Dog Owners Are Responsible When Their Dog Attacks.
Illinois holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog injures someone who did nothing to provoke it. Marker Law builds the case that gets dog bite victims compensated — usually through the owner's insurance, not their pocket.
Strict Liability — No "One Free Bite"
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), a dog owner is liable when their dog attacks, attempts to attack, or injures a person who is peaceably conducting themselves in a place they may lawfully be, without provocation. Unlike some states, Illinois has no "one free bite" rule — the owner can be responsible even if the dog never showed aggression before. Marker Law attorneys also pursue negligence and premises liability theories where they apply, including claims against landlords or others who kept or harbored the dog.
- Strict liability under the Animal Control Act — no need to prove the owner was careless
- Applies to attacks on sidewalks, in parks, at a friend's home — anywhere you may lawfully be
- Negligence and premises claims against landlords or dog keepers in limited circumstances
- The owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance usually pays — not the owner personally
- Two-year statute of limitations for injury claims in Illinois — act quickly
Bitten by a Neighbor's or Friend's Dog?
Many victims hesitate to make a claim because they know the owner. Remember: the claim is almost always paid by an insurance policy the owner already bought for exactly this situation. The consultation is free.
Talk to Marker Law — Free ConsultWhat to Do After a Dog Bite
The steps you take in the first hours and days matter — for your recovery and for the evidence.
Get Medical Care
Dog bites carry a serious risk of infection, and rabies status must be verified. See a doctor even for wounds that look minor — treatment records also document your injuries.
Identify the Dog & Owner
Get the owner's name, address, and contact information, plus the dog's description and vaccination history. Note witnesses who saw the attack.
Report to Animal Control
File a report with your local animal control agency. The official report verifies the attack, triggers a rabies check, and may reveal prior incidents involving the same dog.
Photograph Everything
Take photos of your wounds as they heal, your torn clothing, and the scene of the attack. Scarring evidence is central to the value of a dog bite claim.
Don't Give a Recorded Statement
The owner's insurance company may call quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or accept an early offer before speaking with an attorney. The consultation is free.
How Marker Law Handles Dog Bite Cases
From the animal control report to the settlement check, Marker Law attorneys build each case for full value.
Investigate & Preserve Evidence
Marker Law attorneys obtain the animal control report, vaccination and prior-incident records, witness statements, and medical documentation — and identify every potentially responsible party, including anyone who kept or harbored the dog.
Deal With the Insurance Company
Homeowner's or renter's insurance typically covers dog bite claims. Marker Law attorneys handle every communication, counter the "provocation" and lowball tactics insurers use, and document scarring and future treatment needs before valuing the claim.
Negotiate — or Go to Trial
Most cases settle, but only because the insurer knows the firm will file suit. If the offer doesn't reflect what you've lost, Marker Law attorneys are prepared to take the case to a jury. No recovery, no fee.
Damages in an Illinois Dog Bite Case
A dog attack can leave physical and emotional injuries that last far beyond the initial wound. Illinois law allows recovery for the full impact.
Medical Bills
Emergency care, wound treatment, rabies protocol, reconstructive procedures, and every related bill — past and future.
Lost Income
Wages lost while you recover, plus reduced earning capacity if the injuries limit the work you can do going forward.
Pain & Suffering
Compensation for past and future physical pain and the emotional trauma of the attack — including fear and anxiety that often follow, especially for children.
Scarring & Disfigurement
Dog bites frequently leave permanent scars, often on the face, hands, or arms. Disfigurement is a distinct, compensable element of damages under Illinois law.
Future Care
Scar revision surgery, physical therapy, and counseling that doctors anticipate you will need down the road.
Loss of Normal Life
The activities, hobbies, and everyday enjoyment the injuries have taken from you — and more, depending on the facts of your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers to the questions Marker Law clients ask most often about this topic.
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