Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Chicago?

The short answer to can you sue for a dog bite in Chicago is simple: yes, you can. Under Illinois dog bite law, victims have the right to take legal action when a dog causes injuries.

At Chicago Dog Bite Injury Lawyers, we stand with dog bite victims across Illinois. We understand these cases involve more than just medical bills, they can bring pain, emotional distress, and disruption to everyday life. You are not alone, and we are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and experience.

What Is the Dog Bite Law in Illinois?

Illinois follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Under 510 ILCS 5/16 of the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner is responsible if their dog attacks, attempts to attack, or injures someone who was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal. This means dog bite survivors do not have to prove negligence, the law makes the dog owner liable once the bite resulted in injuries.

Chicago also has its own ordinances that reinforce state law. Under Chicago Municipal Code §7-12-090, an owner must report a bite to the authorities within 24 hours, and the dog must be confined and examined by a veterinarian.

If the dog caused serious injuries or death, impoundment is required. In some cases, the animal may even be classified as a dangerous dog, which triggers strict requirements such as secure confinement, muzzling, warning signs, and liability insurance.

Together, Illinois law and Chicago’s regulations give victims a strong basis to file a dog bite lawsuit, recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and hold dog owners accountable for the resulting injuries.

How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Chicago

Below is a roadmap of steps you or our firm would take to pursue a dog bite injury case in Chicago’s legal system. Each point highlights an important action in the legal process:

• Seek Medical Attention: Always get medical treatment right away. Medical records document your dog bite injuries and support your injury claim.
• Identify the Dog Owner: Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and any info on the attacking dog. This is key to establishing liability.
• Report to Animal Control: In Chicago, all dog bites must be reported to ARC. Their records help strengthen your injury case.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of puncture wounds, scarring, and property damage, save medical reports, and speak with witnesses. Collecting as much evidence as possible will help your case.
• Know the Law: Illinois dog law applies strict liability, and Chicago ordinances add rules for dangerous dogs. This gives victims a clear legal basis to get compensation.
• File in Civil Court: A dog bite lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. Our law firm acts quickly to protect your legal rights.
• Work With Insurance Companies: Most cases involve the dog owner’s insurance provider. We handle negotiations to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Settlement or Trial: Many claims settle, but if needed, we take your case to trial in court.

How Long Do You Have to Sue for Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago?

Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing a dog bite lawsuit. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, dog bite survivors have a two-year statute of limitations to bring a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case can be dismissed in court, and you lose the right to fair compensation, therefore it’s critical to act quickly after being attacked by a dog.

There is more time for children who suffer dog attack injuries. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-211, a minor has two years from their 18th birthday to file a claim. This gives families time to address medical treatment, the psychological toll, or significant scarring before pursuing legal action.

How to Report a Dog Bite in Chicago

If you’ve suffered dog bite injuries, prompt reporting is essential to protect public health and preserve the foundation of your dog bite claim.

Here’s how the process works in Chicago and Cook County:

• Report the Bite Within 24 Hours: Victims must notify their local police department, or the Cook County Sheriff’s Office if outside city limits, within 24 hours of the attack. The responding agency completes a Cook County Bite Report and forwards it to Animal and Rabies Control (ARC).
• Do Not Dispose of or Move the Animal: The biting dog must not be killed, sold, moved, or otherwise disposed of while under observation. This protects public health and preserves evidence.
• Delay Rabies Vaccination Until Observation Ends: The animal should not be vaccinated for rabies until the final day of the observation period, unless otherwise required by law.
• Veterinary Examination: If the bite involves a pet or companion animal, the victim should arrange a veterinary evaluation to document injuries or scratches.
• Consequences for Noncompliance: Dog owners who fail to follow reporting or confinement rules can face fines and enforcement action.
• ARC Oversight: Once the Bite Report is filed, ARC oversees the quarantine period, ensures compliance, and enforces all rules around observation.
• Keep Copies of All Reports: Victims should keep copies of the bite report, veterinary records, police reports, and ARC documentation. These are vital for a dog bite lawsuit or insurance claim.

How We Can Help Your Dog Bite Injury Case in Chicago

Our law firm supports dog bite victims in Chicago and handles every part of a dog bite lawsuit:

• Gather Evidence – We secure medical records, photos of puncture wounds and scarring, ARC reports, and witness statements to strengthen your dog bite injury case.
• Identify Responsible Parties – From the dog owner to landlords or caretakers, we establish liability so all who contributed to the attack are held accountable.
• Calculate Damages – We document medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent scarring to pursue full financial compensation.
• Settlement Negotiations – We deal directly with the dog owner’s insurance provider to push for fair compensation without added stress to you.
• Trial if Needed – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are ready to take your personal injury case to court.

You are not alone. We fight to protect your well being and legal rights, recover compensation, and help you move forward after serious injuries from a dog.

How Much Can Victims Recover in a Dog Bite Case?

The value of a dog bite lawsuit in Chicago can vary widely depending on the severity of the dog bite injuries and their lasting impact. Settlements in Illinois have ranged from as low as $2,221 to as high as $1,125,000. The median payout is around $42,500, while the average recovery is significantly higher at about $171,079.

Types of Damages Available

Dog bite victims may be able to seek substantial compensation for:

• Medical expenses – ER visits, surgery, plastic surgery, medication, and long-term medical treatment.
• Lost wages – Income lost while recovering from the dog attack, as well as reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and the psychological trauma often linked to animal attacks.
• Non-economic damages – Compensation for diminished quality of life, permanent scarring, or disfigurement.
• Property damage – Clothing, glasses, or other personal property damaged during the incident.
• Punitive damages – In rare cases, if the dog owner’s conduct shows reckless disregard for safety.

Every dog bite case is unique, but with strong evidence and the right legal help, victims can be awarded compensation that reflects the full extent of their physical injuries and financial losses.

What Are Common Defenses in Dog Bite Lawsuits?

Even with Illinois’ strict liability dog bite law, dog owners and their insurance company may raise defenses in a dog bite case:

• Provocation – Arguing the dog bite resulted from the victim provoking the dog.
• Trespassing – Claiming the victim was not lawfully on the property.
• Keeper of the Dog – If the victim was caring for the dog, they may be treated as an “owner” under Illinois law.
• Comparative Fault – Alleging the victim’s actions contributed to the attack.
• Wrong Dog / No Ownership – Disputing that their dog caused the bite.

Our attorneys gather evidence to defeat these defenses and protect victims’ rights to seek compensation for their medical expenses and other damages.

FAQs

Is there a one-bite rule in the Illinois Animal Control Act?

No. Illinois follows strict liability, not a “free bite” rule for dogs and other animals. The owner is liable even if the dog never bit before.

How common are dog bite claims in Illinois?

Illinois ranks near the top in the U.S. for number of dog bite claims, average claim value, and total payout each year.

Who pays for dog attack injuries in Chicago?

Most often the dog owner’s insurance (homeowners, renters, or sometimes commercial insurance) covers damages in a dog bite lawsuit. In some cases, landlords or other responsible parties may also be liable.

Can you sue if the dog belongs to a family member?

Yes. Dog bite victims can bring a dog bite claim even if the dog is owned by a relative, with the insurance policy typically covering the payout.

How bad does a dog bite have to be to file a lawsuit?

Any injury that results in medical attention can form the basis of a dog bite injury lawsuit. Common injuries include deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, bone fractures, disfigurement and scarring, psychological trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Does Illinois law view dangerous dogs differently?

For lawsuits, the answer is no. Illinois applies strict liability under 510 ILCS 5/16, so dog bite victims can sue regardless of whether the animal is labeled “dangerous.”

State law does, however, define and regulate dangerous dogs:

• 510 ILCS 5/2.05a – A dog that poses a serious threat when unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended.
• 510 ILCS 5/2.17c – Defines a potentially dangerous dog.
• 510 ILCS 5/15.2 & 5/15.4 – Outline owner responsibilities, including confinement, muzzling, microchipping, and insurance.

Chicago ordinances add similar rules, including confinement, liability insurance, and possible euthanasia if the aggressive behavior of the dog causes severe injuries.

Illinois does not ban breeds, but dogs like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans are often listed as “dangerous breeds” in public discussion. Still, the law focuses on behavior, not breed.

How much do dog bite attorneys charge in Chicago?

Our law offices handle dog attack cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• No upfront costs – You don’t pay anything to start your dog bite lawsuit.
• We only get paid if you win – Our fee is a percentage of the compensation you recover.
• Shared risk – If your case doesn’t succeed, you owe nothing for attorney fees.

This structure allows victims to seek legal help without worrying about bills, while ensuring we’re motivated to maximize your recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Are dogs in Chicago put down after biting?

No, not automatically. After a bite, the dog is confined for a 10-day observation. If the attack caused death, euthanasia is required. For other serious dog bite injuries, the city may order it, but often the dog is kept under strict rules like confinement, muzzling, and liability insurance.

Contact Us to Help You Protect Your Legal Rights

If you suffered injuries, our experienced lawyers are here to help. We handle every step of your dog bite claim, from gathering evidence to dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your dog bite case.

Contact us today to protect your legal rights and obtain compensation.