Animal Attack Attorney

Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite injuries can be devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially. I help victims get the compensation they need to recover.

Last updated: January 2026·Written by Christopher Gutierrez, Esq.

No Fee Unless You WinFree ConsultationIL & AZ LicensedHablo Español

Get Free Case Review Learn More

Your Attorney

Christopher Gutierrez

Personal Injury Attorney

Illinois & Arizona State Bars

U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit

Available 24/7 · Hablo Español

(855) 444-5227

Written by Christopher Gutierrez, Esq.

Personal Injury Attorney · Licensed in Illinois & Arizona

A dog attack happens fast. One moment you're walking through a neighborhood, visiting a friend's house, or playing at a park. The next, you're dealing with puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, or worse.

Dog bites are traumatic. And the aftermath—infections, surgeries, scarring, fear of dogs—can affect you for years.

Both Illinois and Arizona have laws that hold dog owners responsible for bite injuries. I help victims understand their rights and get full compensation.

Get My Free Case Review

Takes 2 minutes. No obligation.

Your information is protected and confidential

Prefer to call?

(855) 444-5227

Case Types

Types of Cases I Handle

Home Attacks

Bites occurring at the dog owner's home or property, including attacks on guests, delivery workers, and service providers.

Public Place Attacks

Dog bites in parks, sidewalks, trails, and other public areas where dogs should be controlled.

Loose Dog Attacks

Injuries caused by dogs that escape from yards, break leashes, or roam neighborhoods unsupervised.

Multiple Dog Attacks

Attacks involving more than one dog, which often result in more severe injuries.

Child Dog Bite Cases

Children are the most common victims of dog bites, often suffering facial injuries and lasting psychological trauma.

Take Action

What to Do After Your Accident

The steps you take after an accident can make or break your case.

Get Medical Attention

Dog bites are prone to infection. See a doctor even if the wound seems minor. Document all treatment.

Report the Bite

Contact animal control. This creates an official record and may prompt a dangerous animal investigation.

Document Everything

Take photos of your wounds immediately and as they heal. Get the owner's name, address, and insurance information.

Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the attack, get their contact information. Their testimony can be crucial.

Don't Accept Quick Settlement

Owners often try to settle immediately, before you know the full extent of your injuries. Call me first.

Preserve Evidence

Keep the clothing you were wearing during the attack. Don't wash it—it may contain DNA evidence.

Common Causes

01Owner negligence in controlling the dog

02Failure to properly restrain or leash the dog

03Ignoring known aggressive tendencies

04Inadequate fencing or containment

05Failure to warn visitors about the dog

06Bringing aggressive dogs to public places

07Failing to train or socialize the dog

08Allowing unsupervised interaction with children

Common Injuries

Puncture wounds

Deep lacerations

Facial injuries

Broken bones

Nerve damage

Infections & sepsis

Scarring & disfigurement

PTSD & anxiety

Illinois vs. Arizona Law

Understanding the differences in state law can significantly impact your case.

Illinois

Illinois has a 'strict liability' statute for dog bites. The owner is liable if their dog attacks someone who was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. The owner cannot escape liability by claiming they didn't know the dog was dangerous.

Arizona

Arizona also has strict liability for dog bites. The owner is liable regardless of whether the dog has bitten before—as long as the bite occurred in a public place or the victim was lawfully on private property and did not provoke the dog.

Compensation You May Recover

If someone else caused your accident, they may be responsible for:

Medical bills and surgery costs

Plastic surgery for scarring

Lost wages during recovery

Pain and suffering

Emotional trauma and PTSD

Permanent disfigurement

Future medical treatment

Therapy and counseling costs

Your Case Process

Step 1

Free Consultation

We discuss what happened, your injuries, and the dog owner's situation. I'll identify all insurance coverage.

Step 2

Investigation

I gather animal control reports, medical records, witness statements, and the owner's insurance information.

Step 3

Document Damages

I work with medical professionals to document your injuries, treatment needs, and any permanent scarring.

Step 4

Demand & Negotiation

I present a comprehensive demand to the insurance company and negotiate for maximum compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the dog never bit anyone before?

It doesn't matter in Illinois or Arizona. Both states have strict liability laws—the owner is responsible even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.

What if I was on the owner's property?

As long as you were lawfully on the property (invited guest, delivery person, etc.) and didn't provoke the dog, the owner is liable.

What compensation can I recover?

Medical bills, plastic surgery costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Dog bite cases often involve significant psychological injuries in addition to physical wounds.

Who pays for my dog bite injuries?

In most cases, the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance covers dog bite liability. These policies typically have coverage of $100,000 to $300,000 or more.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Christopher Gutierrez is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Arizona.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Your information is protected and confidential

Prefer to call?

(855) 444-5227

About the Author

Christopher Gutierrez, Esq.

Christopher Gutierrez is a bilingual personal injury attorney licensed in both Illinois and Arizona.

Illinois State BarArizona State Bar

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Call me directly for a free, no-obligation consultation.

(855) 444-5227 Send a Message