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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, an Aurora dog bite attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses while holding the responsible 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 dog bite injury claim, and fight for the settlement you deserve to cover medical treatment and other injury-related costs.
Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm Serving Aurora
Our reported results demonstrate how factors such as injury severity, medical treatment, scarring, nerve damage, lost income, and long-term impairment can affect the value of a dog bite settlement.
$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 experienced attorneys are equipped to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. With 100+ years of combined experience, 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.
- https://www.chicagodogbiteinjurylawyers.com/blog/disfigurement-in-dog-bite-cases/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 attorney can investigate the circumstances of an attack and help determine whether factors such as the following contributed to your injuries:
- 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
- An animal running loose or escaping from a property
- A lack of reasonable supervision or control
What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Attacks?
The severity of your injuries will play a direct role in the potential value of your case. Common injuries sustained in dog bite attacks include:
- Puncture wounds and infections
- Broken bones
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries and lacerations
- Permanent disability or loss of function
- 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. An Aurora dog bite attorney can evaluate which losses may apply to your specific circumstances:
- 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. However, settlement amounts vary significantly based on the circumstances of each case. Factors that can affect your case value include injury severity, cost of medical attention, physical therapy, liability, lost income, permanent impairment, scarring, and available insurance coverage.
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
- Documenting medical expenses, lost income, and long-term injuries
An Aurora dog bite attorney can investigate the attack, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and help you understand your legal options.
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. Dog bite insurance claims can result in substantial compensation, although individual settlements vary based on the severity of the injuries and other case-specific factors.
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 Aurora
What Illinois Laws Govern Dog Bite Claims?
- 510 ILCS 5/ : Illinois law generally imposes liability when a dog, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures a person who is peaceably conducting themselves in a place where they may lawfully be.
- 740 ILCS 130/ : This statute addresses the liability of property owners and others in certain premises-liability situations and should be evaluated based on the specific facts of an injury.
- Beckert v. Risberg, 50 Ill.2d 16 (1971) : Review this citation and description before publication to ensure the case and proposition accurately support the statement being made.
- Docherty v. Sadler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (2d Dist. 1997) : Review this citation and description before publication to ensure it accurately supports the discussion 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 – This section addresses dog bites, attacks, and potentially dangerous or vicious dogs and may impose responsibilities on dog owners.
- 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 generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, subject to applicable exceptions and circumstances.
State law 735 ILCS 5/13-211 provides additional time for certain claims involving minors, generally allowing a person who was under 18 when the cause of action accrued to bring an action within two years after reaching age 18, subject to the statute’s requirements and exceptions.
Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Aurora?
Potentially liable parties can include:
- Dog owners
- Landlords who may have liability depending on what they knew about the animal and the circumstances of the property
- 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 attorney can examine witness statements, photographs, medical records, and other evidence to address these defenses and protect your interests.
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 and obtain identifying information if it is safe to do so
- Take photos of the animal and your injuries
- Preserve physical evidence
- Keep copies of medical records, bills, and other injury-related documentation
- Do not speak to insurers about a settlement before understanding your legal rights
- 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. For an emergency or an attack that is still occurring, call 911.
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
- Communicating with insurance companies and opposing parties
- Litigating in Kane County and other appropriate courts
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. During a free consultation, you can discuss your case, potential legal options, and how attorney fees and case-related costs may apply to your specific claim.
Which Aurora residents are most at risk of dog bites?
Children may face a higher risk of dog bite injuries, along with delivery workers, postal carriers, joggers, walkers, and bicyclists who regularly encounter dogs in residential and public areas.
What should I do after a dog bite in Aurora?
Seek medical attention promptly, report the attack to the appropriate authorities, document your injuries, identify the dog and owner if possible, and preserve relevant evidence. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before understanding your rights. An attorney can help you evaluate your legal options.
Can I recover compensation if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
Potentially, yes. Illinois law does not require a previous bite for liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act. The circumstances of the attack, including whether the victim was lawfully present and whether provocation occurred, are important when evaluating a claim.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois generally provides two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although exceptions may apply. Special rules can also affect claims involving minors. Because deadlines depend on the circumstances, speaking with an attorney promptly can help protect your legal rights.
What compensation can I recover after a dog attack?
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The damages available depend on the nature and severity of the injuries and applicable Illinois law.
Consult Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys to Understand Your Legal Options!
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our top-rated lawyers.
You are not alone after suffering from a serious dog attack. Our law firm will protect your rights and help you pursue compensation for your losses. With no upfront legal fees, you can discuss your case with our legal team without paying attorney fees unless we secure a favorable outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Aurora dog bite lawyers and learn more about your legal options.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Content legally reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld The information on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld, founder and managing partner of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. With extensive experience representing dog bite victims across Chicago, Mr. Rosenfeld is dedicated to helping injury victims hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. His deep legal knowledge and commitment to client advocacy ensure that the information provided is accurate, reliable, and aligned with current legal standards.