Should I Hire a Lawyer if a Dog Attacked Me?

 Posted on February 19, 2025 in Premises Liability

Almost half of Illinois residents are pet owners, with around 32 percent of their pets being dogs. At 22 dogs per 100 people, Chicago’s dog density is the highest in the U.S. According to a USPS news release, Illinois also ranked sixth in the country for having the most dog attacks in 2022. Dogs attacked 5,300 Postal Service mail carriers that year.

Although mail carriers and other delivery people may be likely targets of dog attacks, these animals can bite anyone. Some breeds are more aggressive than others, but even small dogs can cause serious physical injuries and extensive mental trauma when they attack. If a dog attacks you or your child, a skilled Schaumburg, IL premises liability attorney can take action to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Can Dog Attacks Produce Serious Injuries?

As loveable as they sometimes are, dogs are animals. Whether due to genetic traits, lack of training, protective instincts, or other reasons, millions of people experience dog attacks every year. While the dog can cause injuries directly, victims trying to flee from an attack often fall, leading to other injuries, and the attacking dog can reach a person on the ground more easily. Because of their lower height, children are often victims and sustain some of the worst injuries, which may include:

• Bites

• Broken bones

• Nerve and muscle damage

• Punctures and scratches caused by the dog’s claws

• Missing or damaged tissue

• Facial injuries, which can lead to significant scarring and disfigurement

• Severe PTSD, anxiety, and pain and suffering

Between 2011 and 2021, there were 468 fatal dog attacks in the U.S. Depending on the circumstances, injured dog attack victims may qualify to file a premises liability claim. If the attack was fatal, a wrongful death claim could provide eligible survivors with monetary damages. In either case, you have much better odds of securing full compensation with an experienced attorney handling your claim.

Can I File a Claim for Damages?

In Illinois, dog owners do not have to be aware of their pets’ aggressive tendencies for victims to seek monetary recompense. The Illinois Animal Control Act uses strict liability to determine whether you can pursue a compensation claim against an attacking dog’s owner. To qualify, you need evidence proving that:

• You were on the premises legally; trespassers typically cannot seek compensation. Young children are usually not considered trespassers, as they lack an understanding of property boundaries.

• A dog attacked, tried to attack, or injured you or your child.

• The injured victim did not provoke the dog; again, young children may unknowingly provoke an attack, but they typically are not held to this standard.

The aggressive animal does not have to make physical contact with the victim for the owner to be held liable for injuries. If another party, such as a dog trainer or walker, was in control of the dog when your attack occurred, that party could share liability.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer If a Dog Attacks Me or My Child?

Although some dog attacks are random, dogs belonging to your family and friends could also attack. It can be uncomfortable filing a claim against someone you know. Furthermore, the at-fault party’s insurance company does not want to pay your claim and may use several tactics to avoid liability.

Working with a knowledgeable attorney gives you a buffer between you and the dog’s owner. It also means you have someone on your side who knows how to win cases, even when an insurer is reluctant to pay you.

Speak With a Respected Des Plaines, IL Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog attack claims can be challenging. You need a dedicated DuPage County, IL personal injury attorney from Grauer & Kriegel, LLC fighting to protect your best interests. We offer free case reviews, so contact us online or call 847-240-9010 today to explore your legal options.