- Free Case Evaluation: 312-779-6171 Tap Here To Call Us
Dog Knocked Me Down Injury: Can I Recover for Fall Injuries in Illinois?
Last updated: September 24, 2026 | Reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld,
Yes, in many cases. If a dog knocked you down in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, the owner can be liable for your fall injuries even if the dog never bit you. The Illinois Animal Control Act covers dogs that attack, attempt to attack, or injure someone who did nothing to provoke them.
An aggressive dog can hurt you without touching you. A dog knocked me down injury is one of several non-bite dog attack injuries that Illinois law covers.
Illinois Law Covers All Injuries Caused by a Dog, Not Just Bites
Illinois law covers fall injuries, not just bites. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, a dog owner is liable when the dog, without provocation, “attacks, attempts to attack, or injures” a person acting peaceably where they have a legal right to be.
| Statute wording | Fall it can cover |
| “Injures” | A dog jumps on you and knocks you down |
| “Attempts to attack” | A dog chases you and you fall running away |
In most states, knockdown claims need proof of owner negligence. Illinois’ statute can cover them without it.
You will still need to gather evidence to prove the harm you suffered was a direct result of the dog attack
As an example, a dog could get off its leash and run toward you. As you attempt to get away, you end up tripping on the edge of the sidewalk, causing a broken wrist. With sufficient evidence of the accident, you could recover fair compensation for your suffering.
Common Ways a Dog Causes a Fall
A dog-caused fall happens in a split second, often with no aggression at all. Common situations include:
- Jumping up in greeting: a large dog plants its paws on your chest.
- A playful charge or collision: a dog running full speed slams into your legs.
- Leash tangles: a leash wraps around your ankles.
- Chasing runners or cyclists: a dog gives chase and you fall trying to escape. See our guide to dog attacks on Illinois bicyclists.
- Darting in front of a bike or scooter: a dog runs into your path and you go over the handlebars.
Any of these can support a dog trip and fall injury claim if the dog caused the fall
Fall Injuries Dogs Cause Most Often
Fractures and head injuries are the most serious. Common injuries include:
- Hip, wrist, and arm fractures
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal injuries and rotator cuff tears
- Dental and facial injuries
- Muscle sprains and soft-tissue injuries
Older adults and young children are often hurt worse. Older adults have more fragile bones and slower reflexes, so a single fall can mean a broken hip. Children are closer to a dog’s height, so their falls often involve the head and face. Head injuries can be missed at first, so watch for headaches or confusion in the following days.
What to Do After a Dog Knocks You Down
Get medical care first, then protect your claim. These steps help:
- Get medical care and tell the doctor a dog caused your fall, so your records show it.
- Identify the dog’s owner and get their name, address, and phone number.
- Photograph the scene, the dog, any broken leash or open gate, and your injuries.
- Get witness contact information and ask about doorbell or security video.
- Report the incident to Chicago Animal Care and Control or call 311.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the owner’s insurance company.
In our experience handling Chicago dog bite cases, the medical record is often the first thing an insurer checks to decide whether the dog really caused the fall.
Proving the Dog Caused Your Fall When There Are No Bite Marks
Without bite marks, you need other evidence that ties the dog to your fall. Witness statements and video are often the strongest proof, and a neighbor’s doorbell camera can settle the question quickly. Records of the dog’s prior jumping incidents help, and so does proof that the owner broke a leash law, such as walking the dog off-leash on a city sidewalk. The owner’s insurer may also raise comparative fault under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, arguing that you share blame for the fall.
Knocked Down While Working?
Mail and delivery workers knocked down on the job may have two claims. Workers’ compensation can cover medical bills and part of lost wages. A claim against the dog owner can add pain and suffering. You generally have 2 years to file against the owner under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. See our guide on whether a delivery driver can sue for a dog bite.
Hurt in a fall caused by someone else’s dog? Call (312) 779-6171 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
When Is a Dog Owner Not Liable for a Fall?
Even though Illinois is a strict liability state, an owner is generally not liable if you provoked the dog or were trespassing. See when dog owners are not liable in Illinois and the common defenses in dog bite lawsuits.
Dog Knocked Me Down Injury: What Compensation Can I Recover?
You can generally recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
- Economic damages: lost wages, past and future medical care expenses, and diminished earning capacity
- Non-economic damages: emotional harm such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
FAQs
Yes, in many cases. A dog that jumps on you and knocks you over has “injured” you under 510 ILCS 5/16, even without a bite. You generally must show you were lawfully present, acting peaceably, and did not provoke the dog.
You may still have a claim. The Act covers a dog that “attempts to attack,” so a fall while escaping a charging dog can qualify. The key is proof that the dog was coming at you, not just nearby, which witnesses or video can show.
Often, yes. The word “injures” in the statute does not require an aggressive dog, so a friendly dog that knocks someone over can still create liability. Evidence of the dog’s size, speed, and history of jumping on people often matters.
In many cases, yes. Most homeowners and renters policies include personal liability coverage that can pay for injuries a dog causes, including falls with no bite. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history, so the policy language matters.
Generally 2 years from the date of the fall, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. For children, the deadline generally runs until 2 years after they turn 18, under 735 ILCS 5/13-211. Doorbell video can be deleted within days, so act early.
Contact Our Illinois Dog Attack Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
A dog knocked you down, and now you face medical bills, missed work, and an insurer asking questions. Our Chicago dog bite injury attorneys can investigate the scene, gather witness statements and video, and negotiate with the insurance company for you, even without an obvious dog bite. Call (312) 779-6171 today for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
Content reviewed by Chicago dog bite lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, who hold dog owners accountable to secure compensation for injured victims and their families, and is a trial lawyer recognized by Super Lawyers, the American Association of Justice, and Million Dollar Advocates for serious crash cases across Illinois.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice.
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.