Joliet Dog Bite Lawyers

Compassionate Attorneys for Victims Attacked by Dogs in Joliet, Illinois

At John J. Malm & Associates, we know that a dog attack can be a traumatic and life-altering event. Our top-rated injury attorneys represent clients in Joliet and throughout Will County who have suffered serious injuries due to dangerous dogs. Whether the incident involved a neighbor’s aggressive pet, a stray dog, or an animal that escaped its owner’s control, we are committed to helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, scarring, emotional trauma, and lost wages. Our experienced Joliet dog bite lawyers have recovered millions for Illinois injury victims, and we’re here to ensure you are not left dealing with the consequences of a dog attack alone.

If you or your child has been injured in a dog bite incident in Joliet, you may be entitled to compensation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.

Understanding the Problem of Dog Attacks in Joliet

Dog bites are a growing concern in Joliet and the surrounding communities of Will County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, and around 800,000 require medical attention. Illinois consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite-related insurance claims.

While many dog bites are minor, some lead to serious injuries, permanent disfigurement, or even death. Joliet has been the site of multiple fatal and severe dog attacks, particularly involving pit bull-type dogs.

What Joliet Dog Bite Victims Should Do After an Attack

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Joliet, it’s critical to take the following steps immediately to protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to seek compensation.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even seemingly minor bites can become infected or lead to complications. Visit the emergency room, urgent care, or your physician to get treatment and document your injuries.

2. Report the Bite

In Joliet, all dog bites must be reported to Will County Animal Control or the Joliet Police Department. Reporting ensures the dog is quarantined for rabies observation and helps establish a legal record of the incident.

• Will County Animal Control: (815) 462-5633
• Joliet Police Department (non-emergency): (815) 726-2491

3. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If possible, obtain the name, address, and contact information of the dog’s owner, and confirm whether the dog has current rabies vaccinations. Take photographs of the dog and the area where the attack occurred, if it is safe to do so.

4. Preserve Evidence

Document your injuries by taking photographs. Save torn clothing, medical bills, prescriptions, and any correspondence with the dog owner or their insurance company.

5. Contact an Experienced Joliet Dog Bite Lawyer

An experienced Joliet personal injury attorney can investigate the case, deal with the dog owner’s insurance company, and pursue compensation. At John J. Malm & Associates, we can help you understand your rights and ensure that your claim is handled correctly from the start.

What Victims in Joliet Need to Know About Liability After an Attack

Illinois follows a strict liability standard under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16). This means a dog owner can be held legally responsible if:

• The victim was lawfully in a public or private place, and
• The dog attacked or injured the person without provocation.

There is no “one-bite rule” in Illinois. Victims do not have to prove that the dog had a history of aggression.

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks in Joliet, Illinois

Victims of dog bites often suffer:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Facial injuries requiring plastic surgery
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Emotional trauma or PTSD
• Infections, including rabies or cellulitis

In severe cases, especially with attacks involving children or multiple dogs, the injuries may be fatal.

Types of Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Joliet

If you were attacked by a dog in Joliet, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Property damage (e.g., clothing, glasses)
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)

In most cases, compensation is paid through the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.

Joliet-Specific Animal Control & Ordinances

The City of Joliet adheres to both local and state regulations regarding dangerous dogs. Joliet dog owners must:

• Keep dogs leashed or confined.
• Report bites or signs of rabies.
• Have pets vaccinated and licensed.
• Comply with court-ordered removal or euthanization of dogs declared “dangerous” or “vicious.”

Failure to follow these rules can result in fines or criminal penalties and strengthens the liability case for the victim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joliet, IL Dog Bites and Attacks

Q: Can I still sue if the dog never bit anyone before?

A: Yes. Illinois does not require that a dog have a prior history of aggression. If the attack was unprovoked, the owner is liable.

Q: What if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?

A: You can still file a claim. The compensation typically comes from an insurance policy, not directly from the individual.

Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Illinois?

A: The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury. Delaying could risk your ability to recover compensation.

Q: What if the dog was unleashed in a public park?

A: A dog off-leash in public violates local ordinances. This strengthens your case and supports a claim of negligence or strict liability.

Q: How can I prove pain and suffering?

A: Through medical records, photos of scarring, therapy records, expert opinions, and your own written statement or journal documenting the impact on your life.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After a Joliet Dog Attack

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have successfully represented many clients in Joliet and Will County in personal injury and dog bite cases. We will:

• Investigate the dog owner’s liability
• Collect medical records and expert opinions
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• Take the case to trial if necessary

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a dog attack. Our Joliet dog attack attorneys are dedicated to achieving justice and full compensation for victims and their families.

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

If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Joliet, you have legal rights. Don’t wait to get the help you need. At John J. Malm & Associates, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us today at 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.

Let us fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on your recovery and peace of mind.