There is no standard amount. Value depends on medical treatment and future care, infection and complications, permanent scarring and disfigurement, nerve damage and loss of function, pain and suffering, psychological effects such as anxiety or PTSD, lost income, and available insurance. Clear documentation and credible expert opinions drive results.

Timelines vary. Straightforward claims may resolve in months once treatment stabilizes, and scarring can be evaluated. Disputed liability, multiple defendants, or significant injuries can extend a case to 12 to 24 months or longer. Your attorney will outline milestones and keep you updated.

• Get medical care right away and follow your provider’s instructions.

• Call local authorities if appropriate and request an incident report.

• Photograph wounds at each stage of healing and keep all medical bills and receipts.

• Identify the animal owner or handler and gather witness names and contact information.

• Do not give a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with counsel.

• Contact Strom Advisory Group to connect you with a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer who will protect evidence and guide you in the following steps.

Potentially the animal’s owner, keeper, or handler. Property owners or managers may share responsibility when they know of a dangerous situation and have the control to fix it. Businesses can be liable for incidents on their premises or involving employees acting within the scope of their work. Your lawyer will evaluate the facts and applicable defenses, including provocation and whether you were lawfully present.

If ownership cannot be established, traditional claims against an owner may not be available. There may still be claims against a property owner, business, or event organizer that failed to take reasonable steps to address a known hazard. Your attorney will analyze the scene, prior incidents, and any available video to identify viable defendants. Your health insurance typically covers initial treatment, and your lawyer can address reimbursement later if a claim is successful.

Deadlines depend on who is being sued and the type of claim. Many personal injury claims must be filed within two years, while claims against public entities can have shorter time limits. Claims involving minors often allow additional time. Speak with counsel promptly so no deadline is missed..

Medical records and imaging, photos of injuries throughout healing, incident or police reports, animal control records, proof of ownership or control, vaccination and veterinary records when available, witness statements, surveillance or doorbell camera footage, prior complaint history, and documentation of lost income and out‑of‑pocket costs.

Medical bills and future care, antibiotics and scar revision, therapy for trauma, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, scarring and disfigurement, and property damage such as torn clothing or ruined gear.

Illinois law generally holds owners responsible for injuries caused by their animals when the injured person was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal. Your attorney will apply these rules to your specific facts and address any defenses raised by the insurer.