Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog attacks can cause devastating physical and emotional harm, from infection and nerve damage to lasting scars and trauma. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Chicago or surrounding areas, you deserve compassionate legal support and a team that knows how to win.
At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our Chicago dog bite attorneys have extensive experience handling serious dog bite injury cases. We understand what you’re going through — and we know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Our team works quickly to investigate the attack, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, future treatment, pain and suffering, and more.
Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Call our Chicago personal injury lawyers today at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Chicago Dog Bite Attorney
- Our dog bite attorneys have decades of experience representing many types of claims in Illinois, including dog bite lawsuits. We will leverage our knowledge and skills to advocate for your best possible outcome.
- Our law firm is dedicated to securing maximum compensation for your injuries. Over our years of operation, we have recovered $400 million in settlements and record-breaking jury verdicts for our clients.
- We strive to provide the highest level of professionalism and support to our clients. Throughout your case, our attorneys will be available to answer any questions you may have and inform you of important updates in your case.
Meet Your Attorneys
Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, established by four distinguished attorneys, stands as a premier law firm in Chicago, renowned for its specialization in personal injury law. Our firm’s expertise is built on years of dedicated advocacy for victims of negligence. With decades of collective experience, we focus on handling cases related to personal injuries of all types and motor vehicle accidents.
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The Role of an Attorney After a Dog Bite Incident
Even though Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable for attacks, recovering fair compensation can still be difficult without legal help. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts — and an experienced dog bite attorney in Chicago knows how to counter those tactics.
Your lawyer can handle every part of the claim, from gathering medical records and witness statements to filing with the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court.
Working with a skilled attorney gives you the best chance to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
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- Illinois Dog Bite Laws
- Can You File a Claim For Other Animal Injuries?
- What To Do After a Dog Attack in Chicago
- Common Dog Bite Injuries
- How Long Do You Have To File a Dog Bite Claim?
- How To Prove an Illinois Dog Bite Lawsuit
- What Damages Are Available For Dog Bite Victims?
- Will You Have To Go To Court For a Dog Bite Claim?
- How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer in Chicago Cost?
- Contact Our Chicago Dog Bite Attorney For a Free Consultation
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners (and anyone who keeps, harbors, or controls a dog) are strictly liable for injuries their animal causes — even if the dog has never bitten before. This means there is no “first bite” rule in Illinois. A victim does not need to prove negligence, only that the dog was not provoked and the person was lawfully present.
Illinois law defines an “owner” broadly — including anyone who has custody or knowingly allows a dog to stay on their property (510 ILCS 5/2.16).
If a dog or other animal attacks or injures someone without provocation, the owner is liable for the full extent of the injuries under the Animal Control Act. In some cases, victims may also pursue a negligence claim — for example, if the dog was known to be dangerous and the owner failed to take precautions.
If you were bitten in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer from Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC may help you pursue compensation through the dog owner’s insurance policy or directly from the owner if insurance is unavailable.
Can You File a Claim For Other Animal Injuries?
While dog bites are common, our attorneys also have extensive experience handling other types of animal-related injury claims, including those involving horses. Under the Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act, individuals or facilities may be held liable if they acted recklessly or failed to take reasonable steps to protect riders or visitors from known dangers.
For example, if someone is injured during a horse-related activity due to unsafe property conditions or ignored safety precautions, they may have a legal claim for compensation. If you’ve been seriously injured by a dog or another animal in Illinois, our team is here to help. Contact our Chicago injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
What To Do After a Dog Attack in Chicago
The aftermath of a dog bite can be chaotic, but taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do after an attack:
1. Prioritize your safety and get medical help.
Move to a safe area and call for emergency medical care. Dog bites can cause serious infections and lasting damage. Keep copies of all medical records, which will be important if you file a legal claim.
3. Report the attack.
Contact Chicago Animal Care and Control by calling 311 to report the bite. This creates an official record, which can help support your case later.
4. Gather and preserve evidence.Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and any torn clothing or damaged items. Save what you were wearing, and ask witnesses for their contact information.
>Once you’ve taken these steps, contact a Chicago dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, deal with insurance companies, and build a strong claim for compensation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical attention. You should always seek emergency medical services after an attack to avoid complications such as infection, blood loss, and permanent disability. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include the following.
- Facial injuries and scarring: Many dog bites occur on the face or neck, especially in children. These wounds may require reconstructive surgery and can leave lasting scars that affect a person’s self-confidence.
- Infections: Dog saliva can carry dangerous bacteria, including those that cause cellulitis, staph or strep infections, and in rare cases, rabies. Without treatment, infections can lead to serious illness or even wrongful death.
- Permanent nerve damage: A deep bite can sever nerves beneath the skin, leading to loss of feeling, weakness, or chronic pain in the affected area. In severe cases, victims suffer long-term disability.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: The emotional impact of a dog attack can be just as severe as the physical injuries. Many victims, especially children, develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may include nightmares, anxiety, and a fear of dogs or public spaces.
How Long Do You Have To File a Dog Bite Claim?
In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit related to a dog bite. This deadline is set by 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Missing this statute of limitations will likely result in your case being dismissed—and with it, your chance to recover compensation.
Although most dog bite claims are resolved through insurance, it’s still essential to act quickly. Insurance companies often delay or minimize payouts and may use vague reporting deadlines to justify denying a claim. Filing as soon as possible strengthens your case and preserves key evidence.
If you’re unsure whether you’re still within the allowable time frame—or want help getting started—our Chicago dog bite attorneys can review your case and guide you through the next steps. Don’t wait to get answers.
How To Prove an Illinois Dog Bite Lawsuit
Illinois follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning you do not need to prove the dog owner acted negligently. To succeed in your claim, you must show:
- You were legally present at the location where the attack occurred
- You did not provoke the dog
- The dog caused your injuries
Even with strict liability, owners often try to avoid responsibility by claiming the victim was trespassing or provoked the animal. If they succeed, your claim could be denied.
That’s where an experienced attorney makes the difference. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we work quickly to secure critical evidence—such as surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and medical records—to prove the attack occurred as described. Our team is skilled at anticipating and countering common defense tactics, helping dog bite victims recover the full compensation they deserve.
What Damages Are Available For Dog Bite Victims?
A dog attack can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Through a successful claim, victims in Chicago may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the direct financial costs of your injury, such as:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and mobility aids
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage related to the attack
Non-economic damages account for the more personal toll of the injury, including:
- Chronic pain and physical disfigurement
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship, care, or intimacy
At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our Chicago dog bite lawyers will help you identify and document every possible loss. We work closely with medical experts, economists, and mental health professionals to quantify the full impact of your injuries and maximize your compensation.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?
There’s no universal payout for a dog bite case. The value of your claim depends on several key factors:
- Severity of the injury
- Length of recovery time
- Long-term disability or scarring
- Emotional trauma or psychological harm
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
Our legal team will evaluate every detail of your case to estimate a fair settlement. While insurers may try to downplay your suffering, we present clear, compelling evidence to support the full value of your claim—including pain and suffering.
Will You Have To Go To Court For a Dog Bite Claim?
Most dog bite cases in Illinois are resolved through settlements with insurance companies—meaning you likely won’t need to go to court. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.
Even after a lawsuit is filed, your case may still settle during the discovery process, when both sides exchange evidence. In fact, most cases settle before reaching trial.
But if your case does go to trial, you’ll want an experienced legal team by your side. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we prepare every case as if it will go to court—so we’re ready to fight for you, no matter what direction your case takes. And throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed, supported, and empowered to make the best decisions for your recovery.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer in Chicago Cost?
Worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? You don’t have to be. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and no legal fees at all, unless we win your case.
We cover all the initial costs of building your claim, including investigations, expert consultations, and filing fees. If we successfully recover compensation for you, our fee comes from a previously agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or verdict—not from your pocket.
This arrangement ensures that anyone injured in a dog attack can access high-quality legal representation without financial stress. You focus on healing and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Our Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we fight for dog bite victims across Chicago and know how to take on insurance companies that try to deny or underpay claims.
Your consultation is completely free, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win compensation for you. Call us anytime at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
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225 W Wacker Dr
Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60606