Orland Park + the Chicagoland area Personal Injury Lawyer
Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Serving Orland Park + Chicagoland
Dog Bite Attorney in Orland Park, IL
A dog attack can cause far more than physical wounds. In addition to lacerations and scarring, many victims (especially children) are left with long-lasting emotional trauma. In Illinois, dog owners are legally responsible when their pet bites, attacks, or otherwise injures someone without provocation.
Attorney Michael J. Brennan helps dog bite victims throughout Orland Park and the Chicagoland area pursue compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and lasting damage. If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, you have the right to take legal action.
At a Glance
- Legal representation for dog bite and animal attack injuries
- Serving clients in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, and surrounding communities
- Pursuing compensation for physical, emotional, and psychological harm
- No fees unless compensation is recovered
- Personally handled by Attorney Michael J. Brennan
No Legal Fees Unless We Win
Get a Free Case Evaluation
40+ Years of Experience
Millions Recovered for Our Clients
Michael is a Former State’s Attorney
Dog Bite Attorney | Orland Park + Chicago
Getting bitten by a dog in Orland Park can lead to various issues, affecting both your well-being and your day-to-day life.
Regardless of the situation, dealing with a dog bite situation requires assistance. That’s where our skilled Orland Park personal injury lawyer can be of service. My firm, Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer is here to guide you through the available options and the claims process. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation with an Orland Park dog bite lawyer.
Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites or injures someone, even if the dog has no history of aggression. That means you don’t need to prove the owner was negligent — only that the bite occurred without provocation while you were lawfully present.
If you or your child has been injured by a dog, don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Attorney Michael J. Brennan is here to help you seek fair compensation for medical treatment, emotional trauma, and long-term recovery needs.
Call today for a free consultation. Michael represents dog bite victims in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, and across the Chicagoland area.
What’s Illinois’ Dog Bite Law?
Various states approach dog bites differently when it comes to the law. Some have so-called “one-bite” rules on the books, where a dog that has not previously shown aggressive tendencies is allowed “one free bite” incident where the owner won’t be held responsible for the incident.
However, Illinois has no such rule. Instead, it follows what is called “strict liability” when it comes to dog bites. This means that, regardless of whether or not the dog has shown aggression previously, the owner is legally responsible for any injuries or damages their dog causes in a bite incident.
Illinois’ strict liability laws mean that if you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be eligible for benefits and support for your injuries under the law, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or history. However, this means you’ll have to enter the legal process by filing a claim. As a result, it’s important to understand what you need to do to bolster your claim.
Common Dog Bite + Animal Attack Claims Involve:
- Puncture wounds, lacerations, and infection
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Nerve damage or muscle tears
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
- Attacks on children or vulnerable adults
- Injuries caused by dogs knocking people down or chasing cyclists
- Unleashed or improperly restrained dogs in public or private spaces
Michael works with medical professionals, plastic surgeons, and mental health experts to assess both the visible and invisible damage caused by the attack.
Why Choose Michael J. Brennan, Esq.
Dog bite cases can be emotionally charged and legally complex. Owners often downplay what happened, and insurance companies may try to shift blame or offer fast, low settlements. Michael J. Brennan pushes back.
With 40+ years of experience and a strong background in litigation, Michael takes the time to investigate the attack, document the full extent of your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve. As a solo practitioner, he works directly with you — providing clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
SETTLEMENT
$8,400,000
Truck Accident
SETTLEMENT
$525,000
Car Accident
SETTLEMENT
$750,000
Medical Malpractice
SETTLEMENT
$500,000
Slip + Fall
SETTLEMENT
$375,000
Dog Bite
How to Strengthen a Dog Bite Claim in Orland Park
Even with the law on your side when it comes to liability, taking the right steps after a dog bite in Orland Park, such as contacting an attorney, is crucial to maximize your chances of obtaining benefits under the law. Your claim’s strength, which is often filed against the dog owner’s insurance company, plays a significant role in your ability to recover from your injuries. To strengthen a potential dog bite claim, you’ll want to consider taking the following actions:
- Get medical care right away – Dog bites can lead to severe injuries and potential infections. Even seemingly minor wounds should be promptly addressed to prevent complications.
- Find the dog’s owner – If possible, gather the dog owner’s name and contact information, along with details of any witnesses. This information is vital for establishing liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries.
- Report the incident to authorities – Notify the local animal control agency or police department about the dog bite. They can assist in locating the dog and assessing its history of aggressive behavior.
- Document the incident – Capture photos of your injuries and the attack location. Provide a detailed description, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as pertinent information about the dog and its owner.
By following these steps, you protect both your health and legal rights after a dog bite in Orland Park. Illinois strict liability law holds dog owners accountable for their dogs’ actions, allowing you to file a claim for damages. While the process can be complex, our experienced dog bite lawyer in Orland Park is here to guide you, making sure your rights are protected.
Our Orland Park Dog Bite Attorney Is Here for You
Most dogs are loving and dependable family members, offering unwavering affection. However, dog bite incidents can be unfortunate and tragic, often stemming from their natural instinct to protect their territory. As a dog owner in Orland Park, it’s important to recognize the significant responsibility that comes with ownership. In the event of a dog bite, Illinois law is clear–the owner is accountable and must be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Orland Park and are looking for more information about your available options, contact our Orland Park dog bite lawyer at Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer for a free consultation. We’ll clarify your legal options and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Orland Park Dog Bite FAQs
Can I sue the dog’s owner even if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Illinois follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. The owner is responsible even if the dog had no known history of aggression.
What should I do after a dog bite?
Seek medical care immediately, report the incident to local animal control, and gather as much information as possible — including the owner’s name, photos of injuries, and witness statements.
Are dog bite claims covered by homeowners insurance?
Often, yes. Many dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.
How much does it cost to hire Michael J. Brennan for a dog bite case?
There’s no cost upfront. You only pay if we win compensation for you.
What is the claims process in a typical Orland Park dog bite case?
Once you’ve decided to proceed with a dog bite claim in Orland Park, understanding the claims process is extremely helpful when trying to recover the available benefits and support under the law. Legally, a dog bite claim follows the same procedures as any other injury claim in Illinois, much like those for car accidents or slip and falls.
The key distinction lies in the strict liability law, simplifying the determination of liability– falling on the dog owner in the vast majority of cases. Consequently, when filing your claim, it will be against the dog owner’s insurance company, meaning an insurance company is going to get involved.
Thus, the claims process typically includes the following steps.
- Filing a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company – The first step is to actually file a claim with the homeowner’s insurance company. Our team can help you with this, and will include providing evidence and submitting a formal demand for payment.
- Negotiating with the insurance company – Once the claim is filed, the insurance company will investigate and assess the claim. Most of the time, they’ll offer a settlement. Our experienced team can negotiate any settlement offers from the insurance company to ensure fair coverage for all your damages.
- Filing a lawsuit – If a settlement can’t be reached, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner may be necessary to recover benefits for your injuries. Our team will represent you in court, defending your rights and making sure everything is covered.
Schedule an initial, free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Orland Park today.
What can you tell me about potential damages in dog bite cases?
The ultimate goal of filing any injury claim is to recover “damages,” which simply refers to your injuries and losses. As every case is unique, your damages may differ from other cases. That said, the following damages are generally available in an Orland Park dog bite claim:
- Medical expenses – Probably the most common set of damages in these claims cover the costs of medical treatment, surgeries, medications, and all healthcare expenses resulting from the dog bite.
- Future medical needs – These damages cover any anticipated long-term or ongoing medical care, including therapy sessions or follow-up treatments.\
- Expenses for medical devices – If you need medical devices or aids related to your dog bite injuries, you can recover the cost with these damages.
- Lost wages – These damages attempt to make up for wages lost during the recovery period if your injuries keep you away from working or don’t allow you to return to work.
- Pain and suffering – These apply to physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
- Emotional distress – These damages attempt to cover the psychological impact of the dog bite incident, such as anxiety, fear, or PTSD, in your claim for compensation.
- Scarring and disfigurement – This category of damages applies to the physical and emotional effects of visible scarring or disfigurement resulting from the dog bite.
- Loss of quality of life – These damages refer to support for the impact of the dog bite on your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or aspects of life.
- Punitive damages – These could be awarded in exceptional cases involving intentional harm or gross negligence by the dog owner, serving as punishment and a deterrent.
The value of your case depends on its specific details. So, it’s crucial to work with our experienced legal team, who will guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the financial support you rightfully deserve.
Orland Park Dog Bite Attack Articles
Dog Bite Injury Statistics
Dogs in the United States and especially the state of Illinois are unfortunately involved in far too many incidents of dog bites. The dog bite injury statistics around them are alarming, as well as upsetting. Most dog bites result in minor injuries, but some may...