John J. Malm & Associates Obtains $500,000 Settlement for Illinois Woman Injured in Violent Pit Bull Attack on Her Doorstep

Residents across Illinois trust that they can step outside their homes and walk through their neighborhoods without fear of being seriously harmed by a dangerous animal. But when a powerful dog escapes its handler, that trust can be shattered instantly. Recently, attorney Marilynn Frangella, working alongside our firm’s team of award-winning dog bite attorneys, secured a $500,000 settlement on behalf of a woman whose ordinary morning turned into a medical emergency after a loose pit bull attacked her in her own front yard.

This result reflects the diligent work of our attorneys and the care we take in representing victims of serious dog attacks throughout Illinois.

The Attack Captured on Home Video

The events of the attack were recorded by the homeowner’s Ring camera and left no doubt about what happened. On the morning she was preparing to leave for work, the plaintiff stepped outside with her small Dachshund. Her neighbor, who had recently adopted a pit bull through a rescue organization, was walking the dog nearby.

The video shows the pit bull slipping free from its leash, sprinting toward the plaintiff, and immediately launching into an attack. She lifted her dog into her arms and tried to retreat inside her home, but the pit bull continued to jump on her, bite at her arms, and force her backward. As she struggled to open the door, the dog clamped onto her left forearm with enough force to fracture the bone.

Her husband heard her screams, rushed outside, and physically intervened to fight the dog off until the neighbor regained control. The footage captured the violence and suddenness of the attack and became a crucial part of the case.

“Pit bull attacks are often catastrophic because of the strength and determination of these animals once an attack begins. The damage can be life changing in a matter of seconds, which is why owners must exercise the highest level of caution and control.” Naperville dog bite attorney, John J. Malm

Emergency Care and the Full Extent of the Injuries

The plaintiff was transported immediately to the hospital. Imaging confirmed a comminuted displaced fracture of the distal ulna, deep soft tissue injury, and air tracking within the arm consistent with crush or puncture trauma. She underwent urgent surgical debridement and wound closure and had her fracture stabilized.

She remained hospitalized for three days due to the risk of infection, severe pain, and the need for postoperative monitoring. Once home, she began a lengthy recovery that included physical therapy, follow up visits with orthopedic specialists, and a gradual return to daily activities under medical supervision.

While the wounds eventually closed, she continues to experience diminished strength, stiffness, discomfort, and lasting scarring across both arms. The emotional trauma of the attack remains present as well.

How John J. Malm & Associates Built the Case

When the plaintiff contacted our firm, Marilynn Frangella led the case with a thorough and steady approach. Working closely with our litigation team, she assembled and analyzed every piece of available evidence:

• Ring camera footage capturing the attack
• Emergency and hospital records
• Operative reports from treating surgeons
• Photographs of the injuries and home entry area
• Testimony from the plaintiff and her husband
• Information from animal control and local authorities

From the beginning, Marilynn focused on presenting a clear and compelling picture of what happened: the dog was not under control, the attack was entirely unprovoked, and the plaintiff was lawfully on her own property when she was severely injured.

Her work laid the groundwork for a strong settlement.

Understanding the Law in Illinois Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite claims in Illinois often involve questions of control, foreseeability, and the owner’s responsibility to keep a dangerous animal properly restrained. Although Illinois law offers strong protections to victims, insurers often attempt to dispute the severity of injuries or shift blame to the victim.

That is why every dog bite case requires careful legal analysis and an experienced litigation team. Evidence must be collected quickly and preserved, injuries must be medically documented, and the long-term impact must be evaluated by qualified professionals. In this case, the video evidence allowed our attorneys to show exactly how the attack unfolded and eliminated any doubt about liability.

Our firm pursued damages for medical expenses, surgical costs, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and the emotional trauma associated with being attacked at one’s own doorstep.

Reaching the $500,000 Settlement

During negotiations, attorney Marilynn Frangella presented a detailed settlement demand supported by extensive medical documentation and the indisputable video of the attack. The homeowner’s insurer was confronted with clear evidence of fault and a full accounting of how the attack altered the plaintiff’s life.

The settlement of $500,000 compensates the plaintiff for her past treatment, future medical needs, lasting functional limitations, permanent scarring, and the profound emotional impact of the event.

“Our law firm has built a decades long reputation across Illinois by standing with victims after the most devastating dog attacks. In serious pit bull cases especially, families turn to us because they know we have the experience, the resources, and the commitment needed to obtain significant results.” Naperville personal injury attorney, John J. Malm

The Growing Importance of Doorbell Camera Evidence in Dog Attack Cases

In recent years, the widespread use of Ring cameras and other doorbell video systems has transformed the way serious dog attack cases are investigated and proved. These devices capture events as they unfold, often providing a clear, unbiased account of how an attack began, whether the dog was under control, and what the victim was doing in the moments before the incident.

In many of the cases our firm handles, doorbell video becomes some of the most compelling evidence available because it prevents the insurance company from rewriting the narrative or shifting blame onto the victim. When an attack is caught on video, it allows our attorneys to demonstrate liability, the force and violence of the incident, and the immediate aftermath in a way that written statements alone simply cannot match.

Why Attacks Involving Pit Bulls Are Especially Severe

Although any dog can bite, attacks involving pit bulls often result in more significant injuries. Their strength, bite force, and persistence during an attack frequently cause fractures, deep lacerations, and long-term disability. Our top-rated Illinois dog bite attorneys have represented many victims in similar cases and understand the unique challenges that arise when a powerful breed causes severe injury.

This attack highlights the importance of strong leash control, secure handling by owners, and responsible rehoming practices for rescue animals. When an owner assumes responsibility for a powerful dog, the community’s safety depends on that owner’s vigilance.

John J. Malm & Associates: A Team of Six Award-Winning Dog Bite Litigators Serving Illinois

Although Marilynn Frangella served as lead counsel, she worked closely with other members of our firm’s team of six award-winning Illinois dog bite attorneys. Collectively, our lawyers bring more than 95 years of combined personal injury experience in dog bite and animal attack cases. We have secured millions of dollars for victims throughout Chicago and across Illinois, including those injured by pit bulls and other powerful breeds.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we represent individuals and families across the region who have suffered serious harm because a dangerous dog was not properly controlled. We are proud to be among the top-rated dog bite attorneys in Illinois and we are the first call families make when a loved one has been injured by a dog or other dangerous animal. If you were injured in a dog attack, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation.