How Is Compensation for a Dog Bite Calculated in Illinois?

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Dog Bite Injuries

After being bitten by a dog, most people are left with expensive medical bills and want to know what their claim is worth. In Illinois, the amount you can recover depends on facts you can prove. Your medical care, permanent injuries, time off work, and how the bite changed your life are all relevant factors here. 

Illinois uses a strict liability rule for dog bites. This often helps many victims, but the value of your specific case still comes down to the quality of your proof. If you were hurt, talk to a DuPage County, IL dog bite lawyer about the evidence you will need.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog’s owner is strictly liable if a dog injures someone who is somewhere legally and did not provoke the dog. You do not need to show the dog attacked before or that the owner knew it was dangerous. 

What Is the Value of an Illinois Dog Bite Case?

Every dog bite case is different, so there is no set formula that determines value. Instead, the worth of a claim depends on the kinds of damages you can prove. Illinois law allows victims to seek compensation for:

• Economic losses: medical bills, future treatment, and lost wages

• Non-economic harm: pain, emotional trauma, or reduced quality of life

• Permanent effects: scarring, disfigurement, or lasting disability

The stronger your proof is, the clearer your damages become to insurance companies and juries. For example, detailed medical records, photographs showing the injury and healing process, and testimony about how the attack affected your work or daily life can all raise the value of a case.

How Are Pain and Emotional Harm From a Dog Attack Evaluated? 

Unlike medical bills, there is no exact formula for placing a dollar amount on pain and suffering. Instead, insurance companies and juries weigh the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and the impact on daily life. The location and visibility of scars or injuries can be considered. How long you experienced physical pain or emotional trauma and whether the attack created lasting fears, sleep problems, or changes in your school or work performance can be important factors as well.

Documentation is key. Counseling records, medical notes, photos, and even a personal journal can help show the depth of your emotional distress. The more clearly these effects are shown, the higher the potential value of your claim.

Contact a Cook County, IL Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you or your child was bitten by a dog, the right evidence can make a big difference in how much compensation you end up with. At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC, we build cases with medical proof, expert opinions, and clear documentation of how the bite changed your life. We also work on a contingency basis, so you do not pay us any fees unless we win your case. Call 630-552-6860 to schedule a free consultation with a DuPage County, IL dog bite attorney and learn your options.