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If you or a loved one were injured because of a Chicago, IL, dog attack, you could be entitled to compensation for all of your losses. At DJC Law, our Chicago dog bite lawyers are always ready to help. Call our law firm at (312) 442-5555.
For over ten years, we have been fighting for Chicago accident victims. Contact our team to discuss your rights after a dog attack and schedule a free consultation.
How DJC Law Can Help If a Dog Has Bitten You
Dog attacks are traumatic and can result in serious injuries with lasting effects. Victims often face significant medical expenses, missed work, and emotional stress. After a dog attack, you could be entitled to compensation from the dog owner for all your losses. Our team understands local dog bite laws and ensures that the responsible party is held accountable.
With over 35 years of combined experience representing Illinois accident victims, we have recovered more than $250 million in settlements and verdicts. We know that dog bite cases can be complicated, and we fight to get results for our clients. When you hire DJC Law to handle your dog bite claim, we will:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your claim
- Identify all parties responsible for your injuries
- File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Negotiate to ensure a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if needed
- Communicate regularly and keep you updated on your case
- Work with experts to calculate damages and support your case
Our team has a proven record of success and works hard for every client. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Chicago dog bite lawyer.
Dog Bite Laws in Illinois
In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by dog bites. This means that as long as the victim is “peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be,” the dog owner is responsible for all injuries. Unlike some states, Illinois does not follow a “one bite” rule.
Property owners may also be liable if they knew of a dangerous dog on their premises and failed to prevent an attack. For more information, contact a Chicago dog bite attorney.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Illinois
Dog bites are more common than many realize. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S., and roughly 800,000 require medical attention.
Illinois ranks among the highest states for dog bites. With rising dog ownership, the number of incidents continues to grow.
Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago Are On the Rise
In 2024, 6,088 postal employees nationwide were attacked by dogs while on duty—an increase from the previous year. In Illinois, dog bites are increasing among both adults and children.
- People in urban areas are five percent more likely to be bitten than those in rural areas
- About 30,000 people undergo reconstructive surgery each year due to dog bites
- In 2023, Illinois reported 837 dog-bite insurance claims, resulting in payouts of $61.8 million
- The average payout per claim in Illinois was over $73,000
These statistics highlight the importance of acting quickly and consulting an experienced dog bite lawyer to protect your rights.
Why Prompt Action Matters
After a dog bite, acting quickly can make a real difference. Evidence can degrade over time—photos may fade, witnesses may move, and key details may be forgotten. Early medical documentation strengthens your case and shows the extent of your injuries.
Quick action also increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement. Insurance companies take timely, well-documented claims seriously. A skilled dog bite attorney at DJC Law can guide you through gathering evidence, documenting injuries, and protecting your legal rights.
Children and Dog Bite Cases
Children are among the most vulnerable victims of dog attacks. Their smaller size makes injuries more severe, and the emotional impact can last long after the physical wounds have healed. Injuries to minors are treated with special care under Illinois law, and parents or guardians should act quickly to protect their child’s rights.
Illinois enforces strict liability for dog owners, meaning the dog owner is responsible for any injury their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. When a child is bitten, this law ensures the dog owner can be held accountable for all damages, including medical expenses, therapy, and emotional trauma.
At DJC Law, we have extensive experience handling cases involving children. We work closely with families to gather evidence while minimizing stress for the child. We coordinate with pediatric doctors, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists to document the full extent of injuries. Every detail helps strengthen the child’s case for compensation.
We also help parents navigate insurance claims, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, pursue litigation. Beyond compensation for medical costs, we account for long-term effects, such as scarring, emotional distress, or limitations in daily activities.
If your child has been bitten by a dog, call DJC Law today at (312) 442-5555 to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will protect your child’s rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
What Should I Do After a Dog Attack?
Dog bites are frightening, and many victims are in shock. Knowing what to do immediately can improve your case:
- Seek medical attention promptly—even for minor injuries. Treating infections early leads to better outcomes.
- Get the full name and contact info of the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Report the dog bite to local animal control to track dangerous animals and prevent future attacks.
- Contact a dog bite attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so having an experienced professional is crucial.
If you or a loved one were injured, call DJC Law at (312) 442-5555 for a free consultation.
How Much Can I Recover?
The value of a dog bite case depends on:
- Type and severity of injuries
- Long-term prognosis
- Permanent impairments or disability
- Lost income and out-of-pocket expenses
- Emotional distress and quality-of-life impacts
A skilled dog bite lawyer can analyze all aspects of your case, gather evidence, work with medical experts, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
Damages may include:
Economic: Current/future medical costs, lost wages, therapy, rehabilitation, home care
Non-economic: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive (rare): For malicious or grossly negligent conduct
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Illinois gives victims two years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit. Exceptions may apply for minors or delayed discovery. Filing promptly preserves your rights and ensures evidence is collected while fresh.
Testimonials & Case Studies
At DJC Law, we take pride in helping dog bite victims recover the compensation they deserve. Here are a few anonymized examples of past cases to show how we fight for our clients:
- Case 1: A 32-year-old adult was attacked by a neighbor’s dog, resulting in deep lacerations and extensive therapy. Our dog bite lawyer worked with medical experts to document injuries, negotiated aggressively with the insurance company, and secured full reimbursement for medical bills, physical therapy, and lost wages.
- Case 2: A 10-year-old child suffered a severe leg bite while playing in a friend’s yard. DJC Law coordinated with pediatric doctors and rehabilitation specialists to track all treatments and future therapy needs. We successfully held the dog owner accountable and recovered compensation covering ongoing medical care and emotional distress.
- Case 3: An adult postal worker was bitten while delivering mail, leading to reconstructive surgery. Our team gathered accident reports, photos, and expert testimony to establish liability. The settlement covered surgery, therapy, lost income, and additional future expenses related to the injury.
These case summaries illustrate how our dog bite attorneys combine legal expertise, thorough evidence collection, and proactive negotiation to ensure our clients are fully compensated.
Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in a dog attack, contact DJC Law today. We offer a free case evaluation to review your situation, explain your rights, and create a strategy to get the compensation you deserve.
Call (312) 442-5555 or visit our Chicago office:
DJC Law
140 S Dearborn St, Suite 1610
Chicago, IL 60603
