What to Do if a Dog Bite Leaves Permanent Scars

The Lifelong Impact of a Disfiguring Dog Attack

For countless dog attack victims, one of the first questions is what to do if a dog bite leaves permanent scars. At Chicago Dog Bite Injury Lawyers, we understand how injuries caused by a dog bite can leave severe scars as a constant reminder of the trauma.

In Illinois, victims are not powerless: state law gives dog bite victims a clear legal path to hold the animal’s owner responsible and recover compensation for the medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and emotional trauma caused by disfigurement.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Treatment for Dog Bite Wounds

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, your first priority should be immediate medical attention. Early intervention cleans and stabilizes the wounds, and it can prevent infections, reduce the likelihood of nerve damage, and help prevent uncontrolled scar formation that can lead to disfigurement.

Early treatment also supports the healing process of dog bite wounds, easing pain and laying the groundwork for any future reconstructive surgery or scar treatment options.

Why Early Treatment is Critical for Both Health and a Legal Claim

Following your doctor’s treatment plan is just as important as the initial medical care. Consistent early adherence to prescribed care helps wounds heal more completely and reduces the risk of long-term problems such as scars, restricted movement, or emotional trauma.

This ongoing care also creates a clear medical history documenting the wound site, scar size, your healing progress, and the need for future plastic surgery or other procedures.

When pursuing a personal injury claim against the dog owner or their insurance company, these records are essential to prove the full extent of your injuries and secure maximum compensation for the lasting reminder of the attack.

Explaining the Dog Bite Scar Formation Process

After a dog bite, the healing process begins immediately, but the damage from an attack is usually far more severe than a simple cut. Puncture wounds, jagged edges, and crushing damage from dog’s teeth tear through multiple layers of skin and underlying tissue, creating thicker, more irregular scar tissue.

As the wound repairs itself, excess collagen can form scars like keloid or hypertrophic scars, especially if infection or delayed care occurs. Many victims end up with permanent scars that may require surgery, lasers, or other treatments to improve appearance and emotional well-being.

Common Types of Permanent Scars from Dog Bites

Because dog’s teeth puncture, tear, crush, and inflict deep wounds, the type of scar left varies depending on the severity of the attack, the healing process, and the individual’s skin type. Understanding these differences is important for both treatment and legal claims.

Keloid Scars

Keloids are thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound’s boundaries. They often develop after severe puncture wounds or jagged edges and can be painful, itchy, and noticeably darker or thicker than the surrounding skin. This type of scar tissue may require laser treatments, corrective surgery, or other treatment options to reduce its appearance.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are also raised, but unlike keloids, they remain within the original wound area. They tend to be red and rigid, sometimes compromising movement around the affected area.

With early medical treatment and cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery, many hypertrophic scars can improve over time, but they still represent a lasting reminder of the attack and may justify compensation for emotional and physical pain.

The Deep Psychological Toll of Dog Bite Scars

For many victims, dog bite scars are as emotionally devastating as the physical wounds. The lasting reminder of scars can trigger anxiety, depression, and even PTSD, especially when highly visible.

Changes in appearance, movement, and ongoing trauma can erode self-esteem and emotional well-being, disrupting daily life, relationships, and careers, all valid factors in a personal injury claim.

Medical and Cosmetic Treatment Options Available

Victims of dog bites have multiple options to improve the appearance and function of dog bite scars, reduce scarring, and support emotional healing:

• Plastic surgery or reconstructive procedures to repair deep tissue damage and improve appearance of disfiguring scars
• Laser therapy to flatten scars such as hypertrophic and keloid scars
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and soften scar tissue
• Skin grafting to restore damaged skin and improve mobility in the affected area
• Microneedling or dermabrasion to smooth the skin and minimize irregular texture
• Topical silicone gels or pressure dressings to help diminish scars and improve the healing process
• Mental health counseling to address emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of self-esteem related to permanent disfigurement

These treatment options can be costly, but in Illinois, victims can pursue compensation from the animal’s owner or their insurance company to cover both medical care and emotional hurt.

How Illinois Law Holds Dog Owners Accountable for Bite Injuries

Illinois takes dog bites seriously and enforces one of the nation’s strongest laws to protect dog bite victims. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/), the state follows a strict liability rule.

This means that if you’ve been bitten by a dog, the dog owner is financially responsible for your medical care, surgeries, and other treatment options, even if their dog had never been aggressive before. Victims do not need to prove negligence, they simply need to show they were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog.

Chicago adds another layer of protection under the Municipal Code – Chapter 7-12: Animal Care and Control, which regulates responsible dog ownership and penalties for violations within city limits.

Victims also have a limited time to act: under 735 ILCS 5/13-202 of Illinois’ statute of limitations for personal injury, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. Acting promptly protects your legal rights and ensures critical medical records and evidence are preserved.

“Disfigurement”: A Specific Category of Damages in Illinois

In addition to recovering medical bills, lost income, and therapy costs, Illinois law recognizes “disfigurement” as its own category of damages. This means dog attack victims can seek compensation specifically for the emotional trauma, loss of self-esteem, and permanent disfigurement caused by dog bite scars.

These non-economic damages reflect the lifelong harm of severe scars, damaged nerves, and compromised movement, helping survivors rebuild both their appearance and their emotional well-being after a dog bite.

What Makes Us the Best Lawyers for Dog Bite Scar Cases in Illinois?

We have extensive experience handling severe dog bites that cause permanent scars and disfigurement. Our legal team partners with trusted medical experts, including plastic surgeons and mental health professionals, to fully document the physical and emotional impact of an attack.

By accurately calculating the lifelong cost of scar treatment, therapy, and future procedures, we ensure our clients receive the fair compensation they deserve.

Our Settlements for Victims of Dog Attacks in Illinois

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer has a strong record of winning substantial settlements for dog bite victims with scarring and disfiguring injuries. These recoveries give clients the resources they need for corrective surgeries, therapy, and to address the emotional toll of an attack.

Some of our notable case results include:

• $1,200,000 Policy-Limit Recovery – We represented a very young child harmed by a relative’s large dog, resulting in significant facial injuries and long-term marks. This compensation covered corrective medical procedures and ongoing therapeutic support.
• $700,000 Settlement – We obtained this result for an adult client who experienced serious tissue damage and lifelong marks after an unprovoked incident. The recovery helped pay for advanced treatments and emotional recovery resources.
• $375,000 Settlement – We assisted the family of a small child injured by a powerful breed, requiring immediate surgery and leaving facial marks. This resolution provided funding for follow-up care and psychological assistance.

Contact Our Illinois Dog Attack Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered dog bite scars or disfiguring injuries, our personal injury attorney team is here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to review your case, explain your legal options, and hold the dog owner accountable for the harm caused.

Because we work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront costs. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. We’re here to navigate the legal process for you and secure the compensation you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.