How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Sue in Illinois?

Most dog bite injury claims fall under the strict liability statute of the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), which states that owners are liable for legal damages caused by their pets, even for a first offense. However, the timeline of your legal action is important. With that in mind, how long after a dog bite can you sue in Illinois?

We will examine the various statutes of limitations and other contributing factors in this guide.

Pursuing compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and other losses is a challenging process without experienced attorneys on your side. Our team will stand by your side during the claims process to give you a better chance of securing compensation.

Statute of limitations for dog bite cases in Illinois

What Is the Illinois Canine Bite Statute of Limitations?

Canine bites fall under the same statute of limitations as most personal injuries in Illinois. Under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of your injuries to pursue legal action in a dog bite case.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Minor and Legally Disabled Dog Bite Injury Victims?

The typical statute of limitations can be paused for certain victims under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-211.

For minors under the age of 18, the two-year clock begins once they turn 18. For legally disabled individuals, the statute is paused until the disability ends or a guardian acts on their behalf. This ensures victims have some flexibility if filing right away is not an option.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Fatal Dog Bite Cases?

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows surviving family members of deceased individuals to pursue legal damages from the at-fault party.

The two-year deadline begins on the date of the person’s death, not the date of the attack.

Why Acting Quickly Is Critical After an Illinois Dog Bite Injury

Most of the time, missing a deadline will result in the court dismissing your case. However, exceptions can apply if the defendant concealed information or the victim was mentally incapacitated when the attack occurred.

There are also practical reasons not to delay filing a lawsuit:

Evidence deteriorates (fading memories or misplaced medical records)
Animal Control records are easier to obtain right after the incident
The dog owner’s insurance company will try to settle early for less
Prompt legal action gives your lawyers time to investigate, collect proof, and meet filing deadlines

How Our Chicago Law Firm Can Help You Hold Dog Owners Accountable

Our personal injury law firm knows what it takes to earn compensation for lost wages, medical attention expenses, and emotional suffering.

Our legal services include:

Filing the claim before the statute expires
Gathering medical documents, witness statements, and Animal Control records
Notifying the dog owner and insurer
Assessing all legal damages
Protecting your rights under state law
Working on a contingency fee basis (no costs unless we win)

Contact our dog bite injury law firm in Chicago today to schedule a free consultation about your dog bite injury claim.

Free Case Evaluation
312-779-6171

I expressly request and give permission to being contacted by Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLClaw firm or their co-counsel practicing in this area of law, at any time, including but not limited to calls using an auto dialer, text, fax or email, in response to my inquiry at the telephone number(s) provided, even if these result in charges to me by my carrier. Consent is not a condition for services. This consent overrides any state, federal or corporate do-not-call registry rules or list. I understand that submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. I also understand that Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC works with multiple law firms on these claims and that I may be contacted by an affiliated law firm working with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC on these lawsuits.

Client Reviews

All I can say is that I wish I would have contacted these attorneys earlier. After getting low-balled by an insurance company they were able to secure a settlement shortly after I hired them. They were knowledgeable about the law and took the time to understand my situation. I can’t say how pleased...

Sheila C.

I had a work-related dog attack that caused me to fall down a flight of stairs while making a delivery. A friend suggested I talk with these attorneys to help with the workers’ compensation and claim against the homeowner. They took care of both cases for me and handled all of the paperwork to make...

Mike W.

If you are looking for a top dog bite lawyer, call Mr. Rosenfeld and his associates. They are very pleasant to work with and promptly return calls and text messages. I and certain that they can get your case promptly resolved for the fair value.

Jamie S.

Leave Us a Message