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A dog bite can change your life in a matter of seconds. Beyond the pain and shock, many victims face infection risk, scarring, time off work, and lasting anxiety—especially children. This page explains common dog bite injuries and how compensation is calculated in Illinois, including what to document and when an insurance claim may need to become a lawsuit.

If you want to understand the legal rules that often control liability, start with our related page on Illinois dog bite laws and strict liability. For a full overview of representation, visit our Dog Bites practice area hub.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites range from minor skin breaks to severe trauma requiring surgery. Injury severity often depends on the dog’s size, bite force, how long the attack lasted, and where the bite occurred (hands, face, neck, and legs are common sites).

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds may look small on the surface, but they can be deep. Deep punctures can damage tissue underneath and create an environment where bacteria thrive. Because punctures can close quickly at the skin level, infection can develop even when the wound appears “not that bad.”

Lacerations and Tissue Loss

A bite can tear skin and soft tissue, causing jagged lacerations. Some attacks involve shaking, which increases the chance of avulsion injuries (skin or tissue torn away). These wounds may require stitches, surgery, or specialized wound care.

Nerve Damage

Bites to the hands, arms, or face can injure nerves. Nerve damage may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or persistent pain. Some nerve injuries improve over time; others lead to permanent functional limitations.

Infections

Infection is one of the most common complications of dog bites. The mouth of a dog can contain bacteria that cause serious infections. Signs of infection can include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or red streaking up the arm or leg. In severe cases, infection can spread and require hospitalization.

Rabies Risk and Tetanus Concerns

Rabies is rare but serious. Whether rabies prophylaxis is needed depends on the dog’s vaccination status, whether the dog can be located and observed, and guidance from medical providers and animal control. Tetanus protection may also be needed depending on your immunization history and the nature of the wound.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites frequently leave scars, and bites to the face are especially likely to cause disfigurement. Scarring may require plastic surgery, scar revision, or long-term dermatologic care. Even when scars fade, they can remain visible and affect confidence and daily life.

Broken Bones and Crush Injuries

Large dogs can cause fractures, especially in children and older adults. Hands and forearms are particularly vulnerable when a person tries to protect themselves. Some bites cause crush injuries that damage bone and soft tissue.

Emotional Trauma and PTSD

Emotional injuries are real, and they matter. Many victims experience anxiety around dogs, sleep disturbance, flashbacks, or avoidance behaviors. Children can develop lasting fear and behavioral changes after an attack. Counseling and therapy are often an important part of recovery and may also be part of the damages in a claim.

Compensation Available After a Dog Bite in Illinois

Compensation is meant to address both financial losses and the human impact of the injury. The categories below commonly apply in Illinois dog bite claims.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses often include:

  • Emergency room or urgent care treatment
  • Stitches, wound cleaning, and follow-up visits
  • Antibiotics and other prescriptions
  • Specialists, including plastic surgery or orthopedics
  • Physical therapy for hand, arm, or leg function
  • Mental health treatment for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD

A strong claim accounts for both current bills and reasonably expected future care. Future care can matter significantly in scarring cases (revision procedures) and nerve injuries (ongoing treatment and limitations).

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If you miss work because of treatment, recovery, or complications, lost wages may be part of the claim. In more serious cases, a bite injury can reduce long-term earning capacity—particularly when the hands are affected and the job is physical or requires fine motor skills.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and the disruption that comes with injuries, medical procedures, and recovery. Dog bite injuries can involve significant short-term pain and lingering discomfort, especially with nerve involvement or infection.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Scarring is often a major driver of claim value, especially when scars are permanent, visible, or located on the face. The impact is not only cosmetic; it can affect self-esteem, social interactions, and mental health.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress damages can include anxiety, fear, sleep disruption, and trauma-related symptoms. When a child is attacked, emotional effects can be especially profound and long-lasting.

Property Damage

In some cases, a dog attack damages clothing, glasses, phones, or other personal items. Those losses may be recoverable as part of the claim.

How Compensation Is Calculated in Illinois Dog Bite Claims

There is no one-size-fits-all formula. Insurers typically evaluate dog bite claims based on medical evidence, documentation, and how the injuries affect daily life.

Key Factors That Increase or Decrease Value

  • Severity and location of injuries (face and hands often carry higher impact)
  • Infection, complications, or hospitalization
  • Need for surgery, scar revision, or specialist care
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Documented emotional trauma, therapy, and functional changes
  • Time missed from work and limitations in job duties
  • Consistency of medical treatment and follow-up

The Importance of Documentation

Well-documented claims are harder to undervalue. Insurance companies look for objective support: photos, medical records, and consistent treatment. Gaps in care can create arguments that the injury healed quickly or was not as serious as claimed.

Homeowner’s Insurance and the Claims Process

Many dog bite claims are paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance rather than out of the dog owner’s personal funds. That often makes compensation available, but it also means the claim is handled by an insurance adjuster whose job is to limit payout.

What Typically Happens After a Reported Bite

  • You report the incident and seek medical care.
  • Animal control may create a report and verify vaccination status.
  • The insurer requests details and may ask for medical authorizations.
  • The insurer evaluates liability and damages and may make an offer.

Be Careful With Broad Medical Authorizations

Insurance companies may request access to wide-ranging medical history. In many cases, it is more appropriate to provide targeted records relevant to the dog bite injury rather than opening unrelated health history to scrutiny.

When to Settle vs. When to File a Lawsuit

Many dog bite claims settle, but settlement should be based on a clear understanding of the injury’s full impact—especially when scarring, nerve damage, or infection complications are involved.

Reasons Some Cases Should Not Settle Early

  • The wound is still healing and the long-term scar outcome is unclear.
  • You have ongoing symptoms (numbness, weakness, chronic pain).
  • You may need surgery or scar revision later.
  • Emotional symptoms are emerging or worsening over time.

When a Lawsuit May Be Necessary

A lawsuit may be appropriate when liability is disputed, the insurance company undervalues the claim, or the available insurance coverage is unclear. Filing suit can also allow formal evidence gathering, such as obtaining prior incident records and sworn testimony.

For practical next steps after an attack, see our upcoming page: What to do after a dog bite in Illinois.

Comparative Fault and How It Can Affect Compensation (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)

Illinois uses a modified comparative fault system under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If a person is found less than 51% at fault, they can still recover damages, but the award may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

In dog bite cases, insurers may try to argue the victim contributed to the incident (for example, by provoking the dog or ignoring warnings). That is one reason why early documentation, witness information, and animal control records can be important.

Special Considerations for Child Victims

Children are more likely to suffer bites to the face and head due to their height, and they may have a harder time explaining what happened. Children also face unique emotional and developmental impacts.

Medical and Emotional Impact

  • Higher risk of facial scarring and disfigurement
  • Possible need for multiple surgeries as the child grows
  • Therapy needs for fear, sleep issues, or trauma symptoms

Documenting a Child’s Symptoms

Parents should consider keeping a simple journal of behavior changes, nightmares, fear responses, missed school, and activity limitations. These details help show how the injury affected the child’s day-to-day life.

How to Document Dog Bite Injuries for Maximum Compensation

Strong documentation can protect your claim and help ensure the full impact of the injury is recognized.

What to Gather Right Away

  • Photographs of the injuries on day one and as they heal (with date stamps if possible)
  • Photos of torn clothing and the scene
  • Witness names and contact information
  • Animal control report number and vaccination information if available
  • Medical bills, discharge instructions, and prescriptions

What to Track During Recovery

  • Follow-up appointments and treatment plans
  • Work restrictions and missed time
  • Ongoing symptoms (pain, numbness, limited motion)
  • Emotional effects (fear, anxiety, sleep issues)

If you have questions about legal liability standards and defenses, visit: Illinois dog bite laws and strict liability.

FAQ

How much is a dog bite case worth in Illinois?

It depends on the severity of the injuries, scarring, infection complications, time missed from work, future treatment needs, and documented emotional impact. There is no automatic “set” amount.

Do I have to go through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance?

Many claims are handled through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, but the best approach depends on the facts of the case and available coverage.

What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?

Provocation can be raised as a defense, and insurers may try to shift blame. Evidence like witness statements, photos, and animal control records can help clarify what happened.

Can my child recover compensation for fear and emotional trauma?

Yes. Emotional distress and trauma-related treatment may be part of a claim, especially when supported by medical or counseling records and family documentation.

Talk to Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law

If you or your child suffered a dog bite in Peoria or Central Illinois, getting clear guidance early can make a difference—both for medical decisions and for protecting your legal options. We represent dog bite victims and help them pursue the compensation they deserve.

Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law
Peoria, Illinois
Phone: (309) 673-0069
Contact us today for a free consultation.

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