Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

Fair Compensation After Dog Bite and Animal Attack Injuries in Chicago

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Chicago, you need a Chicago dog bite lawyer who understands how serious these cases can be. At Chicago Injury Center, we represent victims across the city and surrounding areas, helping them pursue compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses.

Our law firm is dedicated to holding negligent dog owners accountable under Illinois laws. Whether the attack occurred on public property or in someone’s home, we’re here to fight for your rights and help you move forward after a traumatic incident.

Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$885,000 Settlement – Teen Suffers Burns After Dog Attack at Chicago Cookout

Marcus, 17, was attacked by a large dog during a backyard cookout in Bronzeville. Knocked into a bonfire, he sustained severe burns and bite wounds. His recovery involved skin grafts and therapy for PTSD. The dog’s known aggression and unsafe environment raised the value of his case.

$700,000 Settlement – Woman Suffers Nerve Damage from Dog Bite Near Humboldt Park

Danielle was bitten by an unleashed dog while walking in Humboldt Park. The attack caused nerve damage and permanent scarring on her arm, requiring surgery and extensive rehab. Evidence of the dog’s repeated escapes and the long-term impact on Danielle’s career strengthened her claim.

$195,500 Settlement – Child Bitten by Loose Dog in Jefferson Park

Eleven-year-old Liam was bitten on the leg after a neighbor’s dog broke through a damaged fence. The bite left scars and lasting anxiety. Medical records, prior complaints to Chicago Animal Care and Control, and the dog owner’s failure to secure the property helped increase the settlement value.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, our top-rated dog bite lawyers are committed to helping victims recover compensation for severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses. With millions recovered for clients and recognition from leading legal organizations like Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we bring experience and proven results to every dog bite personal injury case.

We know how insurance companies try to avoid responsibility and fight aggressively to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Chicago, trust our personal injury law firm to stand up to reckless dog owners and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Chicago

At Chicago Injury Center, our Chicago dog bite attorneys handle a wide range of cases across the city. We represent dog bite victims injured by domestic pets, stray animals, and dangerous dogs that were left unleashed or improperly restrained.

Many of our clients include children, postal workers, delivery drivers, and others lawfully on private or public property at the time of the attack. Whether the dog’s owner was a neighbor, landlord, or someone else responsible for controlling the animal, our team builds strong dog bite injury claims to help victims seek fair compensation for their losses.

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

In Chicago, many dog bite accidents stem from preventable actions—or inaction—by dog owners.

Common causes include violations of local leash laws, which require dogs to be restrained in public spaces. When dogs are left to roam freely, even briefly, the risk of an attack increases significantly. Poorly maintained or broken fencing is another frequent issue, especially in neighborhoods where dogs escape yards and injure passersby.

Some claims involve disputes over whether the victim provoked the animal. However, a person bitten while lawfully on public or private property usually has the right to recover damages, even if the dog’s owner argues provocation. Our experienced attorneys investigate each case closely to determine how the attack occurred and who should be held responsible.

What Serious Injuries Are Associated With Dog Bites?

Puncture wounds are the most common dog bite injuries and can damage underlying tissue, muscles, and even lead to broken bones. Some victims suffer nerve damage, which may cause long-term pain, numbness, or limited mobility. Facial injuries are especially devastating, particularly in children.

Open wounds also increase the risk of dog bite infections, including rabies, tetanus, and MRSA. Beyond physical injuries, many victims experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Chicago?

Dog bite victims in Chicago may be able to recover compensation under Illinois law for both immediate and long-term losses. Medical expenses often include emergency treatment, surgery, medications, and follow-up care. Victims with visible scarring or disfigurement may require multiple rounds of reconstructive surgery. Ongoing needs like physical therapy and psychological counseling can also be included in a claim.

If the injury impacts a person’s ability to work, lost wages and diminished earning capacity are recoverable. An injured person can recover compensation for pain and suffering, which reflects both physical and emotional harm. Our Chicago dog bite attorneys carefully assess each case to pursue full and fair compensation from the dog owner’s insurance or any other liable party.

What Is the Average Dog Bite Payout in Chicago?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average dog bite payout in Chicago is approximately $171,079, while the median settlement or verdict is $42,500, based on reported case outcomes. Payouts vary widely–from as low as $2,221 to over $1.1 million–depending on the circumstances of the case.

Several key factors affect the value of a claim, including:

• Scarring or disfigurement, especially to the face or hands
• Permanent disability or nerve damage requiring long-term care
• Need for reconstructive surgery or ongoing medical treatment
• Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder
• Impact on the victim’s ability to work, including lost wages
• Age of the victim (higher payouts are common in child injury cases)

Our Chicago dog bite attorneys evaluate all aspects of your injuries and losses to pursue maximum compensation under Illinois law.

Example Cases in Cook County

$940,000 Verdict – Child Develops CRPS in Lombard

Eight-year-old Kristen Hayes was bitten on the thumb by a Lhasa Apso that escaped a leash while under veterinary care. The bite caused nerve damage and eventually led to a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). She underwent three surgeries and suffered from chronic pain requiring intensive treatment. Although the dog’s owner was dismissed from the case, the veterinary clinic was held liable. The jury awarded $940,000.

$211,000 Settlement – Facial Scarring from Dog Bite

Five-year-old Cassandra Miller was bitten in the face by a 100-pound German shepherd mix while visiting a private residence. The dog attack left her with two facial lacerations, one of which resulted in a visible scar beneath her eye. Her mother sued the dog owner for negligence. The injury was emotionally impactful, especially as Cassandra had an identical twin. Though the defense downplayed the scar’s visibility, the parties settled before trial for $211,000.

$80,000 Settlement – Pit Bull Attack in Westside Chicago

Lisa McEwen, 39, was walking her puppy in Westside Chicago when a loose pit bull escaped from a yard and attacked both her and her dog. The pit bull bit her hand and arm, refusing to let go until a neighbor shot the dog. McEwen suffered puncture wounds and emotional distress, including anxiety and PTSD. Her medical bills were just over $7,300, but psychological harm was the focus of her dog bite claim. The case settled for $80,000.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

Hiring a dog bite lawyer is essential because liability in these cases isn’t always straightforward. In Illinois, a dog’s owner can be held strictly liable if the victim was lawfully present and didn’t provoke the animal. However, insurance companies often push back, questioning provocation, minimizing injuries, or shifting blame. They may offer quick settlements that don’t reflect the actual cost of medical expenses, lost wages, or non-economic damages. An experienced Chicago dog bite injury attorney understands how to gather evidence, challenge these tactics, and build a strong claim for the full compensation you deserve.

How Common Are Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago?

Between 2020 and 2025, there were 6,435 reported dog attacks in Chicago–but only 1516 resulted in citations for unrestrained animals, according to a Chicago Tribune report. This gap points to a severe lack of enforcement and growing concerns about negligent dog owners across the city.

The dog bite problem isn’t limited to private residents–postal workers face high risk, too. In 2024 alone, Illinois ranked fourth nationwide with 344 total bites, per USPS data, while Chicago ranked third in the nation for dog attacks on USPS employees, with 57 reported incidents. These numbers reflect a wider pattern of animal attacks and highlight the need for stronger accountability under Illinois dog bite laws.

Where Do Dog Bite Incidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Most dog bite cases in Chicago often happen in residential neighborhoods, especially on the South and West Sides, where complaints about unrestrained dogs and poor fencing are more common. Many victims are bitten while walking on sidewalks, visiting a neighbor, or entering a yard. Delivery drivers and postal workers are frequently injured, particularly on front porches or while entering gated properties.

Dog parks like Wiggly Field and Horner Park also see a number of dog attacks, often involving off-leash animals or dangerous dogs interacting with others. Children are especially vulnerable in these environments. In most cases, the injury occurs on private property and involves a known dog’s owner who failed to restrain or supervise their pet properly.

What Are the Illinois Dog Bite Laws?

The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) holds a dog’s owner strictly liable if their dog bites someone lawfully present and not provoking the animal. The law doesn’t require proof of prior aggression, making it a powerful tool in many cases involving serious injuries or unprovoked animal attacks.

Section 7-12-030 of Chicago’s Municipal Code requires dogs to be restrained by a leash or lead not exceeding six feet when off their owner’s premises. Violations often lead to incidents, and citations can support personal injury claims involving reckless dog owners and improperly restrained animals in public areas.

In the case of Scifo v. Haeger (2025), a two-year-old child was bitten by a German Shepherd in a public park after being invited to pet the dog by Gary Haeger. Although Sandra Haeger, the dog’s legal owner, was not present at the time of the dog attack, the appellate court ruled she could still be held liable. This decision marked a shift from earlier rulings, like Hayes v. Adams, by clarifying that ownership alone may be enough to establish liability, even without physical control during the incident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Chicago?

In Illinois, many dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Missing this deadline may permanently bar recovery, so contacting a Chicago dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible is essential.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), if a dog bite occurs while on the job–such as for postal workers or delivery drivers–injured workers typically have three years from the date of injury or two years from the last benefit payment, whichever is later, to file a workers’ comp claim.

Who Is Legally Liable for Injuries Sustained by Dogs in Chicago?

Legal liability for dog attacks in Chicago often extends beyond just the dog owner’s liability. In Illinois, owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone who is lawfully present and not provoking the animal. However, property owners, landlords, and even temporary caretakers can also be held responsible, especially if they knew the dog was dangerous or failed to prevent an attack. In some cases, landlords may be liable if they allowed a vicious dog on the property despite prior complaints. Our attorneys investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties.

Common Defenses in Chicago Dog Bite Lawsuits

In Chicago dog bite lawsuits, defendants often rely on a few common legal defenses to avoid responsibility. A dog’s owner may claim the victim provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or making sudden movements. Trespassing is another defense, arguing the person was unlawfully on the property at the time of the incident. In some cases, they argue the victim was partly at fault, attempting to reduce damages under comparative negligence rules.

Our attorneys counter these claims by using medical records, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to establish that the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. The Illinois Animal Control Act strongly supports victims, even in cases where the defense tries to shift blame or minimize the severity of the injury.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Case in Chicago

To strengthen your dog bite case in Chicago, begin by getting immediate medical attention to document the extent of your injury. File a report with the police or Chicago Animal Care and Control, especially if the dog was unrestrained or had a history of aggression. Take clear photos of your injuries, damaged clothing, and the location where the dog bite incident occurred. Get names and contact information of any witnesses. These steps help your attorney pursue full and fair compensation.

How a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

A dog bite injury attorney can manage every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our team investigates the incident, identifies all liable parties—including the animal’s owner, landlords, or caretakers—and gathers key evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports. We handle all communication with the dog owner’s insurance company and push back against low settlement offers. If needed, we’re prepared to take your dog bite case to trial.

FAQs

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost in Chicago?

Our Chicago dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Legal fees are only collected if your case is successful. We also offer a free consultation to review your case.

Who can file a dog bite claim under Illinois personal injury law?

Anyone injured by a dog–whether bitten or attacked–can file a claim if they were lawfully present and did not provoke the animal. Parents or guardians may file on behalf of minors.

Can I sue for emotional distress after a dog attack?

Yes. Emotional distress is often included in dog bite injury claims, especially when the incident causes long-term psychological effects or requires counseling and other ongoing care.

Consult a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, don’t wait to protect your rights. At Chicago Injury Center, we’re ready to investigate your claim, deal with the dog owner’s insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your dog bite case. Contact us to speak with a top-rated attorney.