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Chicago Child Dog Bite Injury 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 Chicago child dog bite injury 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. A child dog bite injury can involve not only immediate medical treatment but also scarring, emotional trauma, and future medical care.
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. A Chicago child dog bite injury lawyer can help your family understand potential liability, document your child’s injuries, and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
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
- Inadequate supervision of a dog around children
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
- Facial, head, neck, and hand injuries that may require reconstructive treatment
- 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
- Costs of future treatment, therapy, reconstructive surgery, and other care related to the child’s injuries
What Was the Average Reported Settlement for Chicago Dog Bite Cases?
A third-party verdict and settlement database reported an average dog bite settlement of approximately $171,000 for Chicago cases from 2005 through 2019, with reported amounts ranging from $2,200 to $1.125 million. These historical figures are not a prediction of what a current dog bite case is worth, and they do not specifically represent settlements involving children.
The value of an individual dog bite claim can vary significantly based on the severity of the injuries, medical treatment, permanent scarring or disfigurement, emotional trauma, available insurance coverage, liability, and the child’s current and future medical and care needs. Every case is different, so a reported average cannot determine the potential value of your child’s claim.
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
- Documenting your child’s medical treatment, scarring, emotional trauma, and potential future care needs
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. Because children are smaller and may be unable to recognize or escape a threatening animal, dog attacks can cause particularly serious injuries.
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
- Private homes and family gatherings where children interact with dogs
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.
- Illinois law may also make the child’s age and conduct relevant when a dog owner claims the child provoked the attack.
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?
Illinois law provides special limitation rules for minors. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-211, a person who was under 18 when the cause of action accrued generally may bring the action within two years after turning 18. Other circumstances may affect the applicable deadline, so parents should promptly consult an Illinois attorney.
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
Depending on the circumstances, other parties may also have legal responsibility for a child’s injuries.
Common Dog Owner Defenses in Chicago Child Injury Cases
The defendant in a dog bite case may raise defenses based on the circumstances of the attack, including allegations that the child provoked the dog or was unlawfully on the property. Illinois law recognizes provocation as a potential defense in certain dog bite claims, but whether it applies depends on the specific facts and evidence.
When the injured person is a child, the child’s age, understanding, and conduct at the time of the incident may be relevant when evaluating an allegation of provocation. A Chicago child dog bite injury lawyer can review the circumstances of the attack and the evidence supporting or disputing this defense.
Property-related defenses may also arise when a dog attack occurs on private property. The legal duties of property owners can depend on factors such as the child’s status on the property, the condition that allegedly caused the injury, and whether the circumstances support a premises liability or other legal claim. The attractive nuisance doctrine may apply in some circumstances involving children, but it does not automatically make a property owner liable for every injury that occurs after a child enters private property. A Chicago child dog bite injury lawyer can evaluate the facts and determine which liability theories may apply.
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. Reporting the attack can also help create an official record that may become relevant to an Illinois dog bite claim.
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
- Evaluating the child’s current and future medical and emotional needs
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. A parent or legal representative can generally pursue a claim on behalf of an injured child, subject to Illinois law and applicable court procedures.
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. Medical records, treatment history, behavioral changes, and testimony from qualified professionals may also help document the emotional effects of a serious dog attack.
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.
If your child was injured in a dog attack, a Chicago child dog bite injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and the compensation your family may be able to pursue. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our expert attorneys.
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.