Scarring And Disfigurement After A Dog Attack

Dog attacks can leave more than just physical wounds; when facial injuries occur, survivors often face lifelong scars and disfigurement. For dog bite victims, the effects of an attack extend beyond the physical—touching on legal rights, medical treatment, psychological recovery, and financial compensation. In this blog, we examine the full scope of scarring and disfigurement after a dog bite in Illinois and what you can do to get the compensation you deserve.

Nature of Dog Bite Injuries

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 4.5–4.7 million U.S. dog bites occur annually, with around 800,000–885,000 requiring medical attention.
• Illinois ranks among the top 10 states for dog bite incidents. In 2021 alone, Illinois saw nearly 800,000 emergency treatments for dog attacks.
• Within Illinois, Cook County and DuPage County are hotspots for serious dog attacks—accounting for thousands of reported dog bite complaints.

Common Types of Injuries Sustained in Dog Attacks

Victims of dog attacks often suffer a range of wounds:

• Puncture wounds (~40%), lacerations (~25%), along with bruises and fractures.
• Bites often attack the arms, hands, legs, and especially the head and neck—notably in young children.
• In serious cases involving deep tissue damage, victims may need reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, or plastic surgeries, particularly for facial wounds.

Scarring & Disfigurement

Permanent Scarring

• Facial scarring from dog bites is particularly devastating—functionally and psychologically. Scar tissue can cause aesthetic changes, limit mobility, and frequently require corrective surgeries to reduce visibility.
• Plastic surgeons are often seen by dog bite victims to assess scar depth, layout surgical strategies, and forecast future interventions aimed at minimizing visible disfigurement.
• In areas like the hands, arms, or legs, scars may restrict function, prompting skin grafts or tissue expansion techniques.

Psychological Trauma

• Scarring—especially visible—can deeply affect self‑image, lead to depression or anxiety, and impair social engagement. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not uncommon, with one study finding 25–30% of victims experience PTSD.
• Children are especially vulnerable. Facial scars can predispose young victims to lasting emotional trauma, lower self-esteem, and may affect relationships and school life.
• Victims often recount lingering trauma, such as flashbacks, social withdrawal, and a persistent fear of dogs.

Medical Treatment for Scarring and Disfigurement After A Dog Bite

Immediate Care

1. Wound cleaning and assessing the need for stitches or debridement.
2. Antibiotics to prevent infection, including serious threats like rabies and tetanus—especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
3. Evaluation for additional injuries: nerve damage, fractures, torn tendons or ligaments.

Surgical Reconstruction

• Level 4 bites include deep punctures and lacerations, often requiring sutures and follow-up care.
• Level 5 bites are those with extensive tissue damage and permanent disfigurement, necessitating emergency surgery, reconstructive work, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Facial scars may be corrected via multiple-stage surgeries, skin grafts, tissue expansion, and continuous scar reduction management.
• Plastic surgeons play a critical role in both cosmetic outcomes and helping victims manage emotional distress tied to appearance.

Rehabilitation & Long‑Term Recovery After an Attack

Physical Recovery

• Ongoing plastic surgery: Tissue expansion, scar revision, or reconstructive techniques are often staged over years in order to give a better outcome.
• Physical therapy, especially for limb injuries, ensures mobility and prevents contractures from scar tissue.
• Scar management: Includes massage, silicone gel sheets, and laser treatments to optimize scar formation.

Psychological Support

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reduces anxiety, addresses coping with appearance changes.
• Support groups and peer connection help reduce isolation and build resilience.
• Trauma-focused therapy is essential to address PTSD or depression linked to the attack.

Social & Occupational Reintegration

• For appearance-altering scars, occupational therapy, public re-entry preparation, and professional branding helps reconstruct your sense of identity.
• Educators or employers may need to provide accommodations during recovery—requested documentation helps ensure support at work.
• Children often benefit from school counseling, anti-bullying support, and self-esteem programs.

Legal Avenues After A Dog Attack

Strict Liability via the Animal Control Act

• Under Illinois’ Animal Control Act, dog owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their pets—regardless of past behavior or negligence—unless a victim provoked the animal, trespassed, or was acting unlawfully.
• Illinois does not have a “one‑bite” rule—first-time attacks are still actionable.

Elements for Liability After an Attack

Victims must prove:

1. The dog attacked without provocation.
2. The victim was lawfully on the premises.
3. The victim was peaceful/not trespassing.

Statute of Limitations

• The statute of limitations for dog attacks is generally two years from the attack.
• For minors, the timeline extends until two years after their 18th birthday.

Compensation for Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog attack victims can claim:

• Medical costs: immediate and future surgeries, therapies, medications.
• Lost wages & diminished earnings, if injuries reduced job ability.
• Pain, suffering & emotional distress including PTSD.
• Disfigurement damages: Illinois recognizes these as separate losses—courts may award extra for visible scars, permanent disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life.
• Expert evidence (medical records, plastic surgeon testimony, photographs) is critical to proving disfigurement.

Steps for Victims to Take After a Dog Bite

1. Seek immediate medical treatment—don’t delay—even minor wounds can worsen.
2. Report the incident—to animal control or police to create official documentation.
3. Document meticulously: Photos over time, details of the event, witness statements.
4. Retain an experienced Illinois dog bite lawyer early—to preserve evidence and file within two years.
5. Engage medical/scar experts—plastic surgeons, therapists, psychologists to support future claims.
6. Communicate with insurers, but don’t accept offers until fully aware of the long-term impact of the dog attack.
7. Plan for long-term recovery—medical, physical, and emotional healing may span years.

Contact the 5-Star Rated Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Scarring and disfigurement after a dog attack in Illinois can leave visible and invisible wounds: physical, emotional, and financial. If you or a loved one has suffered scarring or disfigurement from a dog attack in Illinois, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced Naperville dog bite attorneys understand the devastating physical and emotional toll these injuries can take. We are committed to helping dog attack victims secure full compensation for medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, and the pain and suffering that comes with permanent disfigurement. Let us fight to protect your rights and hold negligent dog owners accountable. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward healing and justice.