The #1 Edwardsville Dog Bite Lawyer

Eric Terry leads the Edwardsville dog bite law 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 Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville-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 Edwardsville Dog Bite Attorneys from TorHoerman Law?

Hiring the Edwardsville 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 can cause severe injuries ranging from puncture wounds to permanent disfigurement, especially when involving dog breeds such as pit bulls or others frequently deemed dangerous under Illinois law.

In Edwardsville, dog owners may be held financially responsible under the state’s strict liability statute, which does not require proof of prior aggressive behavior or application of the one-bite rule.

This makes it especially important for dog attack victims to take immediate, well-documented steps after an incident.

Whether the attack occurred on a sidewalk, at a private residence, or in public places like dog parks, your response can directly impact your ability to pursue legal action.

Victims should seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries appear minor, as infections and complications can develop quickly.

It’s also important to notify animal control and gather information about the dog and its owner, particularly if the animal has been labeled vicious or has violated a local leash law.

By following the right steps early, you protect both your health and your legal rights.

Steps to take after a dog attack in Edwardsville, IL:

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Seek medical treatment for all injuries, especially puncture wounds, to prevent infection and create medical documentation.
2. Identify the dog and its owner – Get the owner’s name, contact information, and details about the dog’s vaccination history.
3. Call animal control – Report the incident to Madison County Animal Control or local authorities to begin an investigation.
4. Document everything – Take photos of injuries, the location of the attack, and any visible signs of a leash law violation or poor restraint.
5. Look for witnesses – Collect statements and contact information from anyone who saw the attack.
6. Report to the police, animal control, and other local law enforcement agencies – Especially if the dog has been deemed dangerous or continues to show aggressive behavior.
7. Contact a dog bite lawyer – An experienced attorney can help you understand Illinois’s strict liability laws and pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Edwardsville Municipal Code: Animal Control & Dangerous Dogs

Edwardsville’s municipal code aligns with Illinois state law, specifically the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5), and adds local rules that govern leashing, reporting bites, and handling vicious or dangerous dogs.

Here’s a summary of the key parts of Edwardsville’s dog bite laws:

• Leash law: Dogs must be restrained on a leash or confined within the owner’s property when off-premises (§14‑3 Restraint)
  • In city parks (e.g. Joe Glik Park, Brent Leh Dog Park), dogs are allowed off-leash only in specifically posted designated areas, otherwise they must remain on a leash (§78‑19 Dangerous animals; dogs).
• Dog bite response: Owners must promptly report any animal bite incident to the Edwardsville Police Department. The city investigates bites and quarantines the animal in compliance with 510 ILCS 5/13 (§14‑6 Animal care).
• Vicious dogs and dangerous dogs: A vicious or dangerous dog must be housed in a confinement structure—a secure kennel meeting zoning and building regulations—per §14‑4 Confinement of vicious or dangerous dogs (§14‑1 for definitions).
• Dogs running at large/impoundment: Unrestrained dogs or nuisance animals found running at large are presumed in violation of the code. They may be impounded by police and held in a humane facility until the owner claims them (§14‑5 Impoundment and violation notice).

Filing a dog bite claim in Edwardsville requires a clear understanding of both Illinois law and local ordinances.

Victims must show that the dog owner knew or should have known the animal had a tendency toward aggressive behavior, or that the attack occurred without provocation while the victim was lawfully present.

Illinois follows a strict liability standard for animal attacks, meaning you generally don’t need to prove the dog owner’s negligence, only that the attack was unprovoked and resulted in harm.

If the dog has been classified as one of Edwardsville’s dangerous or vicious dogs, the legal process may move faster due to pre-existing behavioral documentation.

Injuries like deep lacerations, nerve damage, or infection may qualify as a serious physical injury, especially when verified by a licensed veterinarian or medical professional.

Courts also evaluate what a reasonable person would expect under the circumstances, such as whether the owner followed leash laws or properly contained aggressive dogs.

By following the correct legal steps, dog bite victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

Steps in the legal process for a dog bite lawsuit in Edwardsville, IL:

1. Seek medical care immediately and document all injuries, including evaluation by a licensed physician or specialist.
2. Report the bite to local authorities, such as Edwardsville Police or Madison County Animal Control, to initiate an official investigation.
3. Identify the dog and its owner, including vaccination history, past bite records, and whether the dog has been declared dangerous or vicious.
4. Preserve all evidence, including photographs of the injury, torn clothing, witness statements, and incident location.
5. Consult a dog bite attorney to assess liability, including whether the dog owner knew of the dog’s prior behavior or failed to act as a reasonable person would.
6. File a formal dog bite claim, detailing the injury, owner’s conduct, and the resulting financial, physical, and emotional damages.
7. Engage in settlement negotiations or litigation, depending on whether the dog owner or their insurer offers a fair resolution.
8. Attend court hearings if needed, where your attorney will present evidence of serious physical injury, dog owner negligence, and violations of local or state dog control laws.

Gathering Evidence for a Dog Bite Claim

In a dog bite case, clear and timely evidence is essential to prove negligence, demonstrate the dog’s aggressive behavior, and establish the financial impact of the attack.

A qualified dog bite lawyer can help gather, retain, organize, and present the full range of evidence needed to support both a lawsuit and an insurance claim.

This includes proof of dog ownership, details about the dog’s temperament, and documentation of all injuries and related medical expenses.

When a domesticated animal causes serious harm (or in tragic cases, when a dog kills) a legal team can build a strong case that shows the owner failed to act responsibly under the law.

Evidence for a dog bite claim may include:

• Medical records documenting the extent of injuries and treatment timeline
• Photographs of injuries, wounds, scars, and damaged clothing or personal items
• Veterinary records or public health reports on the dog’s vaccination status and past behavior
• Witness statements from neighbors, bystanders, or others familiar with the dog’s temperament
• Police or animal control reports filed after the incident
• Proof of dog ownership, such as registration documents, tags, or witness confirmation
• Prior complaints or citations involving the same dog or owner
• Surveillance footage or cellphone video of the attack or conditions leading up to it
• Statements from a treating physician or expert testimony verifying long-term physical or psychological damage
• Documentation of lost wages, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket costs tied to the injury
• Photos of the location where the attack occurred, particularly fencing, signs, or leash violations
• Records of the dog’s aggressive behavior in the weeks or months leading up to the bite
• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information related to coverage for the dog or property

Damages in a Dog Bite Lawsuit

In dog bite cases, damages refer to the financial and emotional losses suffered by the dog bite victim as a result of the attack.

Because Illinois dog bite law holds the dog owner strictly liable in most cases, victims can seek compensation without having to prove intent or prior knowledge.

An attorney will evaluate medical bills, ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and the impact of pain and suffering to determine the value of the claim.

Lawyers also factor in emotional distress and long-term consequences to pursue a fair settlement that reflects the true scope of the victim’s harm.

Common damages in a dog bite lawsuit may include:

• Emergency room visits and hospitalization costs
• Ongoing medical expenses (surgeries, follow-up care, rehabilitation)
• Psychological therapy for trauma or emotional distress
• Pain and suffering due to physical and emotional impact
• Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Medication costs and medical devices
• Transportation costs to and from medical appointments
• Home care or assistive services (if needed during recovery)
• Loss of enjoyment of life or recreational activity
• Punitive damages (in extreme cases of reckless behavior by the dog owner)
• Funeral expenses in fatal dog bite incidents

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
• Traumatic brain injury (especially in child dog bite cases)
• 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.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain that follow a serious dog bite.

Our Edwardsville-based team has years of experience holding negligent dog owners accountable and helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Whether your case involves a child bitten by a neighbor’s dog, a repeated attack by a known aggressive animal, or long-term medical treatment for disfigurement or trauma, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We use a personalized, results-driven approach to help clients pursue full recovery for their medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Edwardsville, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free legal consultation.

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