The #1 Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

Eric Terry leads the Chicago dog bite team at TorHoerman Law (THL).

Eric brings years of litigation experience and a deep understanding of Illinois law to every case, advocating fiercely for victims of dog bite incidents across Chicago and surrounding areas.

He works closely with clients to investigate the attack, document injuries, and build strong dog bite injury claims that demand full compensation for the physical and emotional toll of an attack.

At TorHoerman Law, we believe in a collaborative model that delivers strategic, results-driven representation.

Rather than assigning a single attorney to your case, we bring together a legal team with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to offer comprehensive support.

Each attorney contributes a unique perspective, from negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company to preparing for trial when needed.

This team-based approach ensures that every case receives the attention, resources, and aggressive advocacy it deserves.

Here are some of the other key attorneys at THL who handle dog bite cases:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of experience, Steve Davis has handled complex injury litigation throughout the Midwest. His courtroom presence and deep commitment to client advocacy make him a valuable asset in serious dog bite cases.
• Ken Brennan: Ken Brennan is a strategic thinker with a background in personal injury and mass tort litigation. He brings a sharp eye for detail and is skilled at dismantling defense arguments used by insurers to deny or diminish valid injury claims.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley combines legal experience with medical insight, making him particularly effective at identifying long-term effects of dog attacks. His ability to translate medical complexity into compelling legal arguments strengthens every case he touches.
• Tyler Schneider: As managing partner, Tyler Schneider oversees operations and ensures that every case is staffed and managed with the utmost care. His leadership helps maintain consistency and quality across our Chicago-based cases.
• Alexis Robinson: Alexis Robinson supports the litigation team with a focus on discovery and client communication. Her dedication and attention to detail help ensure that no aspect of a case is overlooked.

This team-based approach allows TorHoerman Law to deliver highly personalized, results-driven representation to every client impacted by a dog bite.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire the Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys from TorHoerman Law?

Hiring the Chicago dog bite attorneys at TorHoerman Law comes at no upfront cost to you. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your personal injury case.

This approach allows anyone, regardless of financial situation, to access high-quality legal representation after a traumatic dog attack.

When you work with an experienced dog bite lawyer, you gain a strong advocate without the burden of hourly fees or retainer costs.

This structure allows dog bite victims to focus on recovery while we focus on securing the compensation they deserve.

Dog attacks are traumatic and often happen without warning, leaving victims physically injured and emotionally shaken.

In the immediate aftermath, it can be difficult to think clearly (especially when bleeding, frightened, or trying to protect a loved one).

While no response is ever perfect in the moment, certain actions can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Whether the attack occurred in a public park, someone’s yard, or on a city sidewalk, victims of animal bites have the right to seek justice under Illinois law.

Even if you can’t complete every step right away, taking just a few of the right actions can significantly improve your chances of a strong personal injury claim.

A lawyer can help fill in the gaps by gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and pursuing accountability through a dog bite lawsuit.

At TorHoerman Law, our Chicago dog bite attorneys work to protect victims and guide them through every stage of the legal process.

Here are the steps to take after a dog bite incident:

1. Get to a safe location and call 911 if needed – Your safety is the first priority, especially if the dog is still loose or others are at risk.
2. Seek immediate medical attention – Even minor wounds from animal bites can become infected and may require stitches, antibiotics, or other treatment.
3. Identify the dog and its owner – Try to obtain the dog owner’s name, contact information, and vaccination history, especially for rabies.
4. Report the attack to Animal Care and Control – In Chicago, animal bites should be reported to the city’s Commission on Animal Care and Control to document the incident and trigger a formal investigation.
5. Photograph your injuries and the scene – Take detailed photos of your wounds, any torn clothing, and the location where the bite occurred.
6. Collect witness information – Get names and contact info from anyone who saw the attack or its aftermath.
7. Keep records of your medical treatment and recovery – Save hospital bills, prescriptions, treatment summaries, and any time missed from work.
8. Contact a dog bite attorney – A skilled lawyer can help you pursue a personal injury claim or dog bite lawsuit, deal with insurance companies, and recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Gathering Evidence for Animal Attack Lawsuits

Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful animal attack lawsuit.

Whether you’re filing a claim in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, clear documentation helps establish the extent of harm, connect it to the incident, and prove the dog owner’s liability.

From witness accounts to medical records, every detail matters especially when severe injuries sustained in the attack result in long-term consequences or permanent damage.

Evidence to collect includes:

• Medical records detailing emergency care, treatment plans, follow-ups, and prognosis
• Photographs of the injuries immediately after the attack and during the healing process
• Photos of the location where the incident occurred
• Contact information and statements from any witnesses
• A copy of the animal bite report filed with Chicago Animal Care and Control
• Documentation of lost wages or time missed from work
• Communications with the dog owner or their insurance company
• Evidence of past complaints or prior attacks involving the same dog
• Torn or bloodied clothing and damaged personal items as physical evidence
• Proof of emotional or psychological trauma, such as therapy notes or mental health evaluations

Damages in a Dog Bite Case

In a dog bite case, “damages” refer to the legal compensation available for the losses a victim suffers after being attacked.

These damages can cover not only the immediate costs of treating a physical injury, but also the emotional and financial aftermath that many victims face in the weeks, months, or even years following the incident.

Many dog bite victims struggle with long-term trauma, missed work, and ongoing care needs, especially when a vicious dog causes serious harm.

An experienced attorney can help you calculate the full value of your medical expenses and other losses, ensuring that no aspect of your recovery is overlooked.

At TorHoerman Law, we build comprehensive claims designed to pursue maximum compensation for every category of damage.

Types of damages in a dog bite case may include:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medications)
• Future medical treatment for infections, nerve damage, or scar revision
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Loss of earning capacity if permanent injuries affect your ability to work
• Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
• Mental health treatment for anxiety, PTSD, or fear of animals
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life or daily activity limitations
• Property damage to clothing, glasses, or other personal items
• Punitive damages in extreme cases involving reckless dog owners

Illinois law offers strong protections for individuals who have been bitten by a dog, but pursuing a legal claim still involves several key steps.

Victims of animal attack injuries must take action quickly to protect their rights and build a solid case.

Whether the injuries are physical, emotional, or financial, your case will be stronger with proper documentation and timely legal guidance.

Once reported dog attacks are documented through Animal Control and medical records, a personal injury attorney can help investigate the incident and establish liability.

In Illinois, the law typically holds the animal’s owner strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog, but gathering and presenting the right evidence is crucial.

At TorHoerman Law, we guide dog bite victims through every stage of the legal process to help them pursue full compensation.

Here are the main steps in an Illinois dog bite claim:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Prioritize your health and establish official records of your injuries.
2. Report the incident: Notify your local Animal Control agency so the attack is documented and investigated.
3. Identify the animal’s owner: Get the dog owner’s name, contact details, and the dog’s vaccination status if possible.
4. Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries and the scene, collect witness statements, and save all medical records.
5. Consult a dog bite attorney: A lawyer can assess your case, explain your legal options, and begin building a claim.
6. File a personal injury claim: Your attorney will initiate the legal process by filing against the dog owner or their insurance.
7. Negotiate or go to trial: Most cases settle through negotiation, but if needed, your attorney will take the case to court.
8. Recover compensation: If successful, you may be awarded damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Illinois Dog Bite Laws and Chicago Dog Ordinances Explained

In Illinois, dog bite victims are protected under a strict liability framework, meaning dog owners are held responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior.

This legal approach ensures that victims don’t need to prove negligence to seek compensation.

Chicago complements state laws with specific ordinances aimed at preventing dog attacks and promoting public safety.

Understanding these laws is crucial for both dog owners and victims to navigate legal responsibilities and rights effectively.

Illinois Dog Bite Laws:

• Strict Liability Rule: Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), a dog owner is liable if their dog, without provocation, attacks or injures someone who is lawfully present in a place they may legally occupy. This applies even if the dog has no history of aggression.
• Injuries Beyond Bites: The law covers not only bites but also other injuries caused by a dog, such as being knocked over or scratched.
• Defenses for Owners: An owner may not be held liable if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.

Chicago’s Specific Dog Ordinances:

• Leash Requirements: Chicago mandates that dogs must be leashed and under control when in public spaces. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $300 to $10,000, especially if the dog causes injury.
• Designated Off-Leash Areas: While dogs must be leashed in public, Chicago provides designated off-leash areas where dogs can roam freely, provided owners have the necessary permits and the dogs meet specific health and behavior criteria.
• Reporting Dog Bites: Victims of dog bites in Chicago are encouraged to report incidents to the city’s Animal Care and Control department to ensure proper documentation and public safety measures.

Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity, from minor cuts to life-altering trauma.

Even seemingly small puncture wounds can lead to serious medical complications if not treated promptly and properly.

Dog bite infections are common, as bacteria from a dog’s mouth can quickly spread into deeper tissue, causing cellulitis, sepsis, or other systemic problems.

In severe cases, bites may result in disfigurement, permanent nerve damage, or long-term psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Tragically, some attacks (especially those involving children or multiple dogs) can result in dog bite fatalities.

Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
• Dog bite infections such as cellulitis, MRSA, or tetanus
• Torn muscles, ligaments, or tendons
• Nerve damage and loss of sensation or function
• Broken bones or fractures, especially in the hands or face
• Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
• Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death resulting from severe attacks (dog bite fatalities)

In Illinois, most people who are injured by a dog in an unprovoked attack qualify to file a dog bite claim under the state’s strict liability law.

If you were bitten by a dog while lawfully on public property (or while legally present on someone’s private property) you likely have a valid case.

Unlike states that follow the “one-bite rule,” Illinois does not require proof that the dog had a history of aggression.

The law focuses instead on whether the attack was unprovoked and whether the victim had a legal right to be in the location where it occurred.

You may also qualify for a claim if the dog caused injury without actually biting you, such as knocking you down or scratching you during an attack.

Children, mail carriers, delivery workers, and social guests are all protected under this law, provided they were not trespassing or provoking the animal.

Claims are even stronger when there is clear evidence of injury, such as medical records, witness statements, or prior reported dog attacks involving the same dog.

A qualified dog bite attorney can evaluate your situation and help determine whether the facts meet the legal standards for compensation in Illinois.

Our personal injury law firm is committed to helping victims of dog attacks in Chicago recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

We understand the trauma and disruption these incidents can cause, and we work tirelessly to hold negligent dog owners accountable.

From handling insurance negotiations to building strong legal claims, our team is prepared to guide you through every step of the process.

Whether you suffered minor wounds or life-altering injuries, you deserve to be heard, supported, and fully compensated.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Chicago, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

Let us fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.

You can also use the chat feature on this page for a free case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a dog bite claim instantly.