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CHICAGO DOG BITE ATTORNEY

PRACTICE AREAS

The Chicago dog bite attorney team at Curcio & Casciato represents injury victims across Cook County who have suffered serious harm from dog attacks. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll dog bite injuries can cause, and we are prepared to take legal action on your behalf. We handle every dog bite claim on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your personal injury case.

For a free consultation, call 312-321-1111 or contact us online to discuss your potential dog bite lawsuit.

Chicago Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bite Laws

Our Chicago dog bite lawyer team has a deep knowledge of the following regulations:

Dog Bite Law Illinois

Strict Liability for Dog Attacks

Illinois dog bite laws follow strict liability laws under the Animal Control Act. A dog owner is strictly liable if:

  • The injured victim was legally present and did not provoke the dog
  • The dog bit, attacked, attempted to attack, or injured the person

Strict liability law applies to dog bite injuries, injuries sustained from jumping, scratching, or chasing, and dog bite fatalities. If the victim provoked the dog, the owner’s fault may be reduced or eliminated under comparative fault statutes.

The animal’s owner includes anyone who harbors or keeps the pet, not just legal titleholders.

Additionally, if the attack occurred while the dog wasn’t on a leash, this contributes to the dog owner’s responsibility.

Illinois One Bite Rule Rejected

Illinois law rejects the “one bite rule” or “one free bite” concept, meaning the dog’s owner is liable for injuries sustained from animal bites, regardless of whether the pet has previously caused animal attack injuries. Strictly liable for injuries means that victims don’t need to prove the animal had aggressive tendencies or negligence to seek damages.

Additional rules under the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Ordinance:

  • Dangerous Dog Hearings: These hearings allow for formal determinations of whether a pet is a vicious or dangerous dog.
  • Mandatory Reporting: Any person aware that a dog bite or attack occurred must report it to Animal and Rabies Control within 24 hours, including incidents involving other animals.
  • Quarantine Requirements: When a dog bites/attacks, it must be confined for a 10-day rabies observation period.

Contact our experienced attorneys for skilled Cook County personal injury claim assistance.

Local dog bite laws follow the Chicago Municipal Code (§ 7-12-030). Any dog bite or attack can result in the pet being declared a dangerous dog. This requires:

  • Mandatory muzzling: A secure muzzle must be worn in public or outside the owner’s property.
  • Insurance coverage: The owner must obtain liability insurance, typically with a minimum coverage of $100,000.
  • Confinement or removal orders: The city may order the pet to be securely confined or, in severe cases, permanently removed or euthanized if it poses an ongoing threat.

Dog bites/attacks must be reported to Chicago Animal Care and Control or the local police department within 24 hours per § 7-12-090.

All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated under local dog bite laws § 7-12-140 and § 7-12-150.

Types of Dog Bite Cases Our Chicago Animal Attack Attorneys Handle

Off-Leash Dog Attacks in Chicago Parks

Off-leash dog attacks in Chicago parks pose a serious risk to public safety. Despite regulations requiring dogs to be leashed in most cases, some owners allow their pets to roam freely, increasing the risk of unprovoked attacks. Victims of dog bite incidents often sustain severe injuries that require extensive medical attention and may face significant emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention and consult with a Chicago dog bite lawyer to understand your legal rights and pursue compensation.

Dog attacks within apartment complexes or rental properties can be particularly complex. Most dog bite cases result from negligent dog owners not understanding how to introduce a new dog to their surroundings. Guests or tenants who are on the property legally and suffer injuries from a dog bite, or if the animal attack occurs in these settings, should seek emergency medical care and consult a Chicago dog bite attorney to understand their legal options. Negligent dog owners, property owners, and landlords may all share liability depending on the circumstances, making it essential to gather evidence and protect your legal rights promptly. For Chicago apartment injury claims assistance, contact our experienced dog bite lawyers.

Delivery drivers for UPS, FedEx, and USPS are the most common victims of animal attacks. These workers are typically on the property legally and are protected under state statutes. If a worker is bitten by a dog or otherwise injured on the job in Chicago, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention and consult an experienced Chicago dog bite attorney to help navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other types of damages.

Delivery drivers in Chicago face a significant risk of dog bite injuries on private properties. If a delivery driver is legally on the property and did not provoke the dog, the dog’s owner can be held liable for any resulting injuries. These incidents often lead to serious physical and emotional trauma, requiring prompt medical attention and legal representation. If you or a family member has suffered a dog bite while delivering packages, consulting an experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

If a utility worker is bitten by a dog while legally on the premises and without provocation, these workers have the right to seek compensation. Prompt medical treatment and consulting with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Chicago can help ensure utility workers receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and any emotional distress caused by the attack.

Children are the most common victims of animal attacks, often sustaining serious physical and emotional injuries after being bitten by a dog. This can cause deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, and permanent scarring, particularly to the face, neck, and legs. In households with multiple dogs, the risk increases, especially when accidental provocation happens. Most cases are caused by poor supervision and the owner’s failure to recognize warning signs. Under personal injury law, the dog’s owner can be held responsible. Parents can pursue compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress damages, and long-term care. Addressing the dog bite problem requires prevention, education, and taking the best course of legal action. Our child dog attack lawyers have extensive experience navigating children’s injury claims in Chicago.

When a pet is attacked by a dog or other animal, the owner may sustain injuries while trying to protect the pet. The injured party may still file a claim even if the initial attack was on another animal. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Chicago can help prove the dog’s owner is liable for injuries caused while the victim was peaceably conducting themselves and protecting their animal.

Personal injury claims often arise when an animal escapes and the dog bites/attacks someone. In these dog bite cases, the dog’s owner can be held liable if the injured victim was there legally and provocation didn’t play a role. A Chicago dog attack injury attorney can help victims pursue compensation for injuries caused by the dog bite or attack.

Repeat offender dangerous dog cases involve those that have already been proven to be aggressive. When a person is attacked by a dog already considered a dangerous dog, the owner’s liability increases, and punitive damages may be warranted. A dog bite injury lawyer in Chicago can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for all your damages and hold negligent dog owners accountable.

The dog’s owner can only be held strictly liable if the victim was legally on the premises when the animal attack happened. Trespassers generally cannot recover compensation unless the dog owner acted with intent to harm or with reckless disregard. Mail carriers, delivery drivers, tenants, and invited guests are protected and may file a dog bite claim for injuries sustained during an incident.

dog bite lawyer chicago

Our Chicago Animal Attack Lawyers Understand Medical Treatment Costs for Serious Injuries

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Dog Bite Infections

Common dog bite injuries can range from minor lacerations to severe crush injuries and broken bones. Many dog bite victims sustain deep puncture wounds that damage underlying tissues, muscles, and nerves, often requiring ongoing medical care and physical therapy.

These wounds also carry a high risk of serious infections, including cellulitis, sepsis, and diseases caused by bacteria in the dog’s saliva. Emergency treatment is crucial for preventing complications from dog bite infections in Chicago, especially in wounds near joints or the face.

Many victims of dog attacks face facial injuries or other common injuries that require reconstructive surgery to repair injuries caused by deep puncture wounds, torn skin, and significant scarring. Plastic surgeries are often necessary to repair underlying tissues and reduce scarring and disfigurement after a serious animal attack. Facial injuries are especially common injuries and may require skin grafts or scar revision.

A Chicago dog bite injury lawyer can help injury victims recover compensation for plastic surgery costs, future medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages resulting from scarring or disfigurement.

Psychological trauma and emotional distress are common after animal attacks, especially when the victim suffers facial or nerve damage, scarring, or is a child. Many dog bite victims experience anxiety, nightmares, fear of animals, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that interferes with daily life. Dog bite victims can seek compensation for non-economic damages in addition to physical injuries. A dog bite injury lawyer in Chicago can ensure you recover the compensation you deserve through skilled personal injury claims assistance.

The cost of animal attack injuries can be significant. Personal injury cases often require extensive medical attention, hospitalization, and physical and psychological treatment, especially for cases that leave permanent scarring. Dog bite victims also face lost income and long-term care for chronic pain. A dog bite injury lawyer in Chicago can seek full compensation through a dog bite lawsuit to recover all losses.

Illinois Dog Bite Insurance

Homeowner's Insurance Claims for Dog Bites

Homeowner’s insurance typically provides coverage for dog bite liability, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Claims are filed directly with the dog owner’s insurance company and are usually resolved through settlement.

Homeowner’s insurance policy limits often range from $100,000 to $300,000, but coverage may be denied if the:

  • dog was not disclosed to the insurance company when required
  • dog has a known history of aggression or prior bites
  • policy includes behavior-based exclusions

Insurance companies cannot deny coverage solely due to breed in this state.

Renter’s insurance usually covers dog bite liability, but coverage may be denied if the dog wasn’t disclosed, has a history of aggression, or the policy includes behavior-based exclusions. Insurers can’t deny coverage based solely on breed, but they can exclude based on conduct.

If the dog’s owner isn’t insured, or if the dog owner’s insurance company doesn’t pay for the full extent of damages, a Chicago dog bite attorney from our experienced legal team can assist the injured person in filing a personal injury claim directly against the dog’s owner. The dog’s owner is liable even without coverage. Personal injury claims against negligent dog owners can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the owner cannot pay full compensation for your injuries, the dog bite victim may obtain a judgment and recover damages through garnishment, liens, or other legal options.

chicago dog bite lawyers

How Our Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys From Curcio & Casciato’s Law Firm Can Help

Our experienced attorneys help clients understand their legal options after a dog bite in Chicago and assist victims in making informed decisions about legal action.

File a Chicago Dog Bite Lawsuit

To file a lawsuit, injured victims must prove they were on the premises legally, the animal attacked without provocation, and they were injured by a dog. The dog’s owner is legally responsible for damages, regardless of whether there are no reports. A Chicago dog attack attorney can file a dog bite lawsuit, gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, and work with medical experts to ensure clients recover full compensation for medical bills, medications, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring.

Navigating a complex dog bite injury claim requires experienced legal help to ensure you understand your legal options and secure recourse for those bearing legal responsibility. Our Chicago dog bite injury attorney team will investigate the incident, gather pertinent information, and build a strong case on your behalf. We are committed to advocating for fair compensation that compensates for harm to both your health and mental well-being, including medical expenses, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other damages through legal action.

Injured parties may recover damages to compensate for physical injuries and financial burdens. For most dog bite cases, this includes:

  • Economic Damages: Provides compensation for those who require medical care. Economic damages compensate for extensive medical attention, physical therapy, plastic surgery, and future medical care.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for physical pain and suffering, chronic pain, emotional distress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, fear, and other psychological trauma.
  • Punitive or Exemplary Damages: In rare cases, these damages may be awarded to punish grossly negligent dog owners. When making informed decisions on seeking compensatory or punitive damages in Chicago, the latter is merited when the dog owner acts with reckless disregard for the safety of others, such as knowingly harboring a dangerous dog without taking reasonable steps to prevent attacks or ignoring the animal’s aggressive tendencies.

An experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer can help victims gather crucial evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and evidence of negligence, to build a strong case for recovering compensation. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit with skilled legal help increases the chances of obtaining maximum compensation for all your damages and holding the responsible party legally responsible.

Dog Bite/Attack FAQs

How To Find The Best Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer?

The best Chicago dog bite lawyer will have direct experience with dog bite claims. Look for an experienced legal team that:

  • Handles dog bite cases regularly
  • Knows Cook County and Chicago municipal codes
  • Offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis
  • Has strong results and client reviews
  • Manages insurance, medical bills, and court filings directly

Illinois doesn’t allow one free bite, so if a pet is deemed a dangerous dog or poses a safety threat, it can be euthanized after one dog bite/ attack. Courts evaluate the severity, the history, and whether the dog’s owner violated leash or control regulations.

Yes. Illinois law requires doctors, veterinarians, and hospitals to report dog attacks to the animal control authority within 24 hours of treatment, regardless of the severity of the dog bite injury. The report helps initiate a rabies observation period and allows local police departments to assess criteria for being dangerous.

Dog bites/attacks must be reported to animal control, and your pet is placed under a 10-day rabies observation. As the dog’s owner, you can be held responsible for any injuries your dog causes. The victim can file a lawsuit, and the animal may be declared a dangerous or vicious dog, depending on the circumstances.

The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is two years from the date of the incident. If the animal attacks a child, the statute of limitations is extended until two years after the child’s 18th birthday.

Yes. Illinois is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is automatically liable if the victim was legally present at the location where the incident occurred and did not provoke it. The victim does not need to prove that the owner acted negligently.

If a dog bites your child, seek emergency medical care, then report it to local Animal Care and Control within 24 hours. Take photos of the physical injuries, save bloody or torn clothing, get the dog owner’s name, gather witness information, and contact an experienced attorney.

Yes. Delivery drivers can sue under Illinois law if they were legally on the property and did not provoke it without proving negligence.

Yes. Most renters’ insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites/attacks. While some insurance companies attempt to exclude certain breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and wolf hybrids, Illinois law prohibits denying coverage solely based on breed.

Yes. Homeowner’s insurance usually covers liability for dog bite injuries. Some insurance companies attempt to exclude high-risk breeds; however, Illinois law prohibits breed-only exclusions.

chicago dog bite attorneys

Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer For a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog attack, it is critical to take the right steps promptly. An experienced Chicago dog bite attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team is prepared to fight for justice and guide you through the recovery process. Contact our Chicago office for a complimentary consultation by calling 312-321-1111 or completing our online contact form.