Chicago Child Dog Bite Lawyer

Standing Beside Children and Families After Dog Attacks in Chicago

Children are the most vulnerable to dangerous dog attacks due to their small stature and inability to recognize the signs of a nervous dog. If a canine injures your child, you can seek compensation with the help of a child dog bite lawyer.

Our experienced dog bite law firm will stand by your side throughout the claims process. We know what it takes to build a strong case and fight for justice on behalf of your child.

Child Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$1,200,000

A relative’s Doberman Pinscher attacked two-year-old Emma during a family gathering in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. She sustained deep facial wounds requiring reconstructive surgery, leaving permanent scarring. The severity of the injuries and the emotional trauma contributed significantly to the settlement value.

$375,000

Three-year-old Liam was attacked by a pit bull while playing outside his South Side home. He underwent surgery for facial wounds that left permanent scars. The settlement reflected both the injuries and emotional distress suffered by the child.

$170,000

A family friend’s dog bit seven-year-old Isabella during a visit to their North Side home. She sustained multiple lacerations to her cheek and arm, requiring cosmetic procedures. The settlement reflected both her medical treatment and anticipated future care.

What Makes Us the Best Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers for Your Child’s Case

An experienced legal team can make all the difference in securing fair compensation during your Chicago dog bite lawsuit. We have recovered over $450 million for our clients, many of whom were attacked by dogs.

Our attorneys are recognized among the top 5% by Super Lawyers, and we also maintain an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dog Bites Involving Children in Chicago?

The cause of your child’s serious injuries will play an important role in obtaining a settlement. Here are some of the most common causes of dog bites in Chicago:

• A failure to leash or restrain a dog
• Negligent property owners allowing dangerous conditions
• Inadequate fencing
• An owner ignoring past aggressive behavior

What Serious Injuries Can Dogs and Other Animals Cause to Children?

Common injuries associated with dog or pet attacks include:

• Puncture wounds and infections
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma, especially in children
• Fatality (roughly 43 deaths per year in the US from 2011 to 2021)

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

The victim of a dog attack can seek compensation for the following legal damages:

• Lost wages (parents of children)
• Future lost income
• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Emotional distress (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and other emotional trauma)
• Pain and suffering (For physical pain from serious injuries)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and disfigurement

What Is the Average Payout in Chicago Animal Attack Lawsuits?

Between 2005 and 2019, the average settlement for a dog bite in Chicago was roughly $171,000, with a range from $2,200 to $1.125 million. Factors that will affect your payout include injury severity, insurance company policies, available evidence, and liability.

Why You Need a Lawyer If Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog in Chicago

Our lawyers believe in your case. During the claims process, you will face several challenges that our team can help with, such as:

• Securing evidence that you did not provoke the attack
• Stubborn defendants
• Defense lawyers
• Resourceful insurance companies
• Filing legally in the Cook County Circuit Court

How Common Are Dog Bite Incidents Involving Children?

Between 2001 and 2017, dog bite injuries to children resulted in approximately 2.5 million emergency room visits in the United States. According to the Humane Society, 51% of dog bite victims are children.

Where Do Dog Bites Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Some locations in Chicago are riskier for children than others, including:

• Parks (Grant Park, Douglas Park, Lincoln Park, and Millennium Park)
• Apartment complexes in high-density neighborhoods
• Sidewalks, alleys, and schoolyards
• Dog parks where unleashed dogs interact with children

What Illinois Laws Govern Dog Bite Claims?

• Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) – Pet owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, even for a first offense.
• Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) – Property owners are responsible for taking reasonable care to prevent injuries on their properties.
• Beckert v. Risberg, 50 Ill.2d 16 (1971) – Strict liability was reiterated by the Illinois Supreme Court, stating that a dog’s past behavior was irrelevant.
• Docherty v. Sadler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (2d Dist. 1997) – A defendant can claim that the victim provoked their dog, but the burden of proof is on the defendant rather than the plaintiff.

Are There Any Chicago-Specific Dog Bite Laws?

• §7-12-030 – Dogs must be leashed and under control in public places.
• §10-36-020 – Animals are prohibited in all beach areas and must be restrained in parks.
• §7-12-050 – Established rules for dangerous animals, such as the right to an investigation after a complaint.

How Long Do Child Victims Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Illinois?

According to state law 735 ILCS 5/13-211, the general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the incident or discovery of injuries, but this statute is paused until a child victim turns 18.

Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago?

Establishing liability is a key step in the legal process. Here are some potentially liable parties that could cause severe injuries to the victim:

• Dog owners
• Landlords/property owners
• Parents of minor dog owners
• Dog walkers or sitters
• Kennel operators

Common Dog Owner Defenses in Chicago Child Injury Cases

The defendant in a dog bite case has two primary defenses they can use. They may argue that the child provoked the attack with inappropriate conduct around the dog. Illinois courts are slightly more lenient toward a child’s actions in provoking a dog.

The other defense is that the victim was trespassing. Under the attractive nuisance doctrine, property owners must take even greater care to prevent hazards, as children might enter private properties without realizing the risks.

How to Report a Dog Attack in Chicago

Chicago Animal Care and Control receives animal attack reports through several channels. You can either call 311 to report the attack or submit an online service request through the 311 website.

How a Chicago Child Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

Navigating Illinois law after suffering broken bones, facial injuries, or other damages from a canine attack can be overwhelming. Our compassionate attorneys will guide you through the process while providing the following legal services:

• Investigating the incident
• Researching past animal control reports
• Gathering evidence of your innocence
• Working with local authorities
• Negotiating for fair compensation
• Litigating in civil court

FAQs

How much do dog bite child injury attorneys charge in Chicago?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome for you.

Who can file a dog bite claim in Illinois?

Anyone who has been injured by a dog can file a claim under the state’s personal injury laws. If the victim is a minor, their parent or a legal representative can file on their behalf.

How do you prove emotional distress in a dog bite injury claim?

Emotional distress is a non-economic damage that could play a role in your case, and proving its existence will likely require testimony from a mental health professional, such as your therapist.

Consult Our Dog Bite Attorneys to Understand Your Legal Options!

Our experienced personal injury firm will provide a compassionate space for you to tell your story. Together, we will fight for justice and a fair settlement for you and your child after a vicious dog attack. Without a contingency fee agreement, there are no upfront costs for our services.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our expert attorneys.