Joliet Dog Bite Attorney

Recover Full Compensation for Serious Injuries Following a Dog Attack in Will County

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries from a dog attack in Will County, a Joliet dog bite attorney at our firm is ready to help you take the next step.

We represent clients across Joliet and surrounding areas, working to obtain compensation for the emotional trauma and medical expenses that follow a dog bite. Our legal team understands how Illinois law protects dog bite victims, and we’re here to protect you.

Dog Bite Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm Serving Joliet

$550,000 Settlement – Margaret, 82, was walking near her Joliet apartment when a large dog knocked her over. She suffered multiple leg fractures and a lengthy hospital stay. Her age, need for mobility aids, and the location on private property added to the case value.

What Makes Us the Best Joliet Dog Bite Lawyers

Our team includes some of the top-rated Joliet personal injury lawyers, backed by decades of experience and a proven track record. We’ve secured millions for victims across Will County and the Chicagoland area. Recognized by Super Lawyers and maintaining a 10/10 score on AVVO, we bring the skill, resources, and local knowledge needed to protect your rights.

Types of Joliet Dog Bite Cases We Handle

Our dog bite attorneys represent clients in cases involving:

• Children and Families – We represent children hurt in neighborhoods, at school, or in public spaces like dog parks. Cases often involve emotional trauma, visible scarring, falls during an attack, or the wrongful death of a child.
• Public Spaces and Dog Parks – Dog park attacks, unleashed and roaming dogs, aggressive or untrained dogs, encounters with “dangerous” breeds, and injuries when the dog’s owner is unknown.
• Rental and Housing-Related Incidents – We handle incidents in apartment complexes or rental homes, including situations where a landlord may share liability due to poor fencing, lack of warning, or failure to remove a known dangerous dog.
• Workers at Risk – Delivery drivers, postal workers, and contractors are often injured while working on someone’s property. In many of these personal injury cases, we also assist with workers’ compensation claims.
• Serious and Lasting Injuries – We pursue compensation for injuries like scarring, facial trauma, nerve damage, broken bones, and infections. Psychological trauma and the cost of reconstructive surgery or long-term care are also key parts of these claims.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dog Bites in Joliet?

Many dog bite incidents stem from situations that could have been prevented. Some of the most common causes include owners failing to leash or restrain their pets in public, especially in parks or neighborhoods.

Others involve inadequate fencing, broken gates, or property owners ignoring known risks. In some cases, the pet’s owner was aware of past aggressive behavior but failed to act. These types of negligence often form the basis of dog bite claims.

What Are the Most Common Dog-Related Injuries?

Dog bite injuries can range from mild to life-altering, depending on the force of the attack and the area bitten. Common injuries include puncture wounds that lead to infections, soft tissue damage, nerve injuries, and scarring, especially on the face or hands.

Many dog bite victims, particularly children, suffer long-term emotional trauma after an attack. In the most severe cases, these incidents can be fatal. According to the CDC, there were 468 dog-related deaths in the U.S. between 2011 and 2021, with numbers reaching as high as 81 in a single year.

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

Under state law, dog bite victims may be entitled to recover a range of damages after a dog attack. These include costs for emergency care, surgery, and ongoing medical treatment such as therapy or plastic surgery. If the injury kept you from working, lost income can be claimed.

Victims may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement, especially in cases involving permanent scarring. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to pursue every available category of damages and help you maximize your payout.

What Is the Average Payout in Joliet Animal Attack Lawsuits?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout in Joliet lawsuits involving dog bites is around $162,917, while the median is $35,000. Settlements and verdicts can range from as low as $2,221 to over $1.1 million, depending on the facts of the case.

Several factors impact how much victims may receive, including:

• The severity of injuries
• Whether plastic surgery or long-term medical care is needed
• Emotional trauma or PTSD, especially in children
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Evidence of negligence by the dog’s owner
• Whether the case qualifies for punitive damages

Example Cases

$1,125,000 Settlement – Teen Mauled by Bullmastiff in Zion

Fifteen-year-old Jordyn Bankston was attacked by a 120-pound bullmastiff that escaped a damaged fence. The dog had a history of aggression, including eight prior 911 calls.

Jordyn suffered deep lacerations to his scalp, arm, shoulder, and thigh, requiring multiple surgeries and psychological counseling for PTSD. The attack lasted five minutes before a neighbor intervened. Evidence of the dog owner’s negligence significantly increased the case value. The parties settled for $1,125,000.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Joliet

Dog bite claims in Joliet often involve more than just filing paperwork–they require proving liability under Illinois law, identifying liable parties, and dealing with uncooperative insurance companies.

Victims may need to appear in Will County Circuit Court, where the burden of proof still falls on the injured person. An experienced dog bite attorney can gather evidence, work with medical experts, and handle negotiations so clients can focus on healing and getting their lives back.

How Common Are Dog Bite Incidents in Joliet, Illinois?

Illinois now ranks eighth in the nation for dog bite insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Children remain the most frequent victims, and the impact goes beyond physical injuries–families often face steep medical treatment bills, psychological trauma, and long recovery periods.

This upward trend underscores the importance of responsible dog ownership and the need for victims to work with an experienced dog bite lawyer to seek compensation for their losses.

Where Do Dog Bites Occur Most Often in Joliet?

In Joliet, dog bites most often occur in everyday locations where people and pets interact. Public parks like Bicentennial Park and Pilcher Park see frequent incidents involving off-leash or aggressive dogs.

Many bites also happen in residential neighborhoods such as the West Side and Cathedral Area, often involving a neighbor’s dog. Rental complexes are another risk area, especially where fencing is inadequate. Delivery workers are also bitten regularly on routes through commercial properties and apartment buildings.

What Illinois Laws Govern Dog Bite Claims?

The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) imposes strict liability on the dog’s owner if their animal injures a person who was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. No prior history of aggression is required to file a personal injury claim.

Under Illinois’ Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/), property owners can be held responsible for injuries by dogs on their premises, especially if dangerous conditions or poor supervision contributed. This often applies in rental properties or shared spaces like apartment complexes.

In the case of Beckert v. Risberg, 50 Ill.2d 16 (1971), the Illinois Supreme Court confirmed that owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by animals they own, even without knowledge of previous aggression. This decision strengthened victim rights in personal injury cases involving animal attacks.

Docherty v. Sadler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (2d Dist. 1997) clarified that provocation is a defense in dog bite cases, but it’s up to the owner to prove it. Victims do not have to anticipate or avoid unpredictable animal behavior.

Does Illinois Have a One-Bite Rule?

Illinois does not follow the “one-bite rule.” Instead, the state enforces strict liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act. This means an owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the animal had no prior history of aggression.

Victims don’t need to prove negligence or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If you were lawfully present and didn’t provoke the dog, you can file a personal injury claim.

Are There Any Joliet-Specific Dog Bite Laws?

Sec. 6-22 makes it unlawful for any dog to run “at large” in Joliet. Dogs must be securely restrained or confined; failure to do so can result in fines and support a personal injury claim if a dog bite occurs.

Under Sec. 6-25, if a dog attack occurs in Joliet, its owner must report it to the authorities. The dog may be quarantined, and animal control will investigate. Non-compliance can be used to establish negligence in a personal injury case involving dog bites.

Sec. 6-28 defines what qualifies as a dangerous or vicious dog in Joliet and outlines extra restrictions for owners, including muzzling and secure enclosures. Violating these rules may increase liability in dog bite claims.

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

The Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202) gives victims two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-211, the statute of limitations for minors or the legally disabled is delayed. The standard two-year filing period doesn’t begin until the minor reaches age eighteen.

For example, a child bitten at age ten would generally have until their twentieth birthday to file a personal injury claim related to the attack, giving families more time to pursue legal action after serious injuries.

Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Joliet?

In Joliet, legal responsibility for injuries and attacks typically falls on the dog’s owner under Illinois’s strict liability law. However, other parties may also be liable. Landlords who were aware of a dangerous animal on the property and failed to act could share responsibility.

The same applies to property managers or businesses where an attack occurs due to poor supervision or inadequate safety measures. Each case depends on who had control and knowledge of the risk.

Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases in Joliet

In personal injury cases involving dog attacks, the pet owner’s insurance company may raise several defenses to avoid paying compensation. A common argument is that the victim provoked the dog, either intentionally or unintentionally. Another defense claims the victim was trespassing and not lawfully present at the time of the attack, which can limit or bar recovery under Illinois law.

In some cases, owners argue the dog acted in self-defense, such as responding to a perceived threat. An experienced personal injury lawyer can counter these tactics with strong evidence and protect your right to recover damages.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Joliet

Taking the proper steps after a dog attack can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Whether you’re dealing with serious dog bite injuries or property damage, here’s how to protect your legal rights in Joliet:

Get Medical Attention Right Away

Always see a doctor, even for minor bites. Medical treatment creates a record of your injuries and helps rule out infections or the need for reconstructive surgery later.

File a Police Report

Contact the Joliet Police Department immediately and request an official report. This documentation supports your personal injury claim and can help identify the dog’s owner and any history of aggression.

Gather Contact Information

If possible, collect the name and phone number of the animal’s owner. Also, speak to any witnesses and get their information. Witness statements can support your version of events and counter defenses like provocation or trespassing.

Take Photos

Photograph the dog, the location of the incident, and any visible injuries–including bite wounds, bruises, or permanent scarring. These images help prove both the severity of the attack and its circumstances.

Save Physical Evidence

Keep any torn or bloodied clothing and any other items damaged during the attack. These may serve as evidence if the insurance company disputes your injuries or says the attack wasn’t severe.

Avoid Contact with the Dog Owner or Their Insurance

Do not speak with the dog owner or their insurance company. Anything you say can be used to weaken your case. Let an experienced personal injury attorney handle all communication to protect your right to recover damages.

How to Report a Dog Attack in Joliet

In the event of an attack, call 911 right away if there are serious injuries or the dog is still aggressive and roaming. For non-emergency situations, report the incident to Joliet Township Animal Control at (815) 725-0333. They can investigate and determine whether the dog should be quarantined or classified as dangerous.

How Our Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help Injured Clients in Joliet

Our dog bite attorneys support clients at every stage of the legal process. We start by investigating the attack, collecting evidence, and identifying all liable parties, from pet owners to landlords or businesses. We coordinate with doctors to document medical treatment, emotional distress, and long-term care needs.

Our team handles all communication with the insurance company and works to calculate full damages, including lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re ready to take your personal injury case to court to fight for maximum compensation.

FAQs

How much do dog bite attorneys charge in Joliet?

Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we win your case.

Who can file a dog bite claim in Illinois?

Anyone who was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog at the time of the attack can file a dog bite claim.

Are some dog breeds really more aggressive than others?

Yes. Data shows breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers are involved in more severe or fatal attacks than others. However, any dog can be dangerous if not properly trained or restrained.

Can dog attacks be prevented?

Many dog attacks are preventable through responsible dog ownership, proper fencing, the use of leashes, and avoiding known aggressive dogs. Supervision and training are key, especially in homes with children or visitors.

How do you establish negligent parties in dog bite claims?

We review prior complaints, witness statements, local ordinances, and property conditions. Liability may fall on the dog owner, landlord, or property manager, depending on who failed to prevent the attack.

Consult Our Dog Bite Attorneys to Understand Your Legal Options!

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog attack, our Joliet personal injury lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.