DuPage County Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Award-Winning Injury Attorneys for Victims of Dog Bites in DuPage County

Dog bites are a serious and growing public safety concern in DuPage County and throughout Illinois. Each year, thousands of individuals suffer traumatic injuries as a result of dog attacks. Whether the bite occurs while visiting a friend’s home, delivering packages, or simply walking through a neighborhood, the consequences can be devastating.

Recent data shows dog attacks are becoming more frequent across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Illinois consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite incidents, and suburban communities like those in DuPage County are no exception.

Why Dog Bite Incidents Are Increasing

Several factors contribute to the rise in dog bite cases. Suburban growth, increased dog ownership, and a lack of proper training or supervision are leading causes. Certain high-risk breeds are also increasingly common, compounding the problem.

Insurance companies are responding by more aggressively defending claims to limit their financial exposure. That’s why having a knowledgeable DuPage County dog bite lawyer on your side is more important than ever.

“Dog bites are far more serious than most people realize. Victims are often left with permanent physical and emotional injuries that change their lives forever. Our firm is committed to fighting for those who have been harmed by dangerous animals and obtaining  the highest possible settlement.” — DuPage County dog attack attorney John J. Malm

Illinois Law on Dog Bites

Illinois law provides strong protections for dog bite victims. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/1, et seq.), a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their pet causes, as long as:

• The victim was lawfully present where the attack occurred;
• The victim was acting peacefully; and
• The victim did not provoke the dog.

Importantly, victims do not need to prove the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. This is because Illinois follows a strict liability rule for animal attacks.

The Illinois Supreme Court confirmed this strict liability standard in Steinberg v. Petta, 114 Ill. 2d 496 (1986), eliminating the need for victims to show that the dog owner knew about the animal’s dangerous propensities. Additionally, in Partipilo v. DiMaria, 211 Ill. App. 3d 813 (1991), the court emphasized that dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets, regardless of any prior behavior. The old “one free bite” rule was fully rejected by Illinois courts in Docherty v. Saddler, 293 Ill. App. 3d 892 (1997).

As a result, individuals harmed by dog attacks in Illinois have a powerful legal pathway to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of normal life.

Strict Liability and Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

While Illinois imposes strict liability for injuries caused by dog attacks, some cases also involve claims of negligence. If a dog owner failed to restrain a known aggressive dog, ignored leash laws, or did not properly secure their property, those acts of negligence can further strengthen a victim’s case.

Illinois courts recognize that negligence can provide an additional basis for recovery alongside strict liability. By pleading both strict liability and negligence, dog bite victims can seek comprehensive compensation for all of the damages they have suffered.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in DuPage County

Dog attacks can cause a wide variety of serious injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Severe infections such as cellulitis
• Broken bones and torn ligaments
• Nerve damage
• Disfiguring scars
• Psychological trauma (including PTSD)

Children are particularly vulnerable to the worst outcomes, often suffering bites to the face and neck.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you are attacked or bitten by a dog in DuPage County:

1. Seek medical attention immediately to treat injuries and prevent infection.
2. Report the attack to DuPage County Animal Services and your local police department.
3. Document the incident, including photos of injuries and the location.
4. Consult with an experienced dog bite attorney to protect your rights.

Prompt action can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

Dog Bite Claims for Delivery Workers and Service Providers

Delivery drivers, postal workers, landscapers, and other service professionals are often bitten while lawfully entering private property. Under Illinois law, these workers are fully protected and entitled to seek compensation for their injuries.

In some cases, they may also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in addition to pursuing a personal injury claim.

Recent Dog Bite Settlements in DuPage County

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of dog bite attorneys has earned a reputation for successfully recovering some of the highest settlements for dog bite victims in DuPage County and the surrounding area, including:

• $675,000 Settlement: Our firm secured a $675,000 settlement for a hotel guest attacked by a dog at a Chicago-area hotel. The victim suffered serious bite injuries and emotional trauma requiring extensive medical care and therapy.
• $500,000 Settlement: We obtained a $500,000 settlement on behalf of a woman who was violently attacked by a pit bull. She sustained severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation.
• $295,000 Settlement: Our attorneys in DuPage County helped a victim suffered significant hand injuries, including nerve damage and a wrist sprain, after being attacked by a dog. The injuries required multiple surgeries.
• $220,000 Settlement: A woman suffered facial injuries and underwent surgical intervention following a dog attack while visiting a residence.
• $72,500 Settlement: A man walking his dog in DuPage County was bitten on the hand by a pit bull, resulting in a joint rupture that required surgical repair.
• $60,000 Settlement: A postal worker was attacked while delivering packages, resulting in infected wounds that required surgical debridement.
• $55,000 Settlement: A minor child was bitten while playing at a dog owner’s home in DuPage County, suffering lasting physical and emotional injuries.

These cases show just how devastating dog attacks can be—and how important it is to have experienced legal counsel to pursue justice and compensation.

Pit Bull Attacks in DuPage County

Although any dog can bite, pit bull attacks are often the most serious of all dog bite injuries seen at our firm, largely due to the breed’s strength and aggressiveness.  DuPage County does not impose breed-specific restrictions, but individual municipalities can regulate dogs deemed dangerous or vicious after an incident. Regardless of breed, Illinois law holds dog owners responsible for attacks caused by their pets.

Dog Breeds Cited Most Frequently in Serious Bite Incidents

Statistics show that certain dog breeds are involved in bite incidents more frequently than others. Pit bulls, mixed breeds, and German Shepherds account for a significant percentage of reported attacks, with pit bulls leading at 22%. Understanding breed trends can help communities promote better safety practices and responsible pet ownership.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma from Dog Bites

Dog bites often cause significant emotional harm in addition to physical injuries. Victims may experience:

• Fear of animals
• PTSD
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Withdrawal from social activities

In many cases, therapy and psychological treatment are necessary. Compensation for emotional damages is an important part of a full recovery.

Reporting a Dog Bite in DuPage County

All dog bite incidents should be reported promptly to DuPage County Animal Services to ensure the attacking animal is monitored and public health protocols are followed.

Important contacts:

• DuPage County Animal Services: (630) 407-2800
• DuPage County Health Department: (630) 682-7400

Reporting the incident not only protects others but also creates important documentation that can support a legal claim.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After a Dog Attack

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in DuPage County, you deserve experienced legal representation. The experienced injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates can:

• Investigate your case thoroughly
• Collect and preserve critical evidence
• Consult with medical and psychological experts
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
• File a lawsuit and advocate for you in court, if necessary

We have a proven track record of success representing dog bite victims across DuPage County and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in DuPage County

1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite in DuPage County?

After a dog bite, seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor. Then, report the incident to DuPage County Animal Services. Document your injuries with photographs, gather witness information, and contact an experienced dog bite attorney to protect your legal rights.

2. Who is responsible for paying my medical bills after a dog bite?

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets when the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog.

3. How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a dog bite lawsuit, is generally two years from the date of the injury. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.

4. What if the dog has never bitten anyone before? Can I still recover damages?

Yes. Under Illinois’ strict liability law, it does not matter whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior. You can recover damages even if the attack was the dog’s first incident, as long as you were not trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the attack.

5. How much compensation can I receive for a dog bite injury?

The value of a dog bite claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, any permanent scarring or disability, emotional trauma, and the impact on your quality of life. Settlements often range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in severe cases, can exceed $500,000 or more.  Every case is different and must be judged by the facts presented.

6. Is speaking with the insurance company a good idea after a dog bite?

It is generally not a good idea to speak directly with the dog owner’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s interests, not yours. They may try to get you to make statements that hurt your case or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Always speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer first.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Dog Bite Case in DuPage County?

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference after a serious dog bite injury. At John J.Malm & Associates, we bring more than 90 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, our team is proud to serve clients throughout DuPage County and the surrounding areas.

Our award-winning litigators have successfully secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for dog bite victims. We know how to navigate complex insurance negotiations and will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. We are known for our compassionate, client-centered approach and our relentless pursuit of justice for those harmed by dangerous animals.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, trust the experienced team of DuPage County dog bite lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.