What to Do After a Dog Bite in Illinois

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A dog bite can be frightening and painful. In the moments after an attack, it is normal to feel shaken and unsure what to do next. However, the steps you take immediately after a bite can affect your health, your safety, and your legal rights.

This guide explains what to do after a dog bite in Illinois, including medical care, reporting requirements, insurance issues, and how to protect a potential claim. For a broader overview of dog bite representation, visit our
Dog Bites practice area hub.

Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Your health comes first. Even small puncture wounds can become infected. Dog bites may involve bacteria that cause serious complications if untreated.

You should:

Wash the wound with soap and water if possible.
Apply clean pressure to control bleeding.
Seek medical care promptly — especially for deep wounds, facial injuries, or bites to the hands.

A medical evaluation also creates documentation linking the injury to the dog bite, which is important for any future claim.

Report the Bite to Animal Control

In Illinois, dog bites should be reported to local animal control or the health department. Reporting helps:

Verify the dog’s vaccination status.
Trigger any required quarantine period.
Create an official record of the incident.

Animal control reports can later serve as important evidence.

Document Your Injuries with Photos

Photograph your injuries as soon as possible and continue documenting them as they heal. Include:

Close-up images of wounds
Photos showing swelling or bruising
Pictures of bandages and stitches

Visible evidence of scarring or disfigurement may significantly affect compensation.

Gather Witness Information

If anyone saw the attack, obtain their name and contact information. Witness statements can be critical if the dog owner disputes what happened.

Preserve Physical Evidence

Keep:

Torn or blood-stained clothing
Shoes damaged during the incident
Any items broken during the attack

Do not wash or discard these items unless medically necessary.

Illinois Reporting Requirements and Rabies Protocol

Animal Control Investigation

After a report, animal control may investigate and confirm whether the dog’s rabies vaccinations are current.

Quarantine Period

Dogs involved in bite incidents are often subject to a quarantine or observation period to monitor for signs of rabies. This protects both the victim and the community.

Prompt reporting ensures proper public health procedures are followed.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Many dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. After a report is made, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster.

When to Expect Contact

Insurance companies often reach out within days or weeks of the incident. They may request:

A recorded statement
Medical records
Details about the incident

What NOT to Say

Avoid:

Speculating about fault
Minimizing your injuries
Making statements like “I’m fine” before full recovery

Avoid Recorded Statements Without Advice

You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company. Recorded statements can be used to dispute your claim later.

Be Cautious with Broad Medical Authorizations

Insurers may request access to your full medical history. Broad authorizations may allow them to search for unrelated prior conditions to reduce your claim.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

Understand the Statute of Limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202)

In Illinois, most personal injury claims — including dog bite cases — must be filed within two years of the date of injury under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.

Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.

Preserve Evidence Early

Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses may be deleted quickly. Prompt action can help secure important evidence.

Contact an Attorney Early

Early legal guidance can:

Help preserve evidence
Communicate with insurers
Evaluate compensation fairly

To better understand liability standards, visit:
Illinois Dog Bite Laws and Strict Liability.

For information about damages and compensation, see:
Dog Bite Injuries and Compensation in Illinois.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim

Delaying Medical Treatment

Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor may allow insurers to argue that the injury was minor or unrelated.

Posting on Social Media

Photos or comments about the incident or your recovery can be taken out of context and used against you.

Accepting an Early Settlement Offer

Early offers may not account for infection, scarring, or future medical needs.

Signing Broad Medical Releases

Overly broad authorizations can expose unrelated medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report a dog bite in Illinois?

Reporting to animal control is strongly recommended to verify rabies vaccination status and create an official record.

What if the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor?

Most claims are handled through insurance, not directly out of the dog owner’s pocket.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Generally two years from the date of injury under Illinois law.

Should I speak to the insurance company?

Be cautious. Avoid recorded statements and broad medical releases without understanding your rights.

Contact Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law

Knowing what to do after a dog bite in Illinois can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law represents injured individuals and families throughout Peoria and Central Illinois.

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