Severe Scarring and Disfigurement After a Dog Attack

 Posted on March 08, 2025 in Catastrophic Injuries

It is often difficult to predict how a dog will react in different situations. Even docile dogs can snap without provocation, leading to serious injuries and visible scars. If you or somebody you care about has been attacked by a dog, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner or handler. An Illinois dog bite attorney can help you build a case to get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

At Schwartz Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers are well-equipped to handle dog bite claims. In the past, we have secured millions of dollars for clients in premises liability cases, including a $2.2 million settlement for a woman who was severely injured after being terribly mauled by a dog. When you work with our firm, we will fight to make you whole for scars and disfigurement caused by a dog attack.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog attacks can come with life-altering injuries. Victims may be left with permanent scars or loss of function in some body parts, such as the eyes, ears, nose, and fingers. These types of injuries usually require extensive surgery to correct. Children who are victims of dog attacks are at much greater risk of permanent injury or death. Additionally, the mental trauma caused by a dog bite can come with years of anguish.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, do not delay seeking medical treatment. Complications like serious bacterial infections or even rabies can arise from an animal attack if not addressed quickly. Our attorneys can investigate your claim while you rest from your injuries, easing the burden of stress on your end.

Compensation in a Dog Bite Claim

Sometimes, even the best medical care cannot undo the damage done in a dog attack. However, by filing a personal injury claim, you can still get a financial remedy for all of the harm done to you, physical or otherwise. Compensation in a dog bite claim can cover your medical expenses, including the cost of surgeries, preventative rabies treatments, physical therapy, and prescribed medication.

A disfiguring injury from a dog attack may impede your ability to work. Our attorneys can seek additional compensation for damage to your earning capacity as well as any lost wages from your job. A full settlement or verdict may also include payment for non-economic damages, like PTSD or anxiety. At Schwartz Injury Law, we will make sure none of your damages are overlooked in the value of your claim.

Strict Liability in Dog Bite Claims

In Illinois, all dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals. This law applies regardless of whether or not the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies, unlike some other states that give leniency on a first bite.

Under this law, a dog owner can be held responsible for damages if the victim was "peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be," especially in public places. At Schwartz Injury Law, our dog bite injury attorneys will fight to prove that the owner was liable for the harm done to you. If the dog owner’s insurance company will not agree to a full settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court for a favorable verdict.

Defenses Against Dog Bite Claims

There are only a few circumstances in which a dog owner can avoid financial responsibility for a dog bite. You could be denied compensation if:

• You were trespassing on private property;

• You provoked the dog by taunting or hitting it; or

• You were in the process of committing a crime against another person.

Even if you were not at fault for the attack, the amount of compensation you receive could be reduced by Illinois’ comparative negligence laws if you were found to be partially responsible, even through an innocent mistake. At Schwartz Injury Law, we will aggressively defend you from accusations of blame as we advocate for a full settlement or verdict.

Evidence in a Dog Bite Claim

To build a strong case for compensation, you will have to present evidence proving that the owner was liable. Eyewitness testimony can corroborate your claim, making it harder for the owner’s insurance company to refute. Video footage of the attack can also prove that you were peaceably conducting yourself prior to the attack.

In cases of severe scarring or disfigurement, you should be ready to present evidence showing the extent of your injuries. This virtually always includes photos, but might also include X-rays, written observations from doctors, or expert testimony from a medical professional. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can compile your medical records to get an accurate estimate for the value of your claim. Once we know how much your damages are worth, we can fight for maximum compensation in your claim.

The Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, all personal injury claims are bound to a time limit known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations goes into effect from the date of your injury, and if the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to get compensation for your damages. Dog bite victims have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim against the owner.

Taking timely legal action is critical for a dog bite claim. After an attack, you should get your injuries examined at a hospital or urgent care center. The more evidence you can preserve from the incident, the stronger your claim will be. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can start working on your case right away, keeping ahead of the statute of limitations.

Meet With a Will County, IL Dog Bite Attorney Today

A dog attack can be a harrowing, traumatic experience to live through. At Schwartz Injury Law, our Joliet, IL personal injury lawyers are ready to stand up for your rights. We will seek full compensation for any and all harm done to you, including severe scarring and disfigurement.

Do not wait to seek compensation for your damages. We offer free initial consultations at 708-888-2160 to discuss the details of your case and how we can help.