In Illinois, if a dog bites you, the owner is responsible. It’s that straightforward.
You do not have to prove the dog had a history of aggression. You do not have to prove the owner was careless. This isn't the case in every state, and it’s a point many people miss in the chaotic moments after an attack.
This protection is part of the Illinois Animal Control Act, a law that holds dog owners accountable for the injuries their animals cause. It’s designed to help you, but knowing your rights is only the first step. While you focus on healing, evidence needs to be collected and legal deadlines must be met.
An experienced Chicago dog bite attorney at Abels & Annes, P.C. can handle the legal process while you recover. We understand that your energy should be dedicated to recovery, not deciphering legal procedures. Let us handle the details. For a free, no-obligation conversation about your case, call us at (312) 924-7575.
Our Focus is Your Recovery
Since 2008, our firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars after being injured in incidents like dog attacks. Our attorneys, David Abels and Gary Annes, have built a practice centered on personal attention and respect for every client.
We work on a contingency fee basis. In simple terms, this means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. This removes any financial risk, allowing you to seek justice without upfront costs. We also know that questions and concerns don’t keep business hours, which is why our team is available 24/7 to support you.
Our main office is at 100 N LaSalle St #1710, just two blocks from the Daley Center courthouse. We are proud to serve the entire Chicago community, with services available in English, Polish, and Spanish.
What Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?
A personal injury claim aims to provide financial stability to cover every loss you've suffered. It’s more than just the initial hospital visit; it's designed to address all the ways that the injury has reshaped your life.
Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs
This is reimbursement for every dollar the injury has forced you to spend.
- Medical Bills: Covers everything from the emergency room and surgery to physical therapy and specialist appointments.
- Future Medical Needs: Many bites require ongoing care, such as scar revision surgery or physical therapy to restore movement.
- Lost Income: If the injury keeps you from working, this compensates for the wages you have lost.
- Other Expenses: This includes prescription medications, assistive devices, and any other costs directly tied to your injury.
Non-Economic Damages: The Human Impact
These losses are harder to calculate but just as real. They address the physical and emotional toll of the attack.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve had to endure.
- Emotional Distress: A dog attack is a traumatic event. This can cover the anxiety, fear, and sleep disturbances that follow.
- Permanent Scarring: Scars, especially on visible areas like the face or hands, are a constant reminder of the trauma and can deeply affect self-esteem.
- Psychological Trauma: It's common for victims, particularly children, to develop a lasting fear of dogs (cynophobia) or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an attack.
Punitive Damages: A Rare Penalty
In unusual cases where the dog owner's conduct was exceptionally reckless, a court might award punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate you for your losses but to punish the owner and discourage similar behavior. These cases are very rare.
Dog Attacks in Chicago: Where and Why They Happen
In a dense city like Chicago, dog bites can happen anywhere, but public spaces like parks are common locations. When owners ignore leash laws in crowded areas, the risk of an incident increases.
An Unfortunate Urban Reality
The statistics reveal a clear problem in our city and state:
- Attacks on Postal Workers: Chicago is consistently one of the top cities in the U.S. for dog attacks on postal workers, with 48 incidents reported in one recent year.
- Statewide Insurance Claims: Major insurers like State Farm have paid out millions for dog-related claims in Illinois, ranking it among the highest in the nation for such incidents.
- A National Issue: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year, with over 800,000 requiring medical attention.
Understanding the Illinois Animal Control Act
Illinois law is strongly in the victim's favor. The key is a legal concept called "strict liability." Under the law, 510 ILCS 5/16, if a dog attacks or injures someone without provocation while they are lawfully present, the owner is liable for the full extent of the injuries.
In plain English: The dog owner is responsible even if their dog has never been aggressive before. You don't need to prove the owner was negligent. This rejects the old "one-bite rule" that many other states still use, which often absolves an owner of responsibility for a first-time bite.
An off-leash dog can cause injury without even biting. Under Illinois law, an owner is still responsible if their dog knocks someone over and causes harm.
The Lasting Damage of a Dog Attack
A dog’s jaw can exert immense force, leading to injuries that are far more than skin deep.
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep cuts can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and they carry a high risk of infection from bacteria in the dog's mouth.
- Infections: A significant percentage of dog bites become infected, potentially leading to serious conditions like cellulitis or staph infections if not treated immediately.
- Nerve Damage: A forceful bite, especially to the hands or face, can crush or sever nerves, leading to permanent numbness, tingling sensations, or loss of function.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Scars are a frequent result of dog bites and can serve as a permanent, emotionally painful reminder of the attack.
The Two-Year Ticking Clock: Illinois’s Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. While two years might sound like a long time, it is a narrow window in practice.
The clock is already ticking.
Evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage gets erased, witnesses' memories fade, and physical evidence is easily lost. Acting immediately is the best way to preserve your rights and build a strong case. If your injury involves a government entity, the deadline to file a notice of your claim can be as short as one year. It is always best to consult with a lawyer to determine the eligibility of your case.
Why the Dog Owner’s Insurance Adjuster Isn’t on Your Side
Most dog bite claims are filed against the owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy. It's a mistake to assume the insurance adjuster is there to help you. Their job is to protect their company's financial interests by paying as little as possible. This creates an immediate conflict.
While you are trying to heal, they are looking for ways to reduce or deny your claim. We anticipate their tactics and shield you from them.
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: They will ask to record your conversation. This is a tool they use to ask leading questions, hoping you'll say something that undermines your case, like downplaying your injuries or unintentionally suggesting you provoked the dog. It's best not to provide any statement without consulting us.
- Offering a Quick, Low Settlement: An early offer may seem like a relief, but it is almost always a lowball figure that ignores your future medical needs, lost income, and the full measure of your pain. It's designed to get you to sign away your rights for far less than you are owed.
- Delaying the Process: Some adjusters will drag out the process for months, ignoring calls or requesting the same documents repeatedly. They hope frustration will lead you to give up or accept a lower offer out of desperation.
- Disputing Your Injuries: The adjuster may argue your injuries aren't as severe as you claim or were caused by a pre-existing condition. They will scrutinize your medical records for anything they can use against you.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Claim
While we handle the legal work, there are things you can do to help support your case. Your main job is to get better, but these simple actions can provide powerful evidence.
- Follow Your Doctor's Orders: This is paramount for your health and your claim. Attend all appointments, complete physical therapy, and take prescribed medications. This creates a clear medical record documenting your injuries.
- Keep a Pain Journal: Each day, note how you're feeling. Describe your pain, activities you can no longer do, and the emotional toll of the attack. These details offer powerful proof of your non-economic damages.
- Save All Paperwork: Keep a file for every bill, receipt, and document related to the incident, including medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and records of missed workdays.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Do not wash the clothes you wore during the attack. Store them in a bag. Continue to photograph your injuries as they heal to create a visual record of your recovery.
- Stay Off Social Media: Be cautious about what you post online. Insurance companies will examine your social media. A photo or comment taken out of context could be used to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. The safest route is to avoid posting until your case is resolved.
Your Questions Answered
What if the dog owner is a friend, family member, or neighbor?
This is a common concern. People hesitate because they don't want to create conflict or financial trouble for someone they know. However, the claim is made against their homeowners' or renters' insurance policy, not their personal savings. The very reason people have this insurance is to cover these exact situations.
What happens if I was bitten in a Chicago park?
The Chicago Park District requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet unless they are in a designated Dog-Friendly Area. If an off-leash dog bit you outside of one of these zones, the owner violated the ordinance and is responsible for your injuries.
Does homeowners' insurance always cover dog bites?
Most standard homeowners and renters policies provide coverage, usually with limits between $100,000 and $300,000. However, some policies exclude certain breeds they consider "high-risk," like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. An experienced attorney will review the specific policy to determine the available coverage.
What if I don't know who the dog's owner is?
This presents a challenge, but it doesn't close the door on your options. If anyone witnessed the attack, they might recognize the dog or owner. We can help investigate by talking to neighbors or searching for surveillance footage. This is another reason why acting quickly is so important.
Let Us Lift the Burden for You
You don't have to manage a demanding legal process while trying to heal. The team at Abels & Annes, P.C. is here to take that weight off your shoulders, so you can focus on what truly matters: your health and your family.
As an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, we will manage the insurance companies, gather the evidence, and build the strongest case possible on your behalf. Let us put our years of experience with personal injury claims in Chicago to work for you. We are ready to help you pursue the full compensation available under the law.
For a free, no-obligation conversation about your case, call us now at (312) 924-7575.
Abels & Annes, P.C. - Chicago Office
Address: 100 N La Salle St Ste 1710
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 924-7575