Written by Children Are the Most Common Victims of Dog Bites
Dog bites are a serious public health problem in Chicago and across the United States. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are bitten more often than any other age group. The Centers for Disease Control reports that children are far more likely than adults to need medical attention after a dog bite. There are several reasons children are at higher risk. They are smaller and closer to a dog’s face. They move quickly and make loud noises that can startle animals. Young children often do not understand how to behave around dogs. They may pull tails, grab ears, or get too close to a dog that is eating or sleeping. The injuries children suffer from dog bites tend to be more severe than those adults experience. A bite to a child’s face or neck can be life-threatening. Even bites that are not immediately dangerous can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Children
Facial Injuries
Children are most often bitten on the face, head, and neck. Because children are short, their faces are at the same height as most dogs. Facial bites can damage eyes, ears, lips, and noses. These injuries often require plastic surgery and leave permanent scars.
Deep Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
A dog’s teeth can cause deep puncture wounds that damage muscle, tendons, and nerves. Lacerations may require dozens of stitches. Children have thinner skin than adults, so the damage is often worse.
Broken Bones
Larger dogs can knock children down and cause broken bones in the arms, legs, or face. A child who falls during an attack may also suffer a head injury from hitting the ground.
Infections
Dog mouths carry bacteria that can cause serious infections. Children’s immune systems are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable. Common infections from dog bites include pasteurella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. If not treated quickly, these infections can spread and become dangerous.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The emotional impact of a dog attack on a child should not be underestimated. Many children develop PTSD, nightmares, anxiety around animals, and behavioral changes after being bitten. Some children become afraid to go outside or play in parks. These psychological injuries can last for years and may require professional counseling.
Illinois Law Protects Children Who Are Bitten by Dogs
Illinois has a strict liability law for dog bites under 510 ILCS 5/16. The dog owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent. To recover compensation, you must show three things: the dog attacked or injured the child, the child was in a place where they had a legal right to be, and the child did not provoke the dog.
The Provocation Defense and Children
Dog owners often claim the victim provoked the dog. This defense is harder to use against children. Illinois courts recognize that young children do not understand how their behavior might affect a dog. A toddler who pulls a dog’s tail is not “provoking” the animal in the legal sense. Courts evaluate provocation based on the child’s age and ability to understand the situation. This does not mean provocation can never apply to children. An older child who deliberately hurts an animal might be found to have provoked the attack. But for young children, this defense rarely succeeds.
Parental Supervision
Dog owners and their insurance companies sometimes argue that the child’s parents should have been supervising them more closely. While parental supervision is important, it does not eliminate the dog owner’s strict liability. Even if a parent was not watching their child at the moment of the bite, the dog owner is still responsible. Illinois comparative fault rules might reduce the compensation if parental negligence contributed, but the dog owner cannot escape liability entirely.
Where Dog Bites Happen to Children in Chicago
At Home
Most dog bites to children happen at home or at the home of a friend or family member. The dog involved is usually one the child knows. This is a hard truth for many families. The family pet or a relative’s dog is the most common source of bites.
On Sidewalks and in Neighborhoods
Children walking to school, riding bikes, or playing in their neighborhoods are at risk from loose dogs or dogs on retractable leashes. Chicago has leash laws that require dogs to be restrained in public. When an owner violates these laws and their dog bites a child, the owner is liable.
In Parks and Playgrounds
Chicago’s parks and playgrounds are popular with both families and dog owners. Dogs that are off-leash in non-designated areas pose a real danger to children. Even in designated dog parks, children who wander in can be at risk.
At School or Daycare
Some dog bites happen at schools or daycare facilities during show-and-tell events or when therapy dogs visit. The facility may share liability if they failed to take proper precautions.
What to Do If Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if the bite looks minor, take your child to a doctor or emergency room right away. Dog bite wounds can become infected quickly. The doctor will clean the wound, assess the damage, and determine whether stitches, antibiotics, or other treatment is needed. Ask for copies of all medical records.
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number. Ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination. If the owner is not present, ask witnesses to help identify the dog. Take a photo of the dog if it is safe to do so.
3. Report the Bite
Report the dog bite to Chicago Animal Care and Control at 311. A report creates an official record of the incident and may trigger a dangerous dog investigation. The dog may be quarantined to check for rabies.
4. Document Everything
Photograph your child’s injuries right away and continue taking photos as they heal. Keep a journal of your child’s symptoms, pain levels, emotional state, and any activities they cannot do because of their injuries. Save all medical bills and records.
5. Talk to a Lawyer Before Talking to Insurance
The dog owner’s insurance company will likely contact you. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may ask leading questions or try to get you to admit your child did something to provoke the dog.
Compensation for Your Child’s Dog Bite Injuries
If your child was bitten by a dog in Chicago, you can pursue compensation for: – All medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment – Counseling and therapy for emotional trauma – Pain and suffering – Scarring and disfigurement – Any permanent disability or limitation In cases where a child is killed by a dog, the family may bring a wrongful death claim. Children’s dog bite claims often have higher values than adult claims because of the severity of injuries, the long-term impact of scarring on a young person, and the emotional trauma involved.
The Statute of Limitations for Children’s Claims
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years. However, for minors, the clock does not start running until the child turns 18. That means a child injured at age 5 would have until age 20 to file a lawsuit. Despite this extended timeline, it is better to pursue the claim sooner while evidence is fresh and witnesses are available.
Hiring a Lawyer for Your Child’s Dog Bite Case
Dog bite cases involving children require a lawyer who understands both the legal and medical complexities. Your attorney should know how to work with pediatric specialists, plastic surgeons, and child psychologists to document the full extent of your child’s injuries. Understanding insurance and liability is essential. Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. A lawyer can identify every source of recovery and make sure your child receives fair compensation. Knowing what to look for when hiring a lawyer can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.
Protect Your Child’s Rights
If your child was bitten by a dog in Chicago, do not wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case. Call Phillips Law Offices at (312) 346-4262 or contact us online at contact us online for a free consultation. We handle dog bite cases for families across Chicago and all of Illinois.