Rockford Dog Bite Lawyer

Recover Damages for Serious Injuries Following a Dog Attack in Winnebago County

A dog attack can leave the victim with serious injuries, causing significant legal damages. If you have been hurt by someone else’s pet, a Rockford dog bite lawyer can stand by your side to fight for fair compensation.

Navigating the claims process is easier with the assistance of an experienced legal team. Our firm will listen to your story and provide you with a platform to pursue justice against the negligent dog owner. Together, we will fight for every dollar you deserve because of your suffering.

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

Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience ensuring negligent pet owners in Northern Illinois are held accountable. Here are some past settlements we have secured:

$700,000

Melissa, a 34-year-old Rockford resident, was bitten on the arm by her neighbor’s unleashed dog. The attack caused nerve damage and scarring that limited her ability to continue her work. Her loss of function and the visibility of her injuries both played key roles in determining the settlement.

$375,000

Three-year-old Lila was bitten in the face by a pit bull that escaped from a yard in a Rockford neighborhood. She required surgery and now has permanent facial scars. The young age of the victim and the visible nature of the injuries significantly increased the case’s value.

$195,500

Owen, an 11-year-old Rockford boy, was attacked by a dog that broke through a damaged fence next door. The attack left deep puncture wounds on his arm. The neighbor’s negligence in maintaining the fence was a central factor.

$177,555

While delivering packages to a Rockford residence, Carlos was bitten by a Giant Schnauzer that burst through a screen door. The attack caused nerve damage to his dominant hand. His lost wages and long-term impairment shaped the recovery outcome.

What Makes Us the Best Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys

We care deeply about supporting injured victims of dog bite incidents in Rockford. With an in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, our head attorney is a contributing author for the National Law Review. We also maintain a five-star rating from AVVO.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Rockford

Our dog bite lawyers in Rockford represent clients in cases involving:

• Children and Families – children injured in neighborhoods, schools, and parks, resulting in PTSD, scarring, fall injuries, or wrongful deaths.
• Public Spaces and Dog Parks – Dog park attacks that involve unleashed, roaming, untrained, or aggressive dogs.
• Rental and Housing-Related Incidents – Bites occurring in apartment complexes or rental properties involving inadequate fencing or negligent supervision.
• Workers at Risk – Delivery workers, postal carriers, contractors, and utility workers who experience bites during their job duties.
• Serious and Lasting Injuries – Cases involving scarring and disfigurement, facial injuries, nerve damage, broken bones, infections, and emotional distress.

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

Determining the cause of the dog bite incident can play an important role in the outcome of your claim. Common causes include:

• Failure to leash or restrain dogs
• Negligent property owners allowing dangerous conditions
• Inadequate fencing or containment
• An owner ignoring past aggressive behavior

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Attacks?

Common dog bite injuries that can lead to personal injury claims include:

• Puncture wounds and infections
• Deep lacerations
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma, especially in minors
• Fatality

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

Successful dog bite cases can lead to the following legal damages as part of a settlement:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical costs
• Future medical bills
• Lost future income

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

Some dog bite cases involve gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault parties, which can result in additional compensation for the plaintiffs.

What Is the Average Payout in Rockford Animal Attack Lawsuits?

Dog bite claims in Illinois have an average settlement of $162,917, with a range of $2,221 to $1.125 million. Factors that can affect your personal injury law settlement include injury severity, liability, insurance company policies, and available evidence.

Example Dog Bite Injury Cases

In 2009, Jacob Rodriguez was helping move furniture at a friend’s house when their pit bull attacked him in the yard and bit him on the leg. His mother sued the dog owner for negligence, alleging that the dog was allowed to roam free in the yard when it should have been confined to the kennel. The parties agreed to a settlement of $225,000.

Yvan Wojtecki was visiting his girlfriend’s father’s house when he attempted to hug their family dog, a Neapolitan Mastiff. The dog bit him on the face, injuring his eye and forehead. The defendant claimed that Wojtecki had surprised the dog, but Wojtecki argued that he had put his hand on the dog for a few seconds before the hug. A jury awarded the victim $56,000.

Why You Need a Rockford Dog Bite Attorney

Securing compensation after a dog attack presents significant challenges, including obtaining specialized evidence, filing the lawsuit in the Winnebago County Circuit Court, dealing with multiple defendants, and negotiating with insurance companies.

An experienced attorney from our law firm will ensure you have the legal guidance and resources needed to overcome these challenges.

How Common Are Dog Bite Incidents in Rockford, IL?

Illinois has become one of the most dangerous states for dog bites in the country. It now ranks 8th on the list of states with the most dog bite insurance claims. A large percentage of these claims have values over $50,000.

Where Do Dog Bites Occur Most Often in Rockford?

The following locations in Rockford may be more dangerous than others for dog attacks:

• Public parks like Sinnissippi Park and Anderson Japanese Gardens
• High-density residential areas (East and West Side neighborhoods)
• Apartment complexes and rental properties
• Delivery routes across Rockford’s industrial and commercial corridors

What Illinois Dog Bite Laws Govern Claims?

• 510 ILCS 5/ (Animal Control Act) – Establishes strict liability for dog owners if their pets cause injuries, even for first offenses.
• 740 ILCS 130/ (Premises Liability Act) – Property owners must take reasonable care to prevent injuries to lawful guests on their properties.
• Beckert v. Risberg, 50 Ill.2d 16 (1971) – Dog owners are liable even if the animals have never displayed aggressive behaviors.
• Docherty v. Sadler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (2d Dist. 1997) – Owners can claim provocation as a defense, but the burden is on them to prove negligence.

Are There Any Rockford-Specific Dog Bite Laws?

Rockford’s municipal code, Section 4-58, states that no person who owns a dog shall permit it to run at large in the city.

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

According to state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, victims of personal injury cases have two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of their injuries to seek compensation.

State law 735 ILCS 5/13-211 pauses this deadline for underage victims until they turn 18 years old.

Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Rockford?

Your personal injury attorney will help you establish liability for your suffering. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Dog owners
• Dog walkers
• Kennel operators
• Landlords who knew of a dangerous animal on their property
• Property managers or businesses where an attack occurs

Common Defenses in Rockford Dog Bite Claims

The defendant in your claim could use various arguments to avoid being responsible for your financial compensation, such as:

• The victim provoked the dog
• The victim was trespassing
• The dog was acting in self-defense

Our law firm will counter these defenses with witness statements, Animal Control reports, and photographic evidence.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Rockford

The following steps can help you build a strong claim to recover compensation:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Report the incident to the authorities
• Speak to the owner
• Gather witness statements
• Take photos of the animal and your injuries
• Retain medical records
• Do not speak to the dog owner’s insurance company
• Consult a great lawyer from our top-rated firm

How to Report a Dog Attack in Rockford

The best way to report your dog attack is to call 311, the non-emergency line for the Rockford Police Department.

How Our Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help Injured Clients

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the attack
• Assessing legal damages
• Gathering evidence
• Protecting your rights
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court

FAQs

How much do dog bite injury attorneys charge in Rockford?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.

What if I don’t know who the dog owner is?

Reporting the attack to animal control could reveal the identity of the pet owner. You should also take photos of the animal and speak to neighbors who may be familiar with the dog.

Book a Free Consultation to Understand Your Legal Options!

If a dog in Rockford has attacked you or a loved one, our dog bite attorneys ensure you won’t be alone during the claims process. We will fight for maximum compensation to ensure that the settlement covers all your losses. With no up-front legal fees, you can pursue legal action without sacrificing your finances.

Act quickly and contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Rockford law firm.