Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers for Animal Attack Victims

A dog bite or animal attack can happen in seconds, but the physical and emotional impact can last for years—especially for children. If you or your child were bitten or attacked, our Chicago dog bite lawyers help victims across Illinois pursue the compensation they need for medical care, scarring, counseling, and other losses. We step in to deal with owners and insurers so you can focus on healing.

Illinois Dog Bite Injuries – Why These Cases Are Different

Dog bites are not just “minor accidents.” They often involve puncture wounds, torn tissue, nerve damage, infections, and scarring that may require stitches, surgery, or ongoing care from specialists. On top of that, many people—especially kids—develop lasting fear or anxiety around dogs, which can affect daily life long after the visible wounds have healed.


Legally, dog bite cases are different from many other injury claims. In many situations, an Illinois dog owner can be held responsible when their animal bites or attacks someone without legal provocation—even if the dog has never shown aggression before. At the same time, owners and insurance companies often argue that the victim “did something wrong,” try to minimize injuries, or push quick settlements before the full impact is clear. When you work with a Chicago dog bite lawyer who understands these dynamics, you get a team focused on protecting your rights while you and your family work through recovery.

Common Dog Bite and Animal Attack Scenarios in Chicago and Across Illinois

Brown dog snarling, chained near a metal gate, with raised tail and bared teeth.
Cartoon dog panting.
Unprovoked Bites in Neighborhoods and Public Places

Many attacks occur when people are simply walking down the street, passing a yard, or entering a building where a dog is present. A loose or poorly restrained dog may rush a sidewalk, slip through a gate, or bolt out a front door. We look carefully at how the dog was confined, whether fences or leashes were used properly, and whether the owner knew the animal could be aggressive.

Stick figure running from snarling dog.
Dog Bites Involving Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries to the face, head, and neck, and may not understand when a dog is stressed or fearful. Bites often occur in situations where kids are playing with a family friend’s dog, visiting a neighbor, or in a yard or park where adults assume the dog is “good with kids.” We examine what supervision was provided, whether warnings were given, and whether adults took reasonable steps to keep children safe.

Person carrying a box, with arrow pointing right.
Attacks on Delivery Workers, Utility Workers, and Service Providers

Mail carriers, delivery drivers, home health aides, and other workers are frequently exposed to dogs on porches, in yards, and inside homes. When an owner fails to secure their dog before opening a door or knowing visitors are coming, they put others at risk. We analyze work records, property layouts, and prior complaints to understand what the owner knew and what could have been done differently.

Black and white illustration of a dog, facing left but looking over its shoulder.
Dog Fights and “Break-Up” Injuries

Sometimes injuries occur when a person tries to break up a fight between dogs—either their own pets or another person’s. Although the situation may be chaotic, liability can still exist when an owner fails to control an animal, violates leash laws, or knowingly allows an aggressive dog to interact with others. We look at where the incident occurred, who brought which animals, and whether known risks were ignored.

Person with surrounding virus icons.
Infections, Scarring, and Psychological Trauma After the Bite

A dog bite is more than a single moment of contact. Many victims face infections, repeated procedures, and scarring that may require plastic surgery. Others experience nightmares, anxiety, or fear of dogs that makes it difficult to enjoy parks, walks, or social visits. We work to capture the full picture of how an attack affects your life—not just what shows up in the first emergency room report.

What to Expect From Our Dog Bite Injury Team

From your first call, our focus is on making the process feel more manageable at a time when you may be scared, angry, or overwhelmed. You can expect a Chicago dog bite lawyer from our firm to listen to what happened, review any photos or documents you already have, and give you a straightforward assessment of your options.


While you focus on medical care and daily life, we typically:


  • Obtain medical records to understand the nature of the wounds, treatment, and need for future care
  • Document scarring and healing through photographs over time, not just immediately after the incident
  • Gather incident reports, animal control records, and any prior complaints about the dog
  • Identify and interview witnesses who saw the attack or know about the dog’s behavior
  • Determine what insurance coverage may apply (such as homeowners’, renters’, or landlord policies)
  • Calculate both immediate and long-term costs, including medical expenses, missed work, and counseling or therapy needs


We handle communication with dog owners, landlords, and insurance adjusters so you’re not put in the uncomfortable position of negotiating with friends, neighbors, or family members—or pressured by insurers to settle quickly. Throughout your case, we explain each step in plain English, talk through decisions like whether to accept a settlement, and keep you updated so you always know where things stand.

Standing Up to Insurance Companies While Respecting Relationships

Dog bite cases often involve complicated emotions. The dog may belong to a friend, neighbor, or relative. You may worry that pursuing a claim will damage relationships or “ruin” someone financially. At the same time, you’re facing real medical bills, time away from work, and a child or adult who may be struggling with pain and fear.


At Alberts & Eiler, P.C., we approach these cases with both sensitivity and determination. Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience working both for and against insurance companies and have completed over 100 jury trials as a team. We understand that most dog bite claims are ultimately paid by insurance—not out of someone’s personal savings—and we focus on holding insurers to the promises their policies make.


Because we intentionally maintain a smaller caseload, we have the time to understand your specific situation: your relationship with the dog’s owner, your comfort level with different approaches, and how the injuries have affected you or your child. When insurers minimize scarring, dismiss emotional harm, or suggest that “kids bounce back,” we respond with careful documentation and, when necessary, expert support to show the true impact of the attack.

Common Questions About Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago and Across Illinois

  • What should I do right after a dog bite or animal attack?

    First, seek medical attention. Dog bites can carry bacteria deep into tissue, and even small puncture wounds can lead to serious infections if they’re not properly cleaned and treated. If you can, identify the dog and its owner, and ask for contact information and proof of rabies vaccination. Report the incident to local authorities or animal control, especially if the dog is unfamiliar or seems dangerous. Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible and continue to document them as they heal. Avoid discussing fault or accepting blame at the scene, and talk with a Chicago dog bite lawyer before giving detailed statements to any insurance company.

  • Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?

    In many situations, yes. Under Illinois law, an owner can often be held responsible when their dog attacks or injures someone without legal provocation, even if the animal has no history of prior bites. The focus is typically on whether you were lawfully present and whether you did anything to provoke the dog—not on whether this was the “first time.” We can review your specific circumstances and explain how the law may apply to your claim.

  • What if the dog belonged to a friend, neighbor, or family member?

    This is very common, and it doesn’t automatically mean you should “let it go.” In many cases, compensation is available through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, not directly from the person you care about. Our role is to pursue the insurance coverage that exists, not to create unnecessary conflict. We can talk with you about how to approach the situation in a way that balances your relationships with your very real need for medical care and financial support.

  • Can my child bring a dog bite claim, and will they have to go to court?

    A parent or legal guardian typically brings a claim on behalf of an injured child. Many cases settle without a trial, especially when the evidence and medical documentation are strong. Even when a lawsuit is filed, our goal is to minimize stress on your child. In some situations, a judge may need to approve a settlement for a minor, but that process often involves a short, structured hearing rather than a full trial. We prepare families for what to expect and explore options to protect the child as much as possible.

  • What kinds of compensation are available in a dog bite case?

    Depending on the facts, a dog bite claim may seek compensation for emergency treatment, stitches, surgery, follow-up care, and any future procedures such as scar-revision or plastic surgery. Claims also typically include lost wages if an adult victim misses work, or lost income for parents who must care for an injured child. In addition, many victims are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of activities they once loved. Our job is to understand how the attack has affected your life and build a case that reflects that full impact, not just the first round of medical bills.

  • How long do I have to bring a dog bite claim in Illinois, and when should I talk to a lawyer?

    There are legal deadlines for bringing dog bite and personal injury claims in Illinois, and missing them can limit or eliminate your ability to recover compensation. Evidence such as photos, medical records, and witness memories is also strongest early on. It’s wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you feel ready, so we can identify applicable time limits, preserve important proof, and give you clear guidance before you sign anything or accept any offer.

Ready to Talk With a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer?

If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you don’t have to handle medical bills, insurance adjusters, and difficult conversations with dog owners on your own. Our firm combines deep insurance-industry insight, substantial trial experience, and a compassionate, hands-on approach to these cases. We offer free, confidential consultations, and you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.