Chicago Dog Bite Eye Injury Lawyer

Seek Justice for Periocular Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite eye injury can cause devastating, life-changing harm, from eyelid lacerations and tear duct damage to permanent vision loss or scarring across the face. At Chicago Dog Bite Injury Lawyers, our attorneys represent victims of dog attacks involving severe eye injuries, helping clients secure full compensation for medical care, surgeries, and emotional trauma.

In a city where thousands of bites occur each year, younger children and visitors are often the most vulnerable to such injuries. When a dog attacks near the head or face, the force of the bite and exposure to dog saliva can lead to infection, crush injuries, and wounds that require surgical repair. Studies show that most dog bites occur in familiar settings, often involving pets known to the victim.

Our Chicago legal team stands with victims who have suffered injuries to the eyes and vision impairment, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment and justice under Illinois law. While most dogs are friendly and well-behaved companions, any animal can react aggressively when startled or provoked.

Our Case History

Our Chicago attorneys have helped victims of dog attacks with injuries to their eyes and facial wounds recover substantial settlements for their pain, medical care, and long-term scarring. Here are several examples of recent results:

$1,200,000 — Doberman Attack in Lincoln Park

Ethan, age 5, was bitten in the face and eyelid by a relative’s Doberman. He required surgical repair under general anesthesia and later reconstructive treatment to reduce scarring. His young age and the location of the injuries increased the settlement value.

$700,000 — Dog Bite With Facial Nerve Damage

Danielle, 37, a postal worker from Hyde Park, suffered nerve damage and facial weakness after being bitten by a neighbor’s dog. Compensation reflected her permanent injury and loss of earning capacity.

$375,000 — Pit Bull Bite on Child’s Eye and Cheek

Lila, age 3, was attacked by a pit bull at a South Side playground, sustaining eyelid and cheek lacerations. She required stitches and antibiotics, with visible facial scars remaining after healing.

What Are the Most Common Eye Injuries Sustained in Dog Bites?

When a dog bites the face or head, the eyes are among the most fragile areas affected. Most bites happen to the face or hands, areas where victims instinctively try to shield themselves during an attack. These injuries often involve delicate structures that require surgical treatment and careful follow-up to monitor for early signs of infection or lasting damage.

Because dog saliva carries bacteria and is considered contaminated, patients are typically treated with prophylactic antibiotics and primary repair under general anesthesia to reduce complications and preserve vision. In cases where the attacking dog’s vaccination status is uncertain, victims may also require rabies prophylaxis as part of their medical treatment.

Common eye-related injuries from dog bites include:

• Eyelid lacerations: Deep cuts involving the lid margin or the levator muscle, which can cause drooping or eyelid dysfunction if not properly repaired.
• Tear duct damage: Injuries to the lacrimal system may result in excessive tearing or blocked drainage, often requiring microsurgical correction.
• Corneal wounds or punctures: Trauma to the cornea can blur vision and increase the risk of infection or permanent scarring.
• Orbital fractures and crush injuries: Severe bites may break bones around the eye, leading to double vision or facial asymmetry.
• Soft-tissue trauma: Damage to nearby areas such as the nose, cheeks, or forehead can leave visible scars and affect facial movement.
• Puncture wounds and infections: Victims may also suffer puncture wounds around the eyelid or cheek, which can appear small but carry a high risk of infection.

Most cases involve younger children or individuals bitten by family pets, emphasizing the need for appropriate treatment and legal support following these serious injuries.

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

Victims of dog attacks that cause eye or facial injuries may be entitled to several forms of compensation under Illinois law. These damages reflect both the financial impact of the attack and the lasting physical and emotional harm suffered.

Economic Damages – measurable financial losses such as:

• Medical expenses: emergency care, hospitalization, surgical repair, medication, and follow-up visits.
• Rehabilitation costs: physical therapy, vision treatment, or counseling for trauma.
• Lost income:wages lost during recovery or reduced earning capacity from lasting injury.

Non-Economic Damages – compensation for pain and suffering, including:

• Emotional distress and trauma, particularly for children and families.
• Disfigurement or permanent facial scars affecting appearance and confidence.
• Loss of normal life, covering activities victims can no longer enjoy.

Punitive Damages – available in limited cases to punish extreme misconduct, such as:

• Owners who knowingly kept a dangerous dog or ignored prior attacks.
• Intentional acts of negligence or concealment after a bite occurred.
• Reckless disregard for public safety involving other dogs or animals.

What Is the Average Payout for Dog Bite Injuries to the Eye?

Recent case data shows that compensation for eye and facial injuries caused by dog bites varies considerably depending on the severity of the harm and long-term impact.

The average payout is $447,806, while the median settlement is $270,818. Reported values range from $5,000 for minor wounds to $1.8 million in severe cases involving permanent vision loss, facial scarring, or multiple reconstructive procedures.

Several factors influence the final recovery amount, including:

• Extent of injury: whether the victim sustained eyelid lacerations, corneal damage, or partial vision loss.
• Need for reconstructive treatment: cases that require surgical treatment or multiple follow-up procedures typically result in higher compensation.
• Age of the victim: children often receive higher settlements due to the potential for long-term scarring and emotional trauma.
• Permanent impact: lasting disfigurement, vision problems, or nerve damage significantly raise claim values.
• Negligence evidence: liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act and proof of prior aggression can strengthen the case.

Example Cases

Child Bitten by Rottweiler at Zoo

A six-year-old girl was bitten in the face by a Rottweiler at her grandfather’s workplace, a local zoo. She sustained multiple lacerations to her cheeks, chin, forehead, jaw, lips, and around her left eye, which became severely swollen. The case resolved for $291,636.02.

Park Visitor Attacked by Rescue Dog

A 58-year-old woman was bitten by a German Shepherd during a public rescue dog exhibition at a city park. She suffered injuries to her arm, face, and wrist, leading to a settlement of $1,300,000.

Guest Suffered Tear Duct Damage in Dog Attack

A 21-year-old woman visiting friends was bitten in the face by their dog, causing a right eyelid laceration and tear duct injury that left her with a persistently watery eye and mild vision problems. The case settled for $14,474.

How Common Are Injuries to the Eye Following Dog Bites?

In cases of dog attacks resulting in dog bite facial scars, eye- and periocular-region injuries are not rare and tend to affect certain groups more than others.

One study of 342 dog-bite victims found that 91 (27%) sustained actual ocular trauma. Children were disproportionately affected: they were about 4.2 times more likely than adults to suffer injuries around the eye.

Another study focusing solely on facial/head/neck dog-bites compared children and adults, finding that children were twice as likely as adults to sustain a periorbital injury (eyelid/area around the eye) without such increased risk for central facial region injuries (nose, lips, and cheeks).

A smaller case-series of domestic pet dogs showed that among 7 patients, 57% had lower canaliculus (tear-duct region) lacerations and 29% had both upper and lower eyelid margin involvement, indicating high concentration of injury around the eye and its supporting structures.

These findings underscore the importance of awareness around the dangers of ocular injuries in dog-bite incidents, particularly when dealing with dog bite facial scars, younger victims, or attacks involving the head/face region.

What Laws Govern Dog Bite Injury Claims in Illinois?

Dog attack injury claims in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/). This law holds dog owners strictly liable when their animal attacks, injures, or bites someone who is lawfully present and not provoking the dog. Victims do not need to prove negligence, only that the bite occurred, caused an injury, and the victim was legally allowed to be where the attack happened.

The statute applies to a wide range of dog attack injuries, including ocular injuries, facial wounds, and scarring, and covers both public spaces and private property where the victim was invited or permitted. The law’s strict liability standard ensures that injured patients and families can recover damages for medical treatment, lost income, and other losses without having to prove fault.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action?

Under the Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202), individuals injured in a dog attack typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.

For children, Illinois law provides additional time. According to 735 ILCS 5/13-211, minors who suffer dog attack injuries, such as facial lacerations or eye trauma, may file suit within two years after turning 18, allowing them to pursue justice even years after the initial bite.

Because delays can affect evidence and witness recollection, victims are encouraged to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve their legal rights.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Handling a dog bite case involving injuries to the eye requires both legal and medical insight. A skilled attorney can investigate how the bite occurred, collect crucial evidence, and calculate the full value of the victim’s losses, from surgical repair costs to emotional trauma and long-term scarring.

An experienced lawyer can also:

• Analyze the case history to establish liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act.
• Consult with ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons to document permanent ocular injuries or disfigurement.
• Obtain medical reports and photographs to support claims for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
• Negotiate directly with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for injuries and vision-related complications.
• Represent victims in Cook County courts when settlement offers fail to reflect the true extent of the harm.

Book a Free Consultation

We are committed to helping victims of dog bites rebuild their lives after serious injuries to the eyes. Our attorneys offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your rights.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win. You deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for what you’ve endured.

If you or your child were bitten by a dog in Illinois, contact us today to speak with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Chicago who will stand by your side every step of the way.