Blog

As of 2025, Illinois enforces some of the strictest dog bite laws in the country, designed to protect both individuals and animals from the risks associated with dog attacks. These laws hold pet owners accountable while also outlining important rights for dog bite victims. In this blog post, we’ll break down Illinois' dog bite laws and explain what both pet owners and those affected by dog bites need to know.

What is a Dog Bite Injury? 

In Illinois, a dog bite injury is defined as any harm caused by a dog’s teeth piercing or tearing a person’s skin. This includes scratches, puncture wounds, and lacerations, all of which can lead to serious injuries requiring medical care. However, it’s important to note that an actual bite is not always necessary for the dog’s owner to be held responsible. If a dog knocks someone over, causes a fall, or scratches a person, leading to an injury claim, the owner may still be liable under Illinois law.

Strict Liability in Illinois Dog Bite Cases

Illinois follows a strict liability rule for dog bite incidents, meaning that dog owners are responsible for injuries their pet causes, regardless of whether they knew the dog had aggressive tendencies. This is different from laws in some other states, which require proof that the owner was aware of the dog’s potential danger.

The only exceptions to strict liability include cases where the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property or intentionally provoking the dog. In such situations, the owner may not be held liable for the resulting civil damages or personal injury claims. However, for most victims—especially in public spaces—Illinois law prioritizes public safety, ensuring that owners are held accountable when their dog causes harm.

Additionally, some municipal ordinances impose breed-specific regulations on dogs such as pit bulls, requiring extra precautions like muzzling or confinement. Failure to comply with local ordinances may strengthen a personal injury attorney’s case against an owner in a dog bite lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Illinois

Victims of dog bite incidents in Illinois have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. This time frame applies to injury claims for medical care, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the attack. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is extended until two years after their 18th birthday, ensuring young victims have sufficient time to seek legal action once they reach adulthood.

Acting promptly is crucial, as missing this deadline can prevent victims from recovering civil damages, even if the injuries are severe. Consulting a personal injury attorney early in the process can help ensure all necessary legal steps are taken within the required timeframe.

Recoverable Damages in Dog Bite Cases

If a dog bite victim successfully files a claim, they may be awarded compensation for damages related to their injuries. These can include:

• Medical expenses – Coverage for hospital visits, vaccinations, surgeries, and ongoing treatments related to the dog bite injury.
• Lost wages – Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery or disability caused by the attack.
• Pain and suffering – Emotional distress, trauma, and the long-term impact of the injury, including permanent disfigurement.
• Punitive damages – In some cases, courts may impose punitive damages to penalize a homeowner or pet owner for reckless negligence, especially if the dog was known to be dangerous and no preventative action was taken.

Since insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, it’s important for victims to work with a personal injury attorney who understands Illinois dog bite laws and can negotiate fair compensation.

Dangerous Dogs

In addition to the strict liability law, Illinois also has a dangerous dog law. This law allows local municipalities to declare a dog to be dangerous if it has killed or seriously injured a person or another animal. Once a dog is declared dangerous, the owner must take certain steps to ensure the safety of others.

These steps can include registering the dog with the local animal control agency, keeping the dog contained in a secure area, and posting a warning sign on the property where the dog is kept. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines and even the confiscation of the dog.

If you are the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You may also want to consult with a personal injury lawyer to seek legal advice and explore your options. By understanding the state's dog bite laws, you can protect yourself and others from the potential harm that can result from these incidents.

Steps to take after a dog bite 

A dog bite incident can be traumatic, especially for children who may be more vulnerable to serious injuries. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health, legal rights, and potential injury claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the wound appears minor, dog bites can lead to infections, scarring, and other complications. Proper medical care ensures the wound is cleaned, treated, and monitored for signs of infection. Additionally, vaccination records for the dog should be reviewed to rule out rabies or other diseases.

2. Report the Incident to Animal Control

After receiving medical care, report the dog bite incident to local animal control authorities or law enforcement. This step is crucial for public safety, as it helps track potentially dangerous dogs and ensures that local ordinances are enforced.

3. Gather Information from the Dog Owner

If possible, collect key details, including:

• The dog owner’s name, address, and contact information
• The dog’s vaccination status
• Any witness statements or photos of the scene and injuries

This information will be valuable if you pursue an injury claim or legal action.

4. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite cases can help you navigate the legal process, determine liability, and seek compensation for damages. They can also assist in dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize or deny your claim.

The Recovery Process: Physical and Psychological Effects of Dog Bites

Physical Recovery & Medical Treatment

Depending on the severity of the attack, victims may require:

• Surgery or stitches to close deep wounds
• Antibiotics and infection monitoring
• Scar treatment and reconstructive procedures

In some cases, disfigurement from dog bite injuries can lead to permanent changes in appearance, requiring long-term medical intervention.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Beyond physical injuries, victims—especially children—may experience psychological trauma such as:

• Fear of dogs or general anxiety in public spaces
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with flashbacks or nightmares
• Social withdrawal due to visible scarring

Common Types of Scarring from Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause different types of scars, each with lasting physical and emotional consequences:

• Hypertrophic Scars – Raised, thick scars that can be itchy and painful
• Keloid Scars – Larger, overgrown scars that extend beyond the original wound
• Atrophic Scars – Indented scars that cause depressions in the skin

Emotional scarring is just as real as physical scarring. Many victims feel self-conscious about their scars, affecting their confidence and quality of life.

Therapies for Psychological Recovery

Victims of dog bite incidents may benefit from professional therapy to cope with emotional distress. Common treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps change negative thought patterns related to the attack
• Exposure Therapy – Gradual exposure to dogs in a controlled setting to reduce fear
• EMDR Therapy – A method used to treat PTSD by reprocessing traumatic memories
• Support Groups – Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can provide emotional validation and healing

Understanding Dog Owner Liability & Compensation

In Illinois, dog owners are legally responsible for any medical damages their pet causes. This means that victims can seek compensation for:

• Medical bills related to treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages from missed work due to injury or emotional distress
• Pain and suffering damages, including emotional trauma and long-term scarring

A personal injury attorney can assist in filing a lawsuit against the homeowner or dog owner to ensure fair compensation.

When a Dog Owner May Not Be Liable

There are two primary exceptions where a dog’s owner may not be held liable for damages:

1. The victim was trespassing on private property when the bite occurred
2. The victim provoked the dog into attacking

However, in most cases, Illinois strict liability laws ensure that dog owners are responsible for any civil damages their pet causes.

What Happens to the Dog After a Bite Incident?

After a dog bite incident, the dog must be reported to local Animal Services and confined for at least 10 days. During this period:

• The dog undergoes veterinary examinations to check for rabies or infections
• Authorities evaluate the dog's behavior to determine if it is dangerous
• Failure to comply may result in fines or further legal action against the owner

Additionally, certain municipal ordinances require pit bulls and other breeds classified as dangerous dogs to follow stricter containment and licensing rules to protect public safety.

Updates to Illinois dog bite laws

In recent years, the State of Illinois has strengthened its dog bite laws to enhance public safety and hold dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions. The 2016 amendments to the Illinois Animal Control Act introduced new responsibilities for owners following animal bites to ensure proper medical evaluation, identification, and rabies prevention.

Key Responsibilities for Dog Owners After a Bite Incident

Following a dog bite incident, Illinois law requires dog owners or caretakers to:

• Have the dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within 24 hours of the bite.
• Microchip the dog (if it hasn’t already been) by the end of the confinement period, at the owner’s expense.
• Ensure the dog is vaccinated for rabies (if it hasn’t already been), with the shot administered before the confinement period ends.

Failure to comply with these state regulations is considered a criminal offense:

• First-time violations result in a Class A misdemeanor.
• Subsequent violations are escalated to a Class 4 felony, carrying more severe legal consequences.

Dangerous & Vicious Dog Designations

In addition to strict liability laws, the State of Illinois has expanded its legal definitions of dangerous and vicious dogs. The law now includes dogs that attack companion animals under these classifications, increasing the responsibilities for owners of high-risk pets.

Dog owners whose pets are deemed dangerous or vicious must:

• Post a visible sign near the front door of their residence, warning visitors that a dangerous or vicious dog is kept on the property.
• Maintain a liability insurance policy that covers injuries to people and damage to property caused by their dog.
• Register the dog annually with the Illinois Dangerous Dog Registry, a statewide database tracking dogs that have been classified as dangerous.

The Illinois Dangerous Dog Registry & Mapping System

To further strengthen public safety, the Illinois Department of Agriculture now maintains the Illinois Dangerous Dog Registry, which provides public access to details about dangerous dogs in their area.

The registry includes key details such as:

• The owner’s address
• The dog’s name and breed
• A record of the incidents that led to the dangerous or vicious designation

A searchable mapping system is also available on the Department of Agriculture’s website, allowing the public to see the locations of all dangerous and vicious dogs within a five-mile radius of a selected address.

Owners must pay annual registration fees to maintain their dog’s listing, with the proceeds funding the operation of the Registry and mapping system.

Illinois & Nationwide Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability vs. One-Bite Rule

Strict Liability

In strict liability states, dog owners are always responsible for a bite that occurs on public property or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Unless the dog is provoked or the bite victim was trespassing, the owner will generally be required to cover all damages associated with the bite. This is true even if the animal has never bitten before.

With Illinois’ strict liability stance, dog bite victims have a clear path to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These legal protections ensure animal bite victims have the resources they need for physical and emotional recovery while reinforcing owner accountability across the state.

One Bite States

In one bite states, by contrast, dog owners are usually held responsible for a bite only if there was reason to suspect the dog had a propensity to attack. This doesn’t always mean the dog must have actually bitten someone before, but there must be some evidence to suggest a bite could have happened such as aggression or an attack on other animals.

In one bite states, it may be possible for bite victims to recover from dog owners under other legal rules, such as negligence, if they can prove the owner was unreasonably careless–even if the dog hasn’t bitten before. But, recovery under specific dog bite laws isn’t possible unless there was a history of a problem with the animal before the incident occurred.

Find a Chicago-area lawyer today. If you have been injured in a dog attack, it is important to understand your legal rights and to seek legal advice from an experienced dog bite lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. Contact the law firm of Palermo Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with our team of experts.