Aurora Dog Bite Attorney

Recover Full Compensation for Serious Injuries Following a Dog Attack in Aurora, IL

A dog bite in Aurora, IL, can cause serious injuries to the victim, and these incidents often involve dogs that are familiar to the victims. However, a dog attack could also occur if an animal escapes from an enclosure or is off-leash in a park. If you are seriously injured in a dog attack, you can work with an Aurora dog bite attorney to fight for compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Our Illinois dog bite law firm is prepared to stand by your side throughout the claims process. We will listen to your story, build a strong claim, and fight for the settlement you deserve to cover medical treatment costs.

Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm Serving Aurora

$1,200,000

Two-year-old Eli was visiting relatives in Aurora when their Doberman lunged and bit him across the face without warning. He required emergency medical care and now lives with visible scarring.

$700,000

Maria, a 34-year-old Aurora resident, was bitten on the forearm by a neighbor’s dog that broke free from its leash. The dog attack caused nerve damage and scarring that impacted her ability to work. The long-term loss of dexterity significantly affected the case outcome.

$165,454

Andre, a postal worker in Aurora, was bitten on the calf by a Boxer that darted through a homeowner’s open gate. The bite caused nerve irritation and required medical leave from work. The settlement reflected his ongoing pain and lost wages.

What Makes Us the Best Aurora Dog Bite Lawyers

Our top-rated attorneys are equipped to help you obtain justice for your suffering. Wth 100+ years of combined experienced, we’re recognized as one of the top 5% of all legal teams by Super Lawyers. We also maintain an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Aurora

Our dog bite lawyers represent clients in cases involving:

• Children and Families – Injuries to children who were bitten in neighborhoods, schools, or dog parks.
• Public Spaces and Dog Parks – Dog park attacks, unleashed and roaming dogs, aggressive or untrained dogs, encounters with “dangerous” breeds, and injuries when the dog’s owner is unknown.
• Rental and Housing-Related Incidents – Bites occurring in apartment complexes or rental properties caused by inadequate fencing or negligent supervision.
• Workers at Risk – Delivery workers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), postal carriers, contractors, and utility workers facing bites during their job duties.
• Serious and Lasting Injuries – Cases involving scarring and disfigurement, facial injuries, bone fractures, infections, and emotional distress.

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

An Aurora dog bite lawyer can help you determine the cause of the attack, which could involve:

• A failure to leash or restrain the dog
• A negligent property owner allowing dangerous conditions
• Inadequate fencing or containment
• Past aggressive behavior ignored by the owner

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Attacks?

The severity of your injuries will play a direct role in the payout for your case. Common injuries sustained in dog bite attacks include:

• Puncture wounds and infections
• Broken bones
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma, especially in children
• Fatality

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

Here are the most common personal injury damages included in dog bite claims:

• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Is the Average Payout in Aurora Animal Attack Lawsuits?

Cases involving Illinois dog bites have an average settlement of $162,917, with a range of $2,221 to $1.125 million. Factors that can affect your case value include injury severity, cost of medical attention, physical therapy, liability, and insurance payouts.

Example Dog Bite Injury Cases

In 2011, Jordyn Bankston was riding his bicycle home when he stopped to talk to some friends. A bullmastiff escaped from a nearby private property and pulled Bankston off his bike, causing deep lacerations all over his body. He sued the dog owner, which led to a settlement of $1.125 million.

In 2013, Lisa McEwen was walking her small puppy when a pit bull escaped its yard and attacked her dog, eventually turning on her. The dog bit her arm and latched on, not letting go until a neighbor shot it with a gun. McEwen sued the family that owned the dog under the doctrine of strict liability, securing $80,000.

Why You Need an Aurora Dog Bite Lawyer

Common challenges that dog bite victims face with these claims include:

• Gathering evidence from the incident
• Determining the owner of the dog
• Filing the claim in the Kane County Circuit Court
• Dealing with insurance companies

How Common Are Dog Bite Incidents in Aurora, IL?

Illinois is now among the top ten states for dog bite insurance claims, ranking 8th in the country. Settlements for these claims frequently exceed $50,000.

Where Do Dog Bites Occur Most Often in Aurora?

Many dog bites occur in the following locations in Aurora, IL:

• Public parks (Phillips Park, McCarty Park)
• Residential areas on the East and West Sides
• Apartment complexes near Route 59
• Delivery routes in downtown

What Illinois Laws Govern Dog Bite Claims?

• 510 ILCS 5/ – Dog owners are strictly liable for all injuries caused by their pets, even for a first offense.
• 740 ILCS 130/ – Property owners must demonstrate reasonable care to prevent injury hazards on their properties.
• Beckert v. Risberg, 50 Ill.2d 16 (1971) – Pet owners are still liable, even if they had no prior knowledge of vicious behavior.
• Docherty v. Sadler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (2d Dist. 1997) – A defendant has the burden of proof for a claim of provocation.

Are There Any Aurora-Specific Dog Bite Laws?

• Municipal Code Section 9-3 – All dogs must be registered with the city within 4 months of acquisition.
• Municipal Code Section 9-13 – Pet owners are responsible for preventing injuries to others caused by their dogs.
• Municipal Code Section 30-29 – Animals are not permitted to run loose in public areas.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, injured victims have two years to pursue compensation from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of their injuries. State law 735 ILCS 5/13-211 pauses this timeline for underage victims until they turn 18 years old.

Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Aurora?

Potentially liable parties can include:

• Dog owners
• Landlords who knew of dangerous animals
• Property managers
• Business owners

Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases in Aurora

The pet owner may attempt to shift the blame for the attack with the following defenses:

• The animal was provoked
• You were trespassing
• Other parties are at fault

An Aurora dog bite lawyer can overcome these defenses with witness testimony and additional evidence.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Aurora

These steps can help you build a strong claim:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Report the incident to Animal Control or the police
• Get in touch with the owner
• Take photos of the animal and your injuries
• Preserve physical evidence
• Do not speak to insurers
• Consult a personal injury lawyer from our firm

How to Report a Dog Attack in Aurora

If you or a family member are attacked by an Aurora, IL dog, you can call 311, the non-emergency line, to report the incident to the Aurora Police Department.

How Our Aurora, IL, Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help Injured Clients

Our legal team provides the following services:

• Investigating the incident
• Gathering evidence
• Assessing legal damages
• Protecting your legal rights
• Negotiating for full compensation
• Litigating in civil court

FAQs

How much do dog bite injury attorneys charge in Aurora?

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome.

Which Aurora residents are most at risk of dog bites?

Children are the most common victims of dog attacks in Aurora, followed by delivery workers, joggers, walkers, and bikers.

Consult Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys to Understand Your Legal Options!

You are not alone after suffering from a vicious dog attack. Our law firm will protect your rights and help you pursue compensation for your losses. With no upfront legal fees, you can seek justice without incurring financial costs.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our top-rated lawyers.