EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
A Year of Justice For Dog Bite Victims: Some Of Our 2025 Dog Bite Settlements
Top Dog Bite Lawyers with Proven Results for Victims Across Chicago and All of Illinois
At John J. Malm & Associates, our firm has earned a statewide reputation as the preeminent law firm in Illinois for dog bite and animal attack litigation. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, more than $110 million recovered for injured clients, and over 97 years of combined legal experience, we are trusted by families across Illinois when devastating dog attacks occur.
From Chicago to the suburbs and throughout Illinois, our award-winning team aggressively represents victims of serious dog bites, pit bull attacks, and catastrophic animal-related injuries. When tragedy strikes suddenly, we step in immediately to protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Dog bite cases are never minor. They often involve deep lacerations, fractures, permanent scarring, nerve damage, infection, emotional trauma, and lifelong consequences, especially when children are involved. Our mission is to hold negligent dog owners, property owners and insurance companies fully accountable under Illinois law. At John J. Malm & Associates, we take dog bite cases seriously.
Why Dog Bite Victims Throughout Illinois Trust Our Firm
- We are the preeminent dog bite law firm in Illinois with a statewide reputation for handling high-value and catastrophic cases
- Over $110 million recovered for injured clients in personal injury litigation
- A trusted legal team with 97+ years of combined experience in Illinois personal injury litigation
- Immediate investigation and evidence preservation, including video, animal control reports, and witness statements
- Direct attorney involvement in every dog bite case
- Trial-ready reputation that drives higher settlements from insurance companies
Recent 2025 Dog Bite Settlements Handled by Our Firm
The following cases are examples of the many dog bite and pit bull attack cases our firm successfully resolved in 2025. These results represent only a portion of our overall dog bite recoveries throughout Illinois.
$675,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Pit Bull Attack at Chicago-Area Hotel
In 2025, our firm secured a $675,000 settlement for a victim violently attacked by a pit bull at a Chicago-area hotel. The attack caused severe injuries requiring emergency surgical intervention and lengthy hospitalization.
$500,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Woman Attacked on Her Front Porch by Neighbor’s Pit Bull, Surgery Required
In 2025, our firm secured a $500,000 settlement for policy limits on behalf of a woman attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull that broke free from its leash while she was standing on her front porch. The attack was captured on a Ring doorbell camera. The client suffered serious forearm fractures and other traumatic injuries requiring emergency surgical intervention and hospitalization.
$300,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Woman with Severe Arm Laceration Requiring Surgery After Pit Bull Attack
Our firm recovered a $300,000 settlement for policy limits in 2025 for a woman who suffered a severe arm laceration in a pit bull attack requiring surgical intervention. The injuries caused deep tissue damage, extensive trauma, and lasting scarring. The settlement reflects compensation for emergency medical care, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
$300,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Young Man with Facial Injuries Requiring Surgery from Dog Attack
Our firm obtained a $300,000 settlement for policy limits in 2025 for a young man who sustained serious facial injuries in a sudden dog attack requiring immediate emergency surgical intervention. The injuries resulted in permanent cosmetic damage and lasting emotional trauma.
$300,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Toddler Bitten on the Head Suffers Skull Fracture and Severe Laceration Injuries, Emergency Surgery Required
Our firm secured a $300,000 settlement for policy limits in 2025 for a young child bitten on the head by a pit bull, suffering a fractured skull that required surgical intervention. This catastrophic injury created severe medical and emotional consequences for the child and family. The settlement recovery helped compensate the child for emergency surgery, hospitalization, future medical care, and pain and suffering.
$300,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Woman with Hand Injury at Chicago Dog Park After Pit Bull Attack, Multiple Surgeries Required
Our firm secured a $300,000 settlement for policy limits in 2025 for a woman who suffered a serious hand injury in a pit bull attack at a Chicago dog park, requiring emergency surgical intervention. The attack caused significant functional impairment affecting daily activities. The settlement reflects compensation for surgery, medical care, pain and suffering, and long-term impairment. The defendant, who brought his mother-in-law’s dog to the park, initially denied ever having a dog with him at the park, but acknowledged his presence there during the attack. The defendant’s dogless claim proved to be false during the contested litigation.
$200,000 Dog Bite Settlement (2025) – Woman with Facial Injury at Veterinary Office After Pit Bull Attack, Emergency Surgery Required
In another 2025 case, our firm recovered $200,000 for a veterinary technician who suffered facial injuries in a pit bull attack at the veterinary office where she worked. The woman required emergency medical intervention to clean and suture her wounds. The settlement was obtained from the pit bull owner despite his claims that the technician was controlling the animal at the time of the attack. Video of the attack demonstrated that it was the owner, and not the technician, who held the leash and controlled the dog throughout the terrible episode. The settlement reflects compensation for emergency medical treatment, scarring, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
What Do Our Dog Bite Case Results Tell You?
These seven recoveries noted above represent a sample of the many dog bite and pit bull attack cases our firm has recently handled for clients throughout Chicago, the suburbs, and across Illinois. Past performance in cases like these cannot guarantee a future outcome in another case, as the facts in each case may be different. Our case results tell you about the level of our experience in handling complicated and serious dog bite cases involving children, adults, fractures, facial trauma, emergency surgery, permanent scarring, and catastrophic injuries statewide.
Why trust John J. Malm & Associates with your dog bite case?
“When your life changes in seconds, you need a law firm that moves just as fast. We are proud to be the first call families make when a loved one has been suddenly injured by a dog. We protect the injured, force insurers to take responsibility, and refuse to let a victim’s claim be minimized. These cases are urgent, personal, and serious. Our job is to fight relentlessly so our clients can heal, rebuild, and move forward with dignity. Every recovery represents a needed measure of justice and accountability, with a family given the chance to regain stability.” – Naperville dog bite injury attorney, John J. Malm
Understanding Your Rights Under Illinois Dog Bite Law
Illinois law strongly protects dog bite victims. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner or keeper is generally liable when:
- A dog attacks or injures a person
- The person was lawfully in a place they had a right to be
- The victim did not provoke the dog
Illinois does not follow a “one-bite rule.” You do not have to prove the dog was previously dangerous. This strict-liability standard gives victims powerful legal rights, and our firm knows how to enforce them.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Arm, hand, and skull fractures
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Infections and hospitalization
- PTSD, anxiety, and emotional trauma, especially in children
We work closely with surgeons, plastic surgeons, medical specialists, and life-care planners to ensure full and future damages are recovered.
John J. Malm & Associates: Serving Dog Bite Victims Across Illinois
With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we proudly represent dog bite victims throughout:
- Chicago and surrounding suburbs
- Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Will County, Lake County
- Communities across Northern and Central Illinois
Whether the attack occurred at a private home, apartment complex, rental property, condominium, dog park, hotel, or veterinary facility, we know how to pursue every responsible party and insurance policy.
What to Do After a Dog Attack in Illinois
- Seek immediate medical care.
- Report the attack to police or animal control.
- Photograph injuries and the scene.
- Get the dog owner’s information and witness names.
- Do not give recorded insurance statements.
- Contact an experienced Illinois dog bite attorney immediately.
Illinois Dog Bite Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who pays for my medical bills?
A: Usually the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance pays for your medical bills, but only as part of an overall settlement or verdict.
Q: Do I have to prove the dog was dangerous?
A: No. Illinois law does not require proof of prior aggression or dangerous nature. Illinois follows the law of strict liability.
Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
A: In Illinois, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit, but there are special rules for children.
Q: What compensation can I recover?
A: After a dog attack, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, surgery, future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma.
Q: What does it cost to hire your firm?
A: At John J. Malm & Associates, we work on contingency, which means there is never a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Speak With the Preeminent Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack anywhere in Illinois, you deserve experienced, aggressive, and compassionate legal representation. With over $110 million recovered, 97+ years of combined experience, and a statewide reputation as Illinois’s preeminent dog bite law firm, John J. Malm & Associates is ready to fight for you.
Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work to get you the compensation you deserve.