Non-Bite Dog Attack Injuries

Most people think of bites when they picture a dog attack, but non-bite dog attack injuries can be just as devastating. In Illinois, victims who are attacked by a dog, even without being bitten, may suffer severe injuries such as broken bones, deep scratches, and lasting emotional trauma.

Fortunately, under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners can be held liable for all injuries caused, giving victims the right to seek compensation for their losses.

Common Non-Bite Injuries from a Dog Attack

A serious dog attack does not need to involve a bite to cause significant harm. Non-bite dog attack injuries are surprisingly common and can be just as life-changing as bite wounds. Dog owners are responsible for all injuries caused by their animals under Illinois law, including these frequent injuries:

• Fall-Related Injuries – Being knocked to the ground by a lunging or charging dog can result in bone fractures, sprains, dislocated joints, or head trauma such as concussions. Older victims may even suffer heart attacks triggered by the stress of being attacked by a dog.
• Scratches and Lacerations – A dog’s claws can inflict deep, scratching wounds, sometimes more damaging than a bite. These cuts may lead to scarring, nerve damage, or dangerous infections requiring medical treatment.
• Psychological Trauma – The terror of being attacked by a dog can cause emotional distress, severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in children.

These types of injuries often lead to substantial medical bills and long-term therapy, which is why Illinois law allows victims to pursue a dog attack lawsuit for fair compensation.

Why Illinois Law Covers More Than Just Dog Bites

Illinois has one of the strongest dog liability laws in the country. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/), dog owners are held liable if their animal “attacks, attempts to attack, or otherwise injures” a person who is lawfully in a public or private place.

That key phrase “otherwise injures” makes it clear that a physical bite is not required to file a dog attack lawsuit. If a dog knocks someone down, causes fractures, inflicts deep scratches, triggers emotional trauma, or otherwise harms a victim without biting, the owner can still be responsible.

This broad protection reflects the reality of dog attack incidents: injuries such as falls, dog scratching, or mental health treatment needs can cause just as much suffering as a traditional bite wound. Under Illinois’s strict liability framework, victims can recover compensation for all damages they’ve suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

When Are Dog Owners Not Held Liable in Illinois

Even though Illinois imposes strict liability for dog attack cases, there are two primary exceptions where a dog owner may not be held liable for injuries inflicted by their animal:

• Provocation – If the victim was intentionally tormenting, teasing, or provoking the dog at the time of the attack, the owner may not be responsible for the resulting injuries.
• Trespassing – If the victim was unlawfully on the owner’s private property when the dog attack occurred, the owner may be exempt from liability.

These exceptions highlight why it’s essential for dog attack survivors to understand their legal options and consult an attorney. Even when provocation or trespassing is alleged, an experienced lawyer can evaluate the facts and help the victim pursue fair compensation for their suffering.

Seeking Compensation in Non-Bite Dog Attack Cases

Victims of non-bite dog attack injuries in Illinois have the same right to get compensation as those harmed by bites. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act’s strict liability standard, a personal injury claim can recover both economic and non-economic damages suffered in a dog attack.

Economic Damages

These are the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered because of the dog attack:

• Medical Bills – Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries for bone fractures, wound care for scratching, and psychological therapy for emotional distress or PTSD.
• Lost Wages – Income lost while you recover from being attacked by a dog, plus future earning capacity if your ability to work is reduced.
• Property Damage – Reimbursement for clothing items, glasses, phones, or other belongings destroyed during the attack.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate you for the harder-to-quantify impact of the dog attack:

• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for ongoing physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional ramifications caused by the attack.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – The impact of your injuries on your daily activities, hobbies, and relationships.
• Psychological Treatment – Recovery for the emotional toll, including therapy costs for PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs.

Most dog attack recoveries, including those involving injuries without biting, are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Our attorneys know how to work with insurers to ensure victims receive the resources they need for a complete recovery.

Our Settlements and Recoveries for Dog Attack Victims

At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, we have a strong record of securing significant results for dog attack survivors across Illinois. These outcomes show that both bite and non-bite injuries can justify substantial compensation when dog owners are held liable under Illinois law. Here are a few of our notable recoveries:

• $885,000 Settlement – Secured for a teenage boy who was attacked by a large dog and pushed into a bonfire at a cookout, suffering serious burns and lasting trauma.
• $700,000 Settlement – Obtained for a victim who was attacked by a dog and endured severe injuries, including nerve damage and scarring.
• $550,000 Settlement – Achieved on behalf of an elderly woman knocked over by a dog at an apartment building, causing multiple leg fractures and lengthy rehabilitation.

Every dog attack court case is unique, but the settlements above highlight how our lawyers fight to maximize compensation for every victim. Whether your injuries came from a bite, scratching, or being knocked to the ground, our team has the experience to build a strong dog attack lawsuit, negotiate aggressively with insurers, and help you get compensation for all of your damages.

Why You Must Seek Medical Attention After Any Attack

After any dog attack, including one without bite injuries, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away. Many dog attack victims underestimate their injuries because there’s no visible bite, but serious harm can still occur.

• Hidden Injuries – Falls or being knocked over can lead to bone fractures, internal bleeding, or a concussion that may not show symptoms immediately. A prompt medical exam helps diagnose these conditions early.
• Infection Prevention – Even small scratches or cuts can become infected if untreated. Early care can reduce complications.
• Medical Documentation – Visiting a doctor creates an official medical record linking your injuries to the attack, which is crucial when filing a dog attack lawsuit.

Seeing a doctor also supports your psychological treatment, ensures that non-economic damages like emotional traumatic disorders are documented, and gives you the best chance at a complete recovery. Prompt medical treatment strengthens your ability to recover compensation and hold the dog owner liable under Illinois’s Animal Control Act.

How a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help in Non-Bite Dog Attack Cases

At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, we provide comprehensive legal support to dog attack survivors, including those who suffered injuries other than a bite. Our services in these cases include:

• Case Evaluation and Investigation – We review the facts of your dog attack claim, gather evidence, and identify all potentially responsible parties.
• Medical and Psychological Documentation – We work with doctors and mental health professionals to document all injuries, ensuring every damage is included in your personal injury lawsuit.
• Insurance Negotiation – We deal directly with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company to pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
• Litigation and Trial Representation – If negotiations fail, we’re ready to fight for you in court under Illinois’ strict dog attack liability laws.
• No Fee Unless We Win – Our contingency fee arrangement ensures you owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

By choosing our expert lawyer team, you gain a partner committed to protecting your rights, reducing your stress, and guiding you toward a full recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Dog Attack Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in Illinois by a dog attack, even without a bite, we can help. Our experienced Chicago dog bite lawyers handle non-bite dog attack injuries and fight to make sure victims receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.

At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, we offer a free consultation so you can understand your legal options and the strength of your personal injury claim. We only get paid if we win your case, so there are no upfront costs to you.

Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact us today to discuss how you can get compensation, hold the dog owner liable under Illinois law, and take the first step toward a full recovery.