We are proud to share that Bennett Baker of GWC Injury Lawyers obtained a $1,250,000 settlement on behalf of a United States Postal Service mail carrier who suffered catastrophic injuries after being attacked by a dog while making a routine delivery in DuPage County. This result represents the highest known settlement for an animal injury case in DuPage County, reflecting both the severity of the injuries and the clear responsibility of the dog owners involved.
A Routine Delivery Turns Life-Altering
On July 20, 2020, our client, a USPS mail carrier with years of service, was delivering a package to a residence in Darien, Illinois. He had no warning that a dog was present on the property. After leaving the package at the front door and walking back toward his truck, he suddenly heard barking and the sound of a door opening behind him.
Moments later, a 50-pound Labrador mix ran toward him from behind. As our client attempted to escape, the dog struck him, pulling at his leg and knocking him violently to the ground. He fell forward, landing on his right arm and the side of his head, twisting as he hit the pavement. The impact caused him to lose consciousness.
When he regained awareness, he was lightheaded, nauseous, and in obvious pain. An ambulance transported him to Good Samaritan Hospital, where imaging revealed a closed head injury and a brain hemorrhage.
Clear Liability Under Illinois Law
The evidence showed that the dog owners failed to properly secure their dog. The storm door latch at the home was known to be defective, allowing the door to open if struck. Despite prior issues with the latch, the dangerous condition was never adequately repaired.
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are strictly liable when their animal attacks someone who is lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog. Depositions and police reports confirmed that the dog escaped through the unsecured door and that our client did nothing to provoke the attack.
Liability in this case was clear.
Devastating and Permanent Injuries
The physical toll on our client has been overwhelming. As a direct result of the attack and fall, he suffered injuries to his brain, cervical spine, shoulder, arm, and hand, leading to years of medical treatment and multiple surgeries.
Despite aggressive treatment, activities he once enjoyed—such as golf, bowling, biking, and swimming—are no longer possible.
A Record-Setting Result for an Animal Injury Case
GWC Injury Lawyers pursued this case aggressively, building a comprehensive record through medical evidence and sworn depositions. Facing undeniable liability and overwhelming damages, the defendants ultimately agreed to a $1,250,000 settlement.
This result stands as the largest animal injury settlement in DuPage County, and it sends a clear message: dog owners must take responsibility for controlling their animals and maintaining safe premises.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Animal attacks are often minimized until their true consequences are revealed. As this case demonstrates, dog attacks can cause life-altering injuries with permanent physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
At GWC Injury Lawyers, we are committed to standing up for injured individuals and holding negligent parties accountable—whether the injury occurs on the road, at work, or on someone else’s property.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack or animal injury incident, contact GWC Injury Lawyers to discuss your rights and options. Our team has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the results you deserve.