Dog Bites Laws

Injured person with a bandaged hand after a dog bite standing near an aggressive dog behind a fence.

Dog ownership continues to increase nationwide year over year. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are currently about 90 million dogs in U.S households. This trend raises public safety concerns as the number of dog bites has also risen. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with children the most common and severely injured victims.

Pet owners must act responsibly and understand the legal implications if their dog attacks or injures another person. Illinois law offers little leniency in dog bite cases, placing the responsibility on the owner to ensure safe ownership. Dog owners can be held civilly liable and, in extreme cases, face criminal charges.

At Vito & Dollenmaier, if you or someone you know has been a victim of a dog attack, our office will investigate the matter, fight insurance companies, and file a personal injury claim on your behalf. Pursuing a claim can help cover you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

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Illinois Dog Bite Laws

Illinois has strict liability laws for dog owners. This means that if a dog bites someone, that dog’s owner is almost always responsible for any injuries caused, even if the dog had no prior history of aggressive behavior and you were not negligent.

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), dog owners are liable for any injuries caused when their dog, without provocation, attacks or injures a person who was peacefully conducting themselves in a place where they were legally permitted to be. Illinois law contrasts with “one-bite” states, which protect an owner from liability for the first bite if they were unaware that their dog was aggressive. However, exceptions exist if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a felony at the time of the incident.

How Common are Dog Bites?

Local Reported Dog Bites – 01/01/2020 to 12/31/2024

Arlington Heights: 99 reports of dog bites

Schaumburg: 187 reports of dog bites

Palatine: 183 reports of dog bites

Streamwood: 126 reports of dog bites

Inverness: 14 reports of dog bites

Hoffman Estates: 77 reports of dog bites

Bloomingdale: 23 reports of dog bites

Illinois Reported Dog Bites

The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2024, Illinois ranked eighth nationally for reported dog bite claims. There were 940 dog bite claims, with a total claim value of $61 million.
The USPS reports that in 2024, Illinois ranked fourth in the nation for dog attacks on postal workers.
The USPS reports that Chicago ranked 3rd amongst localities with the greatest dog bite incidents against postal workers. In 2024 there 57 dog bite incidents in Chicago involving USPS workers.

National Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2024, the United States had 22,658 reported claims nationwide, a total claim value of over $1.5 billion
In 2024, the USPS reported that 6,088 postal employees were attacked by dogs, about a 5% increase from the 5,800 attacks on postal employees in 2023.

Dog Bite Statistics by Breed

No single dog breed is inherently aggressive. A dog’s behavior is shaped by several factors, including its environment, genetics, and training. However, dog bite statistics can be misleading because not all incidents are reported. In most cases, only bites that result in severe injury are documented, which underrepresents smaller or friendlier-looking breeds whose bites may not cause significant harm. As a result, labeling a specific breed as “aggressive” or “vicious” can unfairly target certain dogs.

In Illinois law, breed-specific legislation (BSL) is prohibited. This means the state does not restrict ownership based on breed. Instead, the responsibility falls on dog owners to properly train, supervise, and socialize their dogs to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior.

Although dog bite statistics may not show the full picture of canine aggression, they can help identify which breeds are more likely to cause severe injuries. Understanding these trends allows families to take proper precautions and stay safe around dogs.

Some breeds are naturally stronger and have a higher bite force, which can lead to more serious injuries when an attack occurs. According to the World Animal Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 420 dog-bite related deaths in the United States between 2018 to 2023. In 2023 alone, there were 96 fatalities.

Between 2005 and 2019, the breeds most frequently associated with human fatalities included:

Pitt Bull
Rottweiler
Mixed-Breed
German Shepherd
Mastiff/Bullmastiff
American Bulldog
Husky

Pitt bulls were responsible for approximately 66% of fatal dog attacks during this period, accounting for 346 of 521 deaths. Rottweilers were involved in 51 deaths. Together, Pitbulls and Rottweilers make up only about 6% of the U.S. dog population, yet they were responsible for 76% of all fatal attacks.

Additional statistics on Pitbulls show that in comparison to all other breeds they are:

2.5 times more likely to bite multiple areas of the body during an attack.
2.7 times more likely to initiate attacks off their owner’s property.
31% more likely to attack strangers
48% more likely to attack unprovoked.

Overall, these statistics highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and proper training for all dogs, regardless of breed. While certain breeds may have a higher potential for severe injury due to their strength, any dog can become aggressive under the wrong circumstances. Training, supervision, and early socialization are the most effective ways to prevent dog bite incidents and promote safe interactions between dogs and people.

Insurance in Dog Bite Cases

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that homeowners insurers paid over $1.56 billion in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2024. Similarly, State Farm reports paying more than $1.5 billion in dog-related liability claims between 2013 and 2023.

In 2023, Illinois passed House Bill 1049, amending the Illinois insurance code to prohibit insurers from denying or limiting homeowners’ or renters’ insurance coverage solely based on a dog’s breed. The purpose of this legislation is to base coverage on a dog’s behavior and history rather than breed stereotypes. Still, coverage rules differ by state, with some still allowing insurers to allow breed specific exclusions.

Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies cover dog bite claims and legal expenses up to the policy limit, typically between $300,000 and $500,000. If a claim exceeds the policy limit, the dog owner is personally responsible for any damages beyond that amount. However, owners can also buy an umbrella policy for extra protection, which increases liability coverage above the limits of their regular homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.

However, not all insurance companies automatically include dog bite coverage. Coverage can be impacted by the dog’s behavioral history. Dog owners should disclose dog ownership to their insurance carrier and confirm that the dog is included under the policy. Failing to do so can jeopardize your coverage.

Because policy terms vary, it is essential to review your specific insurance policy to understand its requirements, exclusions, and coverage limits.

Hiring an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer

Vito & Dollenmaier Law routinely handles all degrees of dog bite injury cases. Their dog bite lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and any permanent disfigurement or scarring.

Know Your Rights

Dog attacks are becoming increasingly common, but victims have rights. Consulting an attorney immediately after a dog attack is critical to preserving your rights. If you have been injured in a dog or other animal attack, consult Vito & Dollenmaier Law for a free consultation.

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