Strict liability — and not just for bites
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, an owner is liable for the full amount of the injury when their dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures a person who is peaceably conducting themselves in a place they may lawfully be (510 ILCS 5/16). That liability does not depend on the dog having a history — which is one of the stronger positions an injured person can have.
The Act reaches more than bites. "Attacks, attempts to attack, or injures" covers a dog that knocks someone down, chases a cyclist into a fall, or causes an injury without its teeth ever touching skin. The claim still requires proving the incident, the injuries, and the owner — and that you were lawfully present and did not provoke the animal.
Paul M. Marriett handles the claim, which is usually paid through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, so you can focus on healing.
Children and lasting injuries
Many dog-bite victims are children, and facial scarring and nerve damage can be permanent. Valuing these injuries means accounting for future treatment and the long-term effects, not just the emergency-room bill.
How dog-bite claims are actually paid
One worry keeps people from ever making a claim: they don't want to go after a neighbor, a friend, or a family member personally. In most cases they don't have to. A dog-bite claim is typically paid through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, not out of the owner's pocket.
That means holding the responsible party accountable and preserving a relationship are not mutually exclusive. Paul M. Marriett deals with the insurance company so you don't have to turn a personal situation into a personal confrontation.
Injuries beyond the bite itself
A dog bite is rarely just a wound that heals and is forgotten. These injuries often include:
- Infection — bite wounds carry a real risk that can require aggressive treatment.
- Nerve and muscle damage — with lasting loss of function, especially to the hands and face.
- Scarring and disfigurement — sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional trauma — a lasting fear of dogs is common, particularly in children.
Accounting for these longer-term effects, and not just the initial treatment, is central to valuing the claim fairly.
What to do after a dog bite
A few steps protect both your health and any claim:
- Get medical care and follow through on it, both for infection risk and for the record.
- Identify the dog and its owner, and get the owner's and any witnesses' contact information.
- Report the bite to local authorities or animal control.
- Photograph the injuries and the location.
If you've already been offered a quick payment, it is reasonable to have an attorney look at it before you sign anything.
What a case costs
Cases like this are handled on a contingency-fee basis: no hourly bills, and the attorney fee comes out of any recovery. Clients may be responsible for litigation costs and expenses regardless of outcome — Paul M. Marriett explains exactly how that works, in writing, before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois a strict-liability state for dog bites?
Yes. Under the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), an owner is liable for the full amount of the injury their animal causes without provocation to a person lawfully and peaceably present — no showing that the owner was careless, and no prior bite, is required.
What if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
The owner is still liable for the full amount of the injury — Illinois does not give dogs a "free first bite." A history of aggression can strengthen a case, but it is not required.
Does the law only cover actual bites?
No. The Animal Control Act covers a dog that "attacks, attempts to attack, or injures" a person (510 ILCS 5/16) — which includes being knocked down, chased into a fall, or otherwise hurt without a bite. The same conditions apply: you must have been lawfully present, behaving peaceably, and not provoking the animal.
Do I have to sue the dog owner personally?
Usually not directly. A dog-bite claim is typically paid through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance, so you can hold the responsible party accountable without going after them out of pocket.
What if I was told I provoked the dog?
Provocation and comparative negligence can affect a claim, but they are fact-specific and often overstated by the insurer. It is worth having an attorney review exactly what happened before accepting that framing.
My child was bitten — what should we keep in mind?
Children are frequent victims, and facial scarring, nerve damage, and lasting fear are common. Valuing a child's claim means accounting for future treatment and long-term effects, not just the emergency-room visit.
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a dog-bite case?
Dog-bite cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis: no hourly bills, and the attorney fee comes out of any recovery. Clients may be responsible for litigation costs regardless of outcome, and Paul explains exactly how that works, in writing, before you sign.