John J. Malm & Associates Obtains $215,000 Settlement For Victim of Serious Dog Attack

Attorneys Marilynn Frangella and John J. Malm of John J. Malm & Associates secured a $215,000 settlement for an 81-year-old woman who suffered a serious dog bite injury while walking along a public sidewalk in Lombard, Illinois. This case highlights the unexpected dangers pedestrians can face and the importance of experienced legal counsel in securing justice—especially for vulnerable individuals.

The Incident: A Morning Walk Turns Dangerous

On April 25, 2024, our client, an active and independent 81-year-old woman, was walking along the public sidewalk near her home. As she walked, she noticed two dog owners approaching with two leashed dogs, later identified as corgis.

To avoid any potential conflict and to give the dog owners space, our client courteously stepped off the sidewalk and into the adjacent grass area. As the group passed, one of the dogs lunged unexpectedly and bit her on the back of her right calf, causing her to experience immediate pain.

Shockingly, the dog owners did not stop to offer help or exchange information. Instead, they fled the scene with their dogs, leaving our client injured and in distress. Thankfully, she was able to seek medical attention quickly and report the incident. The dog owners were later located and cited by the Lombard Police.

The Injury: A Serious and Painful Bite

The bite resulted in a deep and extensive wound to the posterior medial area of our client’s right calf. Emergency room physicians documented a 14 centimeter U-shaped flap laceration with a significant amount of exposed subcutaneous tissue.

The wound required 23 sutures and ongoing wound care management, including follow-up treatment, dressing changes, and scar monitoring. Unfortunately, the injury left more than a physical scar. Our client continues to experience nerve pain and sensitivity in the area. The scar itself is visibly disfiguring and symptomatic, a painful and daily reminder of the trauma she endured.

For an older adult, these kinds of injuries often lead to a longer, more difficult recovery process. In this case, our client’s mobility and confidence were affected, which made it harder for her to maintain the independence she valued so deeply. Her medical care providers noted the emotional toll of the attack, including anxiety related to walking outside and proximity to unfamiliar dogs.

Legal Challenges and Our Strategic Response

Although dog bite liability in Illinois is clearly established under the Illinois Animal Control Act, securing a fair resolution required a proactive legal approach. We immediately launched an investigation to:

• Confirm the identity of the dog owners
• Document the extent of the injury and its ongoing impact
• Secure police and animal control reports
• Consult with medical providers regarding permanent scarring and nerve damage

Importantly, we worked with wound care and dermatological experts to explain the permanent nature of the scar and its symptomatic effects, which bolstered the damages claim.

Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable when their animals injure another person without provocation and while the victim is lawfully in a public place. Despite clear legal fault, insurance companies often attempt to undervalue claims involving older adults or minimize the impact of scarring and nerve damage. We made sure that didn’t happen.

Settlement Outcome: $215,000 for a Life-Changing Injury

Our legal team negotiated aggressively on behalf of our client. The dog owners’ homeowner’s insurance carrier initially disputed the extent of her damages. However, after we provided a comprehensive demand package supported by photographic evidence, medical documentation, and expert opinions, we were able to secure a $215,000 settlement.

The settlement accounted for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Extensive wound care and follow-up visits
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent scarring and nerve pain

While no settlement can undo the trauma, the result helped provide closure and financial relief for our client. She used the funds to support continued medical treatment and necessary personal care as she focused on regaining her strength and mobility.

Why This Case Matters

Dog bites are more common and more dangerous than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year, and over 800,000 of those bites require medical attention. Serious injuries can result from even a single bite, including nerve damage, infection, and long-term psychological trauma. Older adults, in particular, are at increased risk for complications and prolonged recovery.

This case underscores several critical issues:

• Even smaller dog breeds can cause serious injuries
• Elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to lasting harm from dog attacks
• Immediate medical care and thorough documentation are essential after a dog bite
• Fleeing the scene of a dog attack can result in serious legal consequences for pet owners

Our client did everything right. She acted with caution and consideration. She gave the dogs room to pass, yet still suffered a serious injury. With our help, she was able to hold the responsible parties accountable.

“Dog attacks can happen in an instant, even during the most ordinary encounters like a morning walk. Our job is to step in quickly, investigate the circumstances, and use every legal and medical resource available to hold negligent dog owners accountable. That’s what we did here, and we were proud to deliver justice for our client. Dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their animals and prevent attacks—especially in public areas. In this case, we used our knowledge of the law and the resources necessary to hold the owners accountable for fleeing the scene after their dog injured an innocent pedestrian.  We were honored to fight for her and ensure she received the compensation she needed to recover with dignity.” – DuPage County dog bite lawyer John J. Malm.

Your Advocates in Dog Bite Injury Cases

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand that dog bite cases require both legal knowledge and sensitivity. Victims often suffer physical and emotional harm. Our firm brings decades of experience, a compassionate approach, and a track record of results to every case.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Illinois, do not wait to contact an experienced dog bite attorney. Prompt legal action can help secure evidence, establish liability, and protect your rights.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Dog Bite Case?

Our award-winning team of six Illinois dog bite attorneys has more than 90 years of combined experience representing injury victims in Naperville, St. Charles, and throughout Illinois. We have long been recognized by our clients for our dedication, trial-readiness, and client-first philosophy.

We offer free consultations and handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact the Award-Winning Naperville Dog Bite Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, contact John J. Malm & Associates today to discuss your legal options. We are here to help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 844-MALMLAW or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.