Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers
The attack happened in a matter of seconds. The injuries and the trauma can last much longer.
After a dog bite or animal attack, the trip to the emergency room may only be the beginning. Puncture wounds, torn skin, infection, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma can mean ongoing pain, follow-up appointments, surgery, physical therapy, and a long recovery.
If you were bitten, you may be missing work while medical bills pile up. If your child was attacked, you may be dealing with fear, guilt, anger, and the urgent need to make sure they get the care they need.
You don’t have to face this alone.
In Illinois, dog owners can be held responsible when their animals injure someone, even if they have never hurt anyone before. Owners do not get to avoid accountability by saying the dog never bit anyone before or that they did not expect the attack to happen.
At Ankin Law, our Chicago dog bite lawyers help injured people and families hold dog owners, property owners, and insurance companies accountable. We investigate what happened, identify all available insurance coverage, and fight for the full recovery available under Illinois law.
“If someone’s dog injured you or your child, you should not be left with the medical bills, scars, and trauma. We hold dog owners responsible for the harm their animals cause.”
— Howard Ankin, founder of Ankin Law
Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Table of Contents
Why Dog Bite Victims and Families Choose Ankin Law
When you hire Ankin Law for your dog bite case, we help you take control of what happens next. You won’t need to chase down the dog owner, argue with the insurance company, or figure out Illinois dog bite law on your own. We’ll handle the legal fight for you, and you’ll have more than 150 years of combined legal experience on your side.
At Ankin Law, your injury case is personal. Your attorney wants to hear your side of the story and how the attack has impacted your family. We’ll talk about what happened, who may be liable, what insurance coverage may be available, and what your legal options are.
If filing a personal injury lawsuit is the right move, we’ll start preparing your case as if it’s headed to trial. If taking legal action isn’t feasible, we’ll tell you that too.
When you hire Ankin Law, you’ll get:
- Experienced dog bite lawyers who understand the Illinois Animal Control Act
- 24/7 legal support
- Home or hospital visits when needed
- No upfront fees
- No attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you
Our firm regularly handles dog bite and animal attack cases in Illinois, and we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
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Can You Sue for Dog Bites in Illinois?
Yes. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Illinois, you may be able to sue the dog owner or another responsible party for your injuries.
Illinois does not follow the one-bite rule. That means you do not have to prove the dog bit someone before or that the owner already knew the dog was dangerous. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner may be held responsible even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before.
That matters because dog owners and insurance companies often try to make excuses after an attack. They may say the dog was friendly. They may say the dog had never done anything like this before, or they did not know the animal would bite.
Those excuses do not automatically defeat your claim.
To bring a dog bite claim in Illinois, you generally need to show that you were lawfully in the place where the attack happened, that you were acting peacefully, and that you did not provoke the dog. If those facts are established, the owner may be liable for the harm the animal caused.
In some cases, more than one person or company may be responsible. A claim may involve a dog owner, property owner, landlord, tenant, dog walker, business, or another person who had control over the dog at the time of the attack.
Ankin Law investigates what happened, who owned or controlled the dog, where the attack occurred, what insurance coverage may apply, and whether anyone is trying to avoid responsibility. You should not have to accept the dog owner’s explanation or the insurance company’s first answer as the final word.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws Protect Injured People
Illinois dog bite law can be strong for injured people, but that does not mean every case is simple. Dog owners, property owners, and insurance companies may still dispute what happened, where the attack occurred, whether the injured person was lawfully on the property, or whether the dog was provoked.
Those details matter.
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, liability depends on the facts surrounding the attack. Your case may be stronger when evidence shows that you were acting peacefully, had a legal right to be where you were, and did not provoke the dog. Your claim may also involve questions about who owned the dog, who controlled the dog, and whether another party had responsibility for preventing the attack.
Insurance companies know how to use these issues to limit what they pay. They may argue that you startled the dog, ignored a warning, entered private property without permission, or contributed to the attack in some way.
Ankin Law does not let the insurance company control the story. We look at the facts, the witnesses, the location, the dog’s history, available insurance coverage, and the conduct of everyone involved. The goal is to build a claim based on evidence, not excuses.
Can Property Owners Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?
In many cases, property owners and renters can be held liable for the injuries caused by animals that are in their care or on their property, even if the property owner does not own the dog. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue compensation through a property owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.
How Do Chicago’s Leash Laws Impact Dog Bite Cases?
You can sue for a dog bite on public property regardless of leash laws. A criminal conviction for breaking Chicago’s leash laws does not guarantee the success of a personal injury case. However, it can be used as evidence of the pet owner’s negligence. In rare cases, evidence of such a conviction may also give rise to punitive damages.
Under Chicago Municipal Code, animal owners in the city must confine their pets when they are in public. Pets may be contained by leashes, crates, cars, perimeter securing, or other safe means. Deliberately violating Chicago’s leash law can result in fines of up to $10,000 and even jail time for pet owners, but these types of penalties would be handled in criminal court.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Chicago?
If you were injured in a dog attack, you generally have up to two years to file a lawsuit in Illinois. The time limit that applies to your particular case may be shorter or longer, however, so it’s important to reach out to our dog bite attorneys as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, the defendant and his or her attorney can put in a motion to dismiss your case. If the Court honors the request, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your losses.
How Is Dog Bite Liability Determined?
Determining who is responsible for a dog bite is not always as simple as identifying the dog’s owner. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to property owners, renters, businesses, dog walkers, or others who were responsible for controlling the animal at the time of the attack.
Identifying all liable parties can be an important step in maximizing available compensation. Our team can investigate the facts of the incident and determine who may be legally responsible for your injuries.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries?
While dog bites and animal attack injuries vary in severity and location, some types of dog bite injuries are more common than others. Any dog bite should be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper treatment and minimize potential complications.
The most common dog bite injuries our Chicago attorneys see include:
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Dogs’ sharp teeth can pierce the skin, causing deep puncture wounds or ragged tears (lacerations) requiring stitches and often leaving scars. These are the most common dog bite injuries. Deep punctures can injure underlying tissues, nerves, and even bones. The severity of injuries varies depending on the bite force and the dog’s size.
Injuries to Arms and Hands
Nearly half of all dog bites target the arms and hands, as these are often the first areas exposed during interactions. Injuries to your hands and arms can make everyday activities difficult and may require surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing treatment.
Facial Injuries
Especially common in children who get attacked, dog bites that occur on the face may lead to serious injuries like broken bones around the eyes or damage to the mouth and tongue. These can require extensive medical care, and they sometimes leave permanent scarring, blindness, and/or paralysis.
Infections
Dog bites puncture the skin, creating an entry point for bacteria. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent infection. If not properly treated, dog bite infections can lead to further complications like cellulitis or even sepsis.
Psychological Trauma
Dog bites can be a frightening experience, especially for children. Emotional distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in some individuals after a dog bite.
Children are especially vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries. Because they are often at eye level with dogs, attacks are more likely to involve the face, head, and neck. These types of injuries can require extensive medical treatment and lead to permanent scarring.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Chicago
Once the initial shock of the dog attack has worn off and the victim’s condition has stabilized, you’re probably going to have questions about what happens next.
Who is responsible for the medical bills? Should the dog owner report the attack? What if the dog belongs to someone you know? How should you respond if the insurance company calls? What if your child is afraid to go outside, visit family, or be around animals?
The next steps should focus on protecting your health, your family, and your claim.
Keep the records you already have. Save discharge papers, prescriptions, medical bills, photos of the injury, messages with the dog owner, animal control paperwork, insurance letters, and notes about missed work or follow-up appointments. If the injury changes over time, continue taking photos, so there is a record of the healing process, scarring, or complications.
Make sure the attack has been documented. A report to animal control, police, or another local authority can help establish when and where the attack happened, identify the dog, and confirm information about the owner and vaccination status.
Be careful about informal promises. Many dog bite cases involve a neighbor, friend, relative, landlord, tenant, customer, or someone else the injured person knows. The dog owner may promise to pay the bills or “handle it.” But medical costs, scarring, missed work, and emotional trauma can become more serious than anyone first realizes.
Do not let the insurance company rush you. A quick settlement may not account for infection, surgery, scarring, therapy, lost income, or the emotional impact of the attack.
Ankin Law can help you understand what happens next, deal with the insurance company, identify available coverage, and protect your claim while you focus on recovery.
Insurance Coverage and Dog Bite Claims
Many dog bite victims hesitate to call a lawyer because the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, relative, landlord, tenant, or someone else they know. They do not want to create conflict or force someone they care about to pay out of pocket.
In many cases, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or other liability policies provide coverage for injuries caused by a dog attack. That coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and other losses.
Identifying all available insurance coverage is an important part of a successful claim. In some cases, multiple policies may apply, particularly when the attack occurs on someone else’s property or involves a person who was caring for the dog at the time of the incident.
Insurance companies do not always make fair settlement offers. They may dispute liability, argue that you provoked the dog, challenge the extent of your injuries, or try to settle before the full impact of the attack is known.
Ankin Law can identify available coverage, deal directly with the insurance company, and push back when the insurer tries to minimize what happened.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
A successful dog bite claim may allow you to recover compensation for both financial and personal losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Serving Dog Bite Victims Throughout Illinois
Ankin Law represents dog bite and animal attack victims throughout Illinois. Whether your injury occurred in Chicago or a surrounding community, our attorneys are prepared to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation after a dog attack.
Our lawyers accept dog bite and animal attack cases in Chicago, Cicero, Chicago Heights, Schaumburg, Joliet, Rosemont, Waukegan, Orland Park, Wheaton, Naperville, Elgin, Morton, Bartonville, Eureka, Bloomington, Galesburg, and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injury Lawsuits
Dog bite claims often involve questions about Illinois law, insurance coverage, medical treatment, and who can be held responsible. These answers can help you understand what may happen after a dog attack.
Can I File a Claim if the Dog Belongs to a Friend, Neighbor, or Family Member?
Yes. Many dog bite cases involve a dog owned by someone the injured person knows. While filing a claim may feel uncomfortable, compensation is often available through insurance. A claim can help pay for medical bills, lost income, scarring, emotional trauma, and other losses without placing the full financial burden directly on the person you know.
Can I Recover Compensation for Permanent Scarring From a Dog Bite?
Yes. Dog bites frequently leave permanent scars, particularly when injuries involve the face, arms, hands, or legs. Compensation may be available for medical treatment, reconstructive procedures, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the long-term effects of scarring or disfigurement.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Ankin Law offers free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and learn about your legal options before making any decisions. During your consultation, our team can explain how fees and case expenses work and answer any questions you may have about the claims process. If you decide to hire our attorneys, you’ll only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.
What if the Dog Bite Happened on Private Property?
Many dog bites occur at a friend’s home, a neighbor’s property, or another private residence. In Illinois, victims may still have the right to pursue compensation if they were lawfully on the property when the attack occurred. The circumstances surrounding the incident, including why you were on the property and who controlled the dog, can affect liability. An attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and explain your legal options.
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Usually Take?
The timeline for a dog bite claim depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the availability of evidence, and whether liability is disputed. While some claims settle relatively quickly, others may require litigation. An attorney can provide a better estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
Get Answers. Get Help. Get Ankin.
A dog attack can leave you with serious injuries, unexpected medical expenses, and questions about what comes next. You do not have to face those challenges alone.
The Chicago dog bite lawyers at Ankin Law are ready to investigate your case, protect your interests, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (312) 600-0000 today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, and there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.