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Experienced Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers
Louis C. Cairo, one of GWC Injury Lawyers’ leading litigation attorneys and the Managing Partner of the firm, uses decades of legal experience to help families dealing with the fallout from serious dog bite injuries. He builds the best possible case after every incident. You can count on GWC’s Chicago dog bite lawyers to get you the justice you deserve.
Our team of legal professionals has recovered more than $2.5 BILLION in compensation for our clients and is ready to help you today.
Dog Bite Laws in Illinois
The Illinois Animal Control Act holds all dog owners responsible for the injuries that their dogs cause. This is true whether a dog has a history of violent behavior or whether it is the dog’s first attack. An owner must promptly transport his or her dog to a veterinarian when it attacks someone so that the dog can be observed and treated for a minimum of ten days and monitored for rabies. Medical professionals will also administer rabies vaccinations to dog bite victims.
It is not just the owner of the dog who may be held liable for the injuries caused by it. In Illinois, various people in addition to the owners have been found legally responsible for a dog bite attack. In some cases, landlords, veterinarians, and other third party individuals can all find themselves liable for a vicious dog attack that occurs during their care of the animal.
GWC’s knowledgeable dog bite lawyers in Chicago can help you determine who is responsible for your dog bite injuries.
Key Dog Bite Statistics
Even a cursory look at federal health data reveals the true scale of this public health crisis. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the frequency and severity of these incidents are rising. Notable takeaways include:
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Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States.
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Nearly 885,000 victims require medical treatment annually. Over 395,000 of these cases result in emergency room visits—averaging more than 1,000 ER visits every day.
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Dog bite fatalities have surged. While older studies reported fewer than 20 deaths annually, official CDC Vital Statistics show that numbers have more than doubled recently, with some years recording nearly 100 deaths nationwide.
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80% of bites occur at home, often involving a dog known to the victim.
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90% of pediatric victims are bitten by a dog belonging to a family member, friend, or neighbor.
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Those under the age of 12 account for the majority of severe injuries. Children ages 0-4 represent roughly one-third of all fatalities.
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The elderly face the highest risk of complications. Clinical studies show that victims over 85 are 11 times more likely to be hospitalized following an attack than younger adults.
Factors That Increase Dog Bite Risk
While any dog can bite, certain factors significantly increase the likelihood and severity of an attack.
Size and Bite Force
While smaller breeds are statistically more likely to display aggressive behavior, larger breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are more frequently involved in serious or fatal incidents due to their size and strength. A bite from a large dog is more likely to result in severe injuries like fractures and deep tissue trauma.
Behavioral Triggers
The following behavioral triggers can also increase dog bite risk:
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Reproductive Status: Over 70% of dog bites involve unneutered male dogs.
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Chained or Isolated Dogs: Dogs kept on chains or isolated from human interaction are nearly three times more likely to bite than well-socialized family pets.
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Lack of Supervision: A significant majority of pediatric dog bite injuries occur when children are left unattended with a dog, even a familiar one.
What to Do After a Serious Dog Bite Injury?
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of an attack can significantly impact your health and the strength of your legal claim. To protect your rights and your family’s future, follow these essential steps:
1. Prioritize Your Health and Evidence
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Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even minor-looking puncture wounds have a high risk of infection. Official medical records are the most critical evidence for documenting the severity of your injuries.
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Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack.
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Identify Witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who saw the incident.
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File a Formal Report: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to create an official record. This helps establish the dog’s history and protects the public from future attacks.
2. Maintain Strict Confidentiality
Remember that insurance companies and at-fault dog owners are not on your side. Their goal is often to minimize payouts.
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Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
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Avoid sharing details or photos of your accident on social media.
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Consult a lawyer first: Anything you say to the “other side” can be used to undervalue your claim later.
3. Seek Full Compensation with GWC
In Illinois, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard. This means they are responsible for your damages regardless of whether the dog has bitten before. Our experienced Chicago attorneys fight to ensure you receive compensation for:
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Medical Costs: ER visits, surgeries, and future scar revision or plastic surgery.
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Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and long-term psychological counseling for trauma or PTSD.
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Financial Loss: Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if the injury is permanent.
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Human Impact: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
How We Recover Your Settlement
Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner’s insurance policy rather than their personal bank account. Our firm is highly proficient at identifying all available sources of recovery, including:
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Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance
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General Liability Insurance
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Automobile Insurance (for attacks occurring in or around vehicles)
Aggressive Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers: GWC Injury Lawyers
When the time comes to get justice for your loved one after a heinous dog bite injury, you need a firm that will not back down – a dog bite law firm with extensive experience holding negligent property owners, dog owners, and others accountable for dog bite injuries.
Our Chicago injury lawyers will take on your case and ensure that the injuries your loved one has suffered were not in vain. Unless we get you a recovery in your case, we will not ask for payment. That is the GWC Injury Lawyers guarantee.
Our dog bite lawyers serve clients throughout Illinois, including in:
Aggressive Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers: GWC Injury Lawyers
- Chicago
- Burr Ridge
- Libertyville
- Rockford
- Tinley Park
- Schaumburg
- Evanston
- Skokie
- Peoria
- Dunlap
- Chillicothe
- Bartonville
- Kingston Mines
