Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite attack can happen without warning and may often leave with lasting physical and emotional scars. Dog bite victims may have extensive medical bills, especially if surgery is needed. Fortunately, Illinois law protects victims by holding negligent dog owners accountable for injuries their pets cause.

At Cooney & Conway, our experienced lawyers understand the impact a dog bite attack can have on victims. We have extensive knowledge of state and local dog bite laws, and we have decades of experience helping injured victims recover compensation for their damages.

Contact our trusted injury law firm in Chicago for a free, no-risk consultation. If you prefer, you can complete our online case evaluation form. There are no upfront costs or fees when we represent your case.

Need legal help after a dog bite attack? Call Cooney & Conway today: (800) 322-5573

What Are Chicago’s Dog Bite Laws?

Chicago enforces comprehensive dog bite regulations that protect victims and establish clear responsibilities for dog owners.

• One-Bite Rule Rejection: Unlike some states, Illinois does not follow the “one free bite” rule—owners are liable even for a dog’s first bite.
• Owner Liability: The law holds dog owners responsible for attacks that occur in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property
• Provocation Defense: Owners may avoid liability if they can prove the victim provoked the dog.
• Trespasser Exception: Dog owners generally are not liable if the victim was trespassing.
• City Ordinance Requirements: Chicago municipal code requires dogs to be leashed in public, properly contained on private property, and registered with the city.
• Dangerous Dog Provisions: Chicago Animal Care and Control can designate dogs as “dangerous” after an attack, requiring owners to follow specific containment measures.
• Statute of Limitations: Dog bite victims must file claims within two years of the incident

How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Dog Bite Case?

Under Illinois law, you may have a valid dog bite case if you were bitten without provoking the animal and were legally present at the location of the attack.

To determine whether you may have a case, however, your attorney will need to establish negligence by determining the following:

Establish The Dog Owner Owed You a Legal Duty of Care

Illinois follows a “strict liability” statute, meaning dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

The Dog Owner Breached That Duty of Care

You must be able to show that the dog owner was negligent in some way, such as by not putting up a sign to warn visitors of the presence of a dangerous dog.

Negligence Led to the Attack and Resulting Damages

Your attorney will need to establish how the dog owner’s negligence not only led to the attack, but also that it injured you.

You Suffered Real Damages

The final element in proving negligence for a dog bite claim is proving you suffered tangible damages, such as medical costs, lost wages and property damage, as a result of the dog bite attack.

You may have a stronger case if you sought prompt medical attention, created an official police report, identified the dog’s owner, and documented your injuries and related expenses.

What Compensation Can I Recover for a Dog Bite Injury in Illinois?               

The amount of compensation varies from case to case, depending on the severity of the bite, how quickly you recover as a victim, and what overall impact the bite has on your life.

Dog bite victims in Illinois can pursue compensation for both immediate and long-term damages resulting from their injuries, including:

• Medical Expenses: All costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapies
• Lost Wages: Compensation for work time missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary damages for physical pain experienced during and after the attack
• Emotional Distress: Recovery for psychological trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional compensation for permanent visible injuries, especially on the face
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for clothing, eyeglasses, or other personal items damaged during the attack
• Future Medical Costs: Anticipated expenses for reconstructive surgeries, rehabilitation, or ongoing treatment
• Loss of Normal Life: Damages for diminished quality of life and inability to participate in previous activities
• Punitive Damages: Potential additional compensation in cases involving particularly reckless or negligent dog owners

Who Can Be Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Illinois?

Illinois law extends liability beyond the dog’s owner, creating multiple avenues for dog bite victims to seek compensation after an attack.

Dog Owners

The primary liable party is the legal owner who maintains control of the dog. Illinois’ strict liability statute holds owners responsible regardless of whether they knew the dog had aggressive tendencies or had bitten someone previously.

Property Owners

Landlords and property managers may face liability if they knew a dangerous dog lived on their premises but failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors or enforce lease restrictions on pets.

Dog Keepers or Harborers

People who assume temporarily responsible for a dog—such as pet sitters, dog walkers, or family members watching the animal—can be held liable if the dog injures someone while under their care and control.

Parents of Minors

If the dog belongs to a minor child, the parents may bear legal responsibility for injuries their child’s dog causes to others.

Businesses

Establishments that allow dogs on their premises may share liability if they failed to implement reasonable safety measures or allowed a known dangerous dog to remain on site.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Cases of Dangerous Dog Bite Attack Cases?

Dog attacks frequently result in injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can leave victims with permanent physical and psychological damage.

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

Deep puncture wounds from a dog’s sharp teeth risk becoming infected and may damage underlying tissues, muscles, and tendons. These injuries frequently require careful cleaning, stitches, and antibiotic treatment to prevent serious infections.

Facial Injuries

Attacks to the face can cause devastating injuries, including torn lips, damaged cheeks, injured eyes, and broken facial bones. These injuries typically require plastic surgery and may leave permanent scarring despite medical intervention.

Nerve Damage

Powerful dog bites can crush or sever nerves, particularly in the hands, arms, and legs. This damage may cause lasting numbness, weakness, or chronic pain that requires extensive physical therapy or nerve repair procedures.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Many dog bite victims experience permanent scarring, particularly when attacks involve the face, neck, or other visible body areas. These scars often require multiple cosmetic surgeries and can cause significant emotional distress. If you suffer from disfigurement after a dog attack, you may be compensated for plastic surgery.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The force of a dog’s jaw can break smaller bones in the hands, feet, or face. Larger dogs can knock victims down, causing additional fractures from the fall, especially in elderly victims.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or cynophobia (fear of dogs) following an attack. These psychological injuries often require long-term therapy and may permanently affect quality of life.

Infections and Disease

Dog bites frequently introduce bacteria into wounds; if left untreated, dog bites could develop infections. Severe infections can lead to sepsis, tissue death, or rare cases of rabies transmission requiring extensive medical intervention.

Do I Need Evidence to Prove a Dog Owner Is Liable for My Injuries?

While Illinois follows a strict liability law for dog bites, collecting strong evidence significantly strengthens your case. Without proper documentation, dog owners or their insurance companies may dispute the circumstances of the attack or the extent of your injuries.

Strong evidence for dog bite cases includes:

• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Photographs of wounds before treatment and during healing
• Contact information for witnesses
• Animal control reports
• Documentation of previous incidents involving the same dog
• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Records of all related expenses

The sooner you gather this evidence after an attack, the more compelling your case becomes. At Cooney & Conway, we can help clients identify and secure crucial evidence that insurance companies cannot easily dismiss.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

In dog bite cases, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, thanks to the state’s modified comparative negligence system. This legal framework allows injured parties to recover damages if they are less than 50 percent responsible for the incident.

However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault—for example, if you’re found 20 percent responsible, your award will be reduced by 20 percent.

Actions that might constitute partial fault include

• Petting someone else’s dog without permission
• Provoking the dog
• Ignoring warning signs
• Entering restricted areas
• Failing to heed the owner’s warnings about the animal

 Illinois courts carefully examine the circumstances surrounding each case to determine if the victim’s actions contributed to the attack. Even with partial responsibility, seeking experienced legal representation improves your chances of recovering fair consideration and maximum available compensation.

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Bitten by a Dog in Chicago?

Taking proper steps immediately following a dog bite incident protects your health and preserves your legal rights to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Even seemingly minor dog bites may require professional medical evaluation due to high infection risk, potential nerve or tissue damage, and the need for rabies assessment. Document all medical visits and keep copies of treatment records, prescriptions, and instructions.

Identify the Dog and Owner

If possible, obtain the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. If the owner is absent or refuses to provide information, note the dog’s breed, size, color, and distinguishing features.

Report the Incident to the Authorities

Contact Chicago Police to report the bite. This creates an official record of the incident, may reveal previous attacks by the same animal, and ensures proper quarantine procedures for rabies monitoring.

Document Everything

Take clear photographs of your injuries before treatment and throughout the healing process. Photograph the location where the attack occurred, any torn clothing, and visible blood. Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack.

Preserve Evidence

Save bloodied or torn clothing in a sealed bag. Keep all medical bills, prescription receipts, and documentation of missed work. Start a journal documenting pain levels, emotional distress, and how the injuries affect your daily activities.

Avoid Communication with Insurance Companies

Decline to give recorded statements to the dog owner’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Early statements may be used to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you for the incident.

Injured In A Dog Bite Attack? Contact Cooney & Conway for Legal Advice

At Cooney & Conway, our dedicated attorneys have the staff and resources to manage every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing. We thoroughly investigate the dog bite attack that injured you, document all your damages, and accurately valuate your claim to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

There are no upfront costs when we represent you. Call our Chicago office: (800) 322-5573 today.