bite victim or a dog owner. Below are some of the relevant statutes and responsibilities:

Illinois Animal Control Act (Strict Liability)

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, specifically 510 ILCS 5/16, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that if the animal bites someone who is lawfully present in a location and did not provoke the animal, the injured person doesn’t need to demonstrate the owner’s prior knowledge of the dog’s potential for aggression.

Chicago Leash and Restraint Laws

According to Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-030, all dogs must be restrained or leashed anytime they are off their owner’s property. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $300 up to $10,000.

Bite Reporting and Quarantine Requirements

If someone is bitten by a dog in Illinois, it must be reported to local authorities within 24 hours. The dog is required to undergo a 10-day observation period to monitor for signs of rabies.

No One-Bite Rule

Illinois doesn’t follow the “one-bite rule” that exists in some other states. A dog owner can be held liable for a bite or attack even if the dog has no previous history of aggression.

Dog Breed Restrictions

Certain areas, including North Chicago, impose restrictions on specific breeds, such as pit bulls. Owners of these breeds are often required to obtain special licenses and carry liability insurance.

Dog Owners’ Responsibilities

Dog owners in Illinois have a legal duty to both prevent serious injuries and follow local laws. This includes properly securing dogs on private property, using leashes or restraints in public, and ensuring compliance with registration and vaccination requirements.

Statute of Limitations For Dog Bite Victims

For most dog bite cases in Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. However, if the injured person is a minor, the law extends this period. Victims under 18 have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a legal claim.

How to Know If You Have a Case

If a dog attacked you in Illinois, you may have a legal case if specific conditions are met. You must prove the following:

• The serious injury was caused by the dog
• The defendant owned or had custody of the dog
• You did not provoke the dog
• You were lawfully present

What Might Compromise a Claim

Certain factors may weaken a dog bite claim. For example, if you were trespassing when the attack occurred or if you provoked the dog, your case may not hold up in court.

Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

Illinois follows a comparative negligence standard. This means that if your actions contributed to the incident, your compensation could be reduced proportionally. For example, if you were found to be 25% responsible for the incident, your award would be reduced by that percentage. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover damages.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries & Their Effects

A dog bite injury can range from fairly mild cuts to life-altering injuries. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture Wounds and Cuts: Dog bites can cause deep wounds, bleeding, tissue damage, and scars.
• Facial Injuries: Animal bites on the face or neck can harm sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, or nose, affecting functions and leaving scars.
• Tissue Avulsion: Bites may tear off tissue, such as an ear, causing severe bleeding, scarring, and possible need for surgery.
• Broken Bones and Crush Injuries: Strong bites can crush bones and damage tissue, with children at higher risk.
• Dog Bite Infections: Bites can lead to infections like cellulitis, abscesses, tetanus, or MRSA.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites may damage nerves, causing loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis.
• Head Trauma: Bites to the head can cause concussions, fractures, or brain injuries needing urgent care.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can result in anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

How Most Dog Attacks Happen

In most cases, dog bites happen when dogs react to something. This can happen when dogs are stressed, defending their territory, scared, startled, or not feeling well. In some cases, a dog owner has allowed the dog to nip during playtime, and such dogs may not realize they shouldn’t play that way.

Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

In dog bite cases, there are two common defense strategies:

Victim Provocation

If there’s evidence showing that the victim knowingly provoked the animal, it could be used to reduce or negate the dog owner’s liability.

Trespassing

If the victim was on property where they had no right to enter, the animal’s owner might argue that they shouldn’t be held responsible. This defense relies on evidence of the property’s boundaries and any notices indicating that entry was not permitted.

What Makes Us the Best Dog Bite Lawyers for Your Chicago Case

At Rosenfeld Injury Law, we combine our deep understanding of Chicago’s legal rules with a genuine commitment to our clients. Here are some reasons why we’re the best choice for your dog bite claim in Chicago:

• We have decades of experience handling complex personal injury claims.
• We’ve recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.
• We genuinely care about each client’s well-being and work closely with you every step of the way.
• Our team is well-versed in Chicago laws and local regulations affecting dog bite injury cases.
• We have the resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.

Choose Rosenfeld Injury Law to help you pursue the compensation you deservep

Damages Awarded to Victims of Dog Bites

There are many types of applicable damages your Chicago dog bite lawyers can fight for related to your dog bite injury. These usually include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages relate to tangible losses. These usually include:

• Medical expenses
• Reconstructive surgery
• Lost Wages

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are not related to specific monetary losses. Common ones include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Judges may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. For example, if the owner intentionally tried to teach their dog to be aggressive, such as in dog fights.

Wrongful Death

Dog attacks may result in dog bite fatalities. Families can file a dog bite lawsuit with the help of our Chicago wrongful death attorneys to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, emotional distress, loss of society, and more.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Case

After you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, following these steps can strengthen your case if you decide to file a dog bite lawsuit:

• Call animal control or law enforcement
• Seek medical attention
• Document the bite
• Get the dog owner’s contact details
• Gather insurance information
• Consult an experienced dog bite lawyer

Taking Legal Action With Rosenfeld Injury Law

Taking legal action with Rosenfeld Injury Law begins with a free consultation where we listen to your story and review your case details. We work hard to gather all the necessary evidence – from medical records and witness statements to expert evaluations – to build a clear picture of what happened.

Our team then uses this information to negotiate with insurance companies or take your case to court if needed.

Proving Dog Bite Injury Claims

An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence for your dog bite claim. This often includes medical records, witness statements, and other proof to demonstrate how the dog’s actions caused your injuries.

Scheduling a case review with a Chicago dog bite attorney promptly is crucial, as some evidence may become unavailable over time.

Chicago Dog Bite FAQs

Do I have a case if I’m bitten by a neighbor’s pit bull that escaped?

You likely have a case, as dog owners in Illinois are usually held responsible for controlling their animals and making sure they don’t escape.

Can I file a lawsuit if I was bitten by a service dog in Chicago?

In some cases, you can file a lawsuit under Illinois’ strict liability laws, even if the dog is a service animal. These cases may be a little bit more difficult than a typical dog bite case, so always reach out to a lawyer.

Are owners of “aggressive” breeds more liable for attacks?

Some dog breeds are known for being particularly aggressive or dangerous dogs. However, many dog bite victims are able to file dog bite claims regardless of the breed of the dog.

Is a dog owner liable for its first bite?

Under Illinois law, you can hold dog owners accountable for a bite even if it is the dog’s first time and the owner has no reason to know the dog is aggressive.

Can property owners be held liable for dog bite injuries?

In Chicago, property owners may be held responsible for dog bite injuries, particularly if they allow the dog to roam freely.

What should I do first if a dog bites me?

Dog bite victims should immediately seek medical attention, document their injuries, and report the incident to local law enforcement to begin gathering evidence. Then contact a lawyer to discuss the legal process.

How can I identify a dog’s owner after a bite?

You can often identify the animal’s owner by asking witnesses, contacting local animal control, or checking if the dog is wearing a tag or is registered with local authorities.

Should I wait to contact a lawyer after a dog bite?

It’s advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and help gather the necessary evidence for your case.

Do I need a plastic surgeon’s report for my injuries?

While not mandatory, a plastic surgeon’s report can be very useful in detailing your injuries and outlining future medical needs. However, in some cases, you may not need a plastic surgeon, so there would be no need to have this report.

Can a lawyer help me report a dangerous neighborhood dog?

Yes, a lawyer can guide you through the process of reporting a dangerous dog to local authorities and help determine if further legal action is warranted.

Why do I need an attorney for a dog bite case?

If a dog attacks you, hiring an experienced Chicago dog bite attorney is essential to seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. They can gather evidence and negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to secure a higher settlement.

How much does a dog bite attorney cost?

Most dog bite attorneys in Chicago work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, so you won’t have to pay upfront fees. If they secure compensation for you, they will take a percentage of that money.

Will I have to go to court?

Many dog bite injury claims settle through negotiations without ever going to court, but if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.

How do I report a dog bite in Chicago?

In Cook County, a dog bite must be reported to the local police or the Cook County Sheriff’s Department within 24 hours. You can contact your local police department for more information on reporting an animal attack.

What happens to a dog after a bite is reported?

The Sheriff’s Department will file a Bite Report and send it to the Animal and Rabies Control office for further investigation. Additionally, the animal must be examined by a veterinary hospital or shelter and kept under observation.

Who is responsible for dog bite medical bills?

Typically, the dog’s owner is responsible for any medical bills resulting from a dog bite. In some cases, these will be paid by their homeowner’s insurance company.

Who is liable for damages if a stray dog bites a person?

If a stray dog causes physical injury, liability may fall on the local animal control agency or any party that had custody of the dog at the time of the incident. Each case is unique, so liability is determined based on the circumstances of the animal attack.

Are there damage caps for dog bites in Illinois?

There are no fixed damage caps for dog bite personal injury cases in Illinois, so the compensation largely depends on the specifics of your case.

How much compensation can I recover for a dog bite?

Compensation can vary widely based on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can use our dog bite settlement calculator and contact us for a free estimate of your case’s value.

How long do I have to report a dog bite on a child?

In Cook County, dog bites involving a child must be reported to local authorities within 24 hours.

Can I file a claim for other animal attack injuries?

Yes, you may be able to file a personal injury claim if you are injured by another type of animal, though the laws can vary by species and situation. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your options and the applicable personal injury laws.

Contact Our Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Today!

As a Chicago law firm, Rosenfeld Injury Law is knowledgeable about how the Illinois dog bite laws apply to cases in Cook County and beyond. We have helped clients recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t need to pay us anything upfront.

Contact a dog bite injury lawyer for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. We are available 24 hours a day to accept calls.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Schaumburg, Rockford and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.