Common Dog Attack Injuries

Award-Winning Attorneys for People Injured in Dog Attacks Throughout Illinois

Dogs are beloved companions in millions of American households, but even the friendliest dog can become aggressive under certain circumstances. When a dog attacks, the injuries can be devastating. Victims often suffer painful physical injuries, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and significant financial losses. Children, older adults, postal workers, delivery drivers, and other individuals who frequently encounter unfamiliar dogs face an especially high risk of serious injury.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented numerous victims of dog attacks throughout Illinois. We understand that a dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and we work to help injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. Whether the attack occurred at a private home, apartment complex, park, sidewalk, or another public place, Illinois law provides important protections for dog bite victims.

“A serious dog attack can change a person’s life in a matter of seconds. Victims often face painful medical procedures, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens. Our job is to hold negligent dog owners accountable and help our clients obtain the resources they need to rebuild their lives.” — John J. Malm, Naperville dog bite lawyer

Dog Bite Statistics Highlight the Seriousness of Dog Attacks

Dog attacks are far more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and nearly 800,000 victims require medical treatment. Children account for a significant percentage of emergency room visits following dog bites, particularly children between the ages of 5 and 9.

The Insurance Information Institute reports that insurers paid approximately $1.57 billion in dog bite and related injury claims in 2024, with the average claim exceeding $69,000, reflecting the increasing cost of medical treatment and jury verdicts.

Additional statistics illustrate the severity of these incidents:

• Approximately 66 people die from dog attacks in the United States each year.
• Nearly half of all dog bite victims are children.
• Most dog bites occur at or near the victim’s home.
• The face, neck, and head are among the most common bite locations for young children.
• Hand and arm injuries are most common among adult victims.
• Plastic surgery is frequently required following severe facial attacks.

Illinois Law Protects Dog Bite Victims

Unlike states that follow a “one-bite rule,” Illinois has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country.

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), a dog owner may be held liable when:

• Their dog attacks or injures another person;
• The victim was lawfully present where the attack occurred; and
• The victim did not provoke the dog.

Unlike many negligence cases, victims often do not have to prove that the dog owner knew the animal had previously bitten someone. This law allows many injured victims to recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, and other damages.

Puncture Wounds

One of the most common injuries resulting from a dog attack is a puncture wound. Unlike cuts made by a knife, puncture wounds often appear deceptively small on the surface while causing extensive damage beneath the skin. A dog’s canine teeth are capable of penetrating muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and even bone.

Complications from puncture wounds include:

• Deep tissue damage
• Internal bleeding
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• Tendon damage
• Muscle tears
• Abscess formation

Because bacteria become trapped beneath the skin, physicians often avoid immediately closing puncture wounds, allowing them to drain while antibiotics reduce the risk of infection.

Lacerations and Torn Tissue

Large dogs possess tremendous bite force capable of ripping skin and underlying tissue apart. Unlike clean surgical cuts, dog bite lacerations are often jagged and irregular. The tearing action creates extensive tissue destruction that may require reconstructive surgery.

Serious lacerations frequently involve:

• The face
• Lips
• Nose
• Ears
• Arms
• Hands
• Legs
• Neck

Victims often require:

• Multiple layers of sutures
• Skin grafts
• Plastic surgery
• Scar revision procedures

These injuries can leave permanent cosmetic deformities that affect both appearance and self-confidence.

Nerve Damage

Many dog attacks result in permanent nerve injuries. When a dog’s teeth puncture deeply into an arm, hand, leg, or face, important nerves may be severed or crushed.

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning pain
• Weakness
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of fine motor skills
• Chronic nerve pain

Some victims develop permanent disabilities that interfere with work and everyday activities. Nerve repair surgery may improve function, but complete recovery is not always possible.

Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Hands are particularly vulnerable during dog attacks because many victims instinctively try to protect themselves. A dog bite can easily tear tendons responsible for finger movement.

Victims may experience:

• Inability to bend fingers
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Reduced hand strength
• Loss of dexterity
• Joint instability

Treatment often involves:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Tendon reconstruction
• Occupational therapy
• Months of rehabilitation

Even after surgery, some patients never regain full hand function.

Fractures and Crush Injuries

Large breeds generate tremendous bite pressure. Studies have estimated that certain breeds can exert bite forces exceeding several hundred pounds per square inch.

That force is sufficient to fracture:

• Fingers
• Hands
• Wrists
• Forearms
• Facial bones
• Cheekbones
• Jawbones

Children are especially susceptible because their bones are still developing.

Fractures often require:

• Casting
• Surgical fixation
• Metal plates
• Screws
• Pins
• Physical therapy

Crush injuries may also damage surrounding muscles and blood vessels, making recovery even more complicated.

Facial Injuries

Facial injuries are among the most emotionally devastating consequences of a dog attack. Young children are particularly vulnerable because their faces are closer to a dog’s mouth.

Common facial injuries include:

• Torn lips
• Nose injuries
• Cheek lacerations
• Ear avulsions
• Scalp injuries
• Chin wounds

Plastic surgeons frequently perform emergency reconstruction immediately after the attack. Unfortunately, many victims require:

• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Scar revision
• Laser treatments
• Cosmetic procedures

Permanent facial scarring can affect confidence, employment opportunities, and emotional well-being for years after the attack.

Eye Injuries

Dog attacks involving the face sometimes damage the eyes. Possible eye injuries include:

• Corneal abrasions
• Globe rupture
• Detached retina
• Eyelid lacerations
• Vision loss
• Blindness

Emergency treatment is essential because delays may permanently affect vision. Victims who lose sight in one eye often face lifelong limitations and significant future medical expenses.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Although bites themselves usually do not cause brain injuries, many victims strike their heads after being knocked to the ground. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable.

Common brain injuries include:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Brain bleeding
• Diffuse axonal injuries
• Permanent cognitive impairment

Symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Memory problems
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances

Traumatic brain injuries often require months or years of rehabilitation and can dramatically affect a victim’s quality of life.

Scarring and Permanent Disfigurement

One of the most lasting consequences of a serious dog attack is permanent scarring. Even after wounds heal, victims may be left with visible scars that serve as lifelong reminders of the traumatic event. Facial scars are especially devastating because they can affect a person’s confidence, relationships, and professional opportunities.

Children are particularly vulnerable to permanent disfigurement. As a child grows, scars may stretch or become more noticeable, often requiring additional reconstructive procedures over time. In some cases, victims undergo years of treatment before reaching adulthood.

Treatment for significant scarring may include:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Skin grafts
• Scar revision surgery
• Laser scar treatments
• Steroid injections
• Cosmetic procedures
• Psychological counseling

Illinois law recognizes that permanent scarring and disfigurement are significant damages. Victims may recover compensation not only for medical expenses but also for the emotional and psychological impact of living with visible scars.

Infections

Dog bites present a substantial risk of infection because a dog’s mouth contains numerous types of bacteria. Even wounds that appear minor can become serious medical emergencies if left untreated.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), approximately 10% to 20% of dog bite wounds become infected, particularly puncture wounds involving the hands and fingers.

Common infections include:

• Cellulitis
• Abscesses
• Sepsis
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Septic arthritis
• Tendon sheath infections

Several bacteria are commonly associated with dog bites, including:

• Pasteurella
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus
• Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Although rare, Capnocytophaga infections can become life-threatening, especially in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems. Victims should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Fever
• Pus or drainage
• Severe pain
• Red streaks extending from the wound

Prompt treatment with antibiotics can often prevent more serious complications.

Rabies and Tetanus

Although rabies is uncommon in domestic dogs in the United States because of widespread vaccination requirements, every dog bite should be evaluated for rabies exposure.

Doctors may recommend:

• Rabies observation protocols
• Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
• Tetanus booster vaccination
• Antibiotic therapy

Even if rabies is not suspected, tetanus protection is often necessary depending on the victim’s vaccination history.

Psychological Trauma

Not every injury caused by a dog attack is visible. Many victims suffer severe emotional trauma that lasts long after the physical wounds have healed. Common psychological injuries include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Sleep disturbances
• Fear of dogs
• Social withdrawal

Children frequently experience particularly severe emotional effects after an attack. They may develop nightmares, separation anxiety, or fear of going outdoors or visiting places where dogs are present.

Mental health treatment may include:

• Counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medication
• Family therapy
• Trauma-focused therapy

These emotional injuries are every bit as real as physical injuries and may be compensable under Illinois law.

Children Face the Highest Risk of Serious Injury

Children account for a disproportionate number of severe dog bite injuries. According to the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association, children between the ages of 5 and 9 experience the highest rate of dog bite injuries.

Several factors contribute to this increased risk:

• Children are shorter, placing their faces closer to a dog’s mouth.
• They may not recognize warning signs of aggression.
• They often approach unfamiliar dogs without caution.
• Smaller body size makes injuries more severe.

Common injuries among children include:

• Facial lacerations
• Eye injuries
• Skull fractures
• Neck injuries
• Permanent scarring
• Emotional trauma

Parents should always seek immediate medical attention after a dog attack, even if the injuries initially appear minor.

Can Dog Attacks Result in Wrongful Death?

While relatively uncommon, fatal dog attacks do occur. According to the CDC, approximately 30 to 60 people die each year in the United States as a result of dog attacks, although the exact number varies annually depending on reporting methods.

Fatal attacks most often involve:

• Young children
• Older adults
• Individuals with physical disabilities
• Victims who suffer severe blood loss
• Victims who develop overwhelming infections

When a loved one dies because of a dog attack, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Illinois law.

Medical Treatment Following a Dog Attack

Receiving prompt medical treatment is one of the most important steps following a dog bite. Treatment often includes:

• Emergency wound cleaning
• Irrigation to remove bacteria
• Stitches or delayed wound closure
• Antibiotics
• Tetanus vaccination
• Rabies evaluation
• Imaging studies
• Plastic surgery consultation
• Orthopedic evaluation
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling

Following all medical recommendations not only promotes recovery but also helps document the full extent of your injuries for a personal injury claim.

Why Hiring an Experienced Illinois Dog Bite Attorney Matters

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize dog bite claims by arguing that:

• The victim provoked the dog.
• The injuries are not as serious as claimed.
• Medical treatment was excessive.
• Scarring will improve over time.
• Emotional injuries are exaggerated.

An experienced dog bite attorney can help counter these tactics by gathering evidence, consulting with medical experts, interviewing witnesses, and documenting the full extent of your damages.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog attack can have on victims and their families. We are committed to helping our clients pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Attack Injuries

What is the most common injury from a dog attack?

Puncture wounds and lacerations are the most common injuries. However, severe attacks may also result in nerve damage, fractures, infections, facial injuries, and permanent scarring.

Should I go to the hospital after a dog bite?

Yes. Even seemingly minor bites can become infected or involve damage to underlying nerves, tendons, or muscles. Prompt medical treatment is essential.

Can I recover compensation if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. Illinois follows a strict liability standard under the Illinois Animal Control Act, meaning you generally do not have to prove that the dog had previously bitten someone.

What damages can I recover after a dog attack?

Depending on the circumstances, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, disfigurement, rehabilitation costs, and other related damages.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois provides two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What if my child was bitten by a dog?

Children injured in dog attacks have the same legal rights to pursue compensation as adults. Because children’s injuries often involve facial trauma, emotional distress, and permanent scarring, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who understands the unique challenges these cases present.

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

A dog attack can leave lasting physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship. Whether you are dealing with puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, or the psychological effects of a traumatic attack, you should not have to bear these burdens alone, especially when the injury was caused by a negligent dog owner. Illinois law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but successfully recovering compensation often requires a thorough investigation, detailed medical evidence, and experienced legal representation.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have decades of experience helping injured clients throughout Illinois pursue compensation for serious dog bite and animal attack injuries. Our legal team understands the complexities of the Illinois Animal Control Act and is dedicated to holding negligent dog owners accountable. We will investigate your claim, work with medical experts to fully document your injuries, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to trial. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. We are ready to protect your rights, answer your questions, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.