Illinois is second only to California for dog bite litigation, and unlike many other states, Illinois has strict liability for dog bite injuries — owners cannot claim they didn't know their dog could bite. If you or your child was attacked by a dog in Chicago, Schwaner Injury Law will pursue the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance to recover compensation for your medical bills, scarring, psychological trauma, and other damages.
Every case is different, but victims of dog bite may be entitled to recover:
David J. Schwaner has spent over two decades fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 98% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case — from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.
Illinois has strict liability for dog bites under 510 ILCS 5/16. Dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggression, as long as the victim was not provoking the dog and was lawfully present.
Typically, the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance covers dog bite claims. A significant percentage of homeowners insurance payouts nationally are for dog bite claims.
Children are the most common dog bite victims. Under Illinois law, children under a certain age are presumed incapable of provocation, which can strengthen a claim significantly.
Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims from the date of the attack. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved.
Yes. Illinois's strict liability law does not require prior notice of aggression. Even a first bite can result in full owner liability under Illinois law.
Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case — no obligation.
Available 24/7 · Free · No obligation · Confidential
From first call to final settlement or verdict — here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for dog bite victims in Chicago.
We evaluate your dog bite case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner — not a paralegal or intake specialist — about what happened and what your case is worth.
We gather all critical evidence — police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.
Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.
You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery — zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.
Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every dog bite victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.
David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans — including dog bite victims with cases just like yours.
Over 20 years handling dog bite cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.
Call or text David Schwaner anytime — day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.
Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 — David answers personally.
In Illinois, dog bite victims have 2 years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For minors bitten by a dog, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until the child turns 18. Don't wait — medical records, witness information, and animal control reports should be secured as soon as possible.
No. Illinois has a strict liability dog bite statute (510 ILCS 5/16) that makes dog owners automatically liable for injuries caused by their dog — even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. You do NOT need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This makes Illinois one of the most victim-friendly states for dog bite claims.
The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) does contain a provocation defense. However, 'provocation' is narrowly defined — accidentally stepping on a dog, making eye contact, or moving near a dog does not constitute legal provocation. Insurance companies routinely claim provocation to deny claims. An experienced attorney can counter these defenses.
Yes. We handle all dog bite and animal attack cases on a contingency fee basis — no upfront fees, no cost unless we win. Dog bites often cause serious physical and psychological trauma. David Schwaner works to recover full compensation for medical bills, scarring, emotional distress, and lost wages. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation.
Illinois dog bite victims can recover: all medical expenses (ER, surgery, reconstructive procedures, rabies treatment), future medical costs (scar revision, therapy), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damages for permanent disfigurement or scarring. Psychological trauma from a dog attack — including PTSD — is also compensable under Illinois law.
Schwaner Injury Law handles dog bite cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Berwyn, Cicero, Logan Square, Pilsen, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Rogers Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, and throughout Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.