Chicago Unleashed Dog Attack Injury Lawyer

Fair Compensation for Injuries by Unleashed or Roaming Dogs in Chicago

Chicago has an enormous population of dogs, but not all these animals are handled well by their owners. Often, unleashed and roaming dogs pose a danger to others, which can result in severe injuries to dog attack victims. If a loose pet has seriously hurt you, your chances of earning compensation will increase with an unleashed dog attack injury lawyer on your side.

Our dog bite law firm has decades of experience supporting victims of these attacks in holding negligent dog owners accountable. We believe in your case and will help you secure compensation while focusing on your physical and emotional recovery.

Dog Attack Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

An experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some past settlements we have secured for our clients:

$885,000 – Sixteen-year-old Marcus was bitten and knocked into a bonfire by a large mixed-breed dog during a backyard cookout in Cicero. He suffered burns to his legs and arms, along with deep bite wounds. The case value reflected the combination of scarring, emotional distress, and the long recovery period.

$550,000 – An unrestrained dog knocked over an elderly woman named Eleanor in the hallway of her Rogers Park apartment building. She suffered multiple leg fractures requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation. The negligent management of the building’s pet policy increased the case’s value.

$195,500 – Sophia, age 11, was bitten on the arm by a neighbor’s dog that broke through a damaged fence in suburban Berwyn. She required stitches and later developed lasting anxiety around animals. The property owner’s failure to maintain a secure enclosure was a key factor in the settlement.

$177,555 – Derrick, a delivery driver in Chicago’s West Loop, was attacked by a Giant Schnauzer while dropping off packages. He suffered nerve damage to his dominant hand, forcing him to miss several months of work. The recovery accounted for his medical expenses, lost wages, and lasting impairment.

What Makes Us the Best Dog Bite Lawyers for Your Case

Our top-rated law firm is ready to hear your story and fight for fair compensation. The team is listed on the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and we have also maintained an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

Types of Free-Roaming Dog Attack Cases We Handle in Chicago

No matter the type of case you are facing, our Chicago dog bite lawyers can make a difference. We have handled dog bite claims involving:

• Roaming dogs in public spaces, alleyways, and neighborhood parks
• Delivery workers, postal carriers, joggers, or children who have been attacked
• Dogs that have escaped from fenced yards or private properties
• Bites that occurred in apartment complexes or rental properties where owners ignored the containment requirements
• Serious injuries caused by multiple dogs, untrained animals, or aggressive breeds (like pit bulls and rottweilers)
• Fatal attacks
• Non-bite injuries, such as falls or knockdowns

What Are the Most Common Serious Injuries Sustained in unrestrained Dog Attacks?

The type of injury you suffer will affect your medical bills, recovery, and final settlement value. Here are some common dog bite injuries sustained by Chicago victims:

• Puncture wounds and infections
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Broken bones from falls
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma, especially in children

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois?

Personal injury claims are measured by their settlement values. The more legal damages you have suffered, the more compensation you can win. Here are the most common economic and non-economic damages resulting from animal attacks:

• Lost wages (due to missed time at work)
• Future lost income (for injuries that affect your prospects)
• Medical bills (emergency room visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy)
• Future medical care costs
• Emotional distress (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, and a fear of dogs)
• Pain and suffering (from physical injuries)
• Disability and disfigurement (for permanent physical alterations caused by the dangerous dog)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (for a diminished capacity for happiness after the attack occurred)

What Is the Average Payout in Chicago Dog Attack Lawsuits?

There have been numerous personal injury cases in Chicago involving dogs displaying aggressive behavior. The average settlement for these past claims is roughly $171,000, with a range from $2,200 to $1.125 million.

Multiple factors can influence your final payout, including the severity of the injury, its long-term impact, the availability of evidence, the type of medical care received, and the insurance company’s policies.

Why You Need a Lawyer After an Attack by an Unrestrained Dog

When dog attacks happen, an injured person can face numerous legal challenges throughout their lawsuit:

• The dog owner is claiming that the plaintiff provoked the attack or was trespassing
• The insurer refuses to cover all losses
• There is a lack of available evidence or witnesses from the attack
• Dog ownership is unclear
• The dog attack occurred nowhere near its owner’s property

Our firm can help you navigate these challenges, giving you a better chance of obtaining justice for your suffering.

What Are the Statistics of Unrestrained Dog Attacks?

From 1997 to 1998, there were 27 reported deaths in the United States caused by dog bites. Five of these deaths occurred when the dog was unleashed and away from the owner’s property. Eighteen of the deaths involved free-roaming dogs on their owners’ properties.

Where Do Dog Bite Incidents Involving Unrestrained Dogs Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Some areas in Chicago are more prone to dog bite cases than others. Here are some spots where you should exercise additional caution:

• Public sidewalks and parks (Grant Park, Lincoln Park, Humboldt Park)
• Residential neighborhoods (West Englewood, Logan Square, Little Village)
• Apartment complexes and alleys with poor fencing
• Lakefront paths and shared walking trails

What Are the Illinois Dog Bite Laws?

Several Illinois laws govern dog bite scenarios:

• Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) – This act established strict liability for dog owners if their pets cause serious physical injuries to others, even if the dogs have never displayed aggression in the past.
• §7-12-030 – In Chicago, dogs must be leashed and adequately restrained in all public places.

Do Leash Laws Only Refer to Potentially Dangerous Dogs?

Leash laws in Chicago and Illinois apply to all dogs. There are no special exceptions for “safer” breeds. Any dog can turn aggressive at any time if it feels threatened, anxious, or uncomfortable.

Do Illinois Dog Attack Laws View Vicious Dogs Differently?

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a “vicious dog” is defined as an animal that attacks a person without any justification. It can also describe a dog that has been described as a “dangerous dog” on at least three separate occasions. The only specific laws for dogs deemed vicious dictate the type of enclosure requirements that the dog’s owner must maintain to prevent escapes.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action Under Illinois Personal Injury Law?

• 735 ILCS 5/13-202 Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury – The general limit for personal injuries in Illinois is two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of injuries.
• 735 ILCS 5/13-211 – This statute pauses the deadline for minor victims until they turn 18 years old. This means children who have been attacked by dogs will have two years once they turn 18 to seek legal action. Or, they can have a parent or legal representative file the claim on their behalf while they are still underage.

Who Is Legally Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago?

Establishing liability is the key to winning a personal injury lawsuit. Potentially liable parties in this type of case could include:

• Dog owner, handler, or walker
• The landlord or property manager who knew about the aggressive animal
• Business owners who allow dogs to roam on their properties
• Multiple defendants for shared ownership or supervision responsibilities

Common Defenses in Chicago Dog Bite Cases

The dog’s owner may try to shift blame for the incident with several defenses:

• Claiming that you provoked the dog with your conduct
• Claiming you were trespassing on their property at the time
• Arguing that the dog was acting defensively
• Disputing ownership or control of the animal

Your dog bite lawyer will investigate the attack to counter these defenses with evidence and witness testimony.

How to Strengthen Your Dog Bite Claim in Chicago

The following steps will help you build a strong claim against the dog’s owner:

• Seek medical attention right away
• Report the attack to the police or animal control
• Get contact information from the owner
• Speak to witnesses
• Do not speak to the dog owner’s insurance company before legal guidance
• Consult our Chicago dog bite attorneys to discuss your legal options

How Our Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help

During the legal process, our firm provides the following services:

• Investigating the dog owner
• Assessing legal damages
• Gathering evidence of negligence
• Researching past complaints
• Negotiating with insurers
• Litigating in civil court

FAQs

How much do dog bite attorneys charge in Chicago?

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

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

You should report the attack to the local animal control chapter and take photos of the dog if possible. You can also ask neighbors about the animal.

How do you prove emotional distress following a dog attack?

Proving psychological harm typically requires testimony from a mental health professional, such as your therapist.

Book a Free Consultation!

At our firm, we believe in supporting you throughout the entire claims process. With no upfront fees, you won’t have to worry about legal costs before we recover compensation. Our attorneys also offer a free consultation to discuss your case with no obligation.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.