Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer & Animal Attack Attorney
Hurt by a Dog or Animal in Chicago? Illinois Law Protects You.
Dog bites and animal attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Illinois’ strict liability law means that if you were bitten or attacked by a dog (or other animal) without provoking it, the owner is almost always legally responsible for your injuries. At Friend Levinson & Turner, our Chicago dog bite lawyers know how to enforce your rights—helping victims get medical bills paid, scars treated, and emotional distress addressed after an attack.
What Can You Recover After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack?
Pain, Suffering, and Trauma
Physical pain and the emotional toll of the attack, including anxiety around animals or public spaces
You may also have a claim if a child or loved one was hurt, or if the incident occurred on someone else’s property (including landlord or property owner liability).
Understanding Illinois’ Dog Bite Statute
- Illinois’ Animal Control Act holds dog owners strictly liable if their animal injures someone, as long as the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.
- No need to prove prior attacks or owner negligence—the law favors victims.
- Dog owners and their insurance companies may try to blame you or downplay your injuries. Our attorneys know these tactics and how to fight them.
See also: [Premises Liability] → Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer
Hear From Those We’ve Helped
Our Results & Experience
FLT and their highly qualified Team provides world class service, with their thoroughness & ability to anticipate their client's needs. I have known Bill Turner through the years and he has always been there for guidance.
Outstanding Law Firm. Everyone goes above and beyond there professional services and very attentive and there communication is Excellent.! Steller A + Thank You very much. Call Them Today!!!
Exelent service and professionalism, fantastic customer service.
I highly recommend their law firm. I was involved in an auto accident that was no fault of my own. They did a fantastic job of representing me and my interests. Very satisfied with the outcome.
I was kept in contact with throughout the process. Explanations were clear and I never felt I was being a bother
The firm has been providing exceptional customer service for my family and friends for approximately 20 years. So I will continue to use them and. Refer them to friends and family
Awesome attorney. Got me a great settlement twice.
This is a great law firm they got us great results we were very happy with friends Livingston and Turner
I would highly recommend Friend , Levinson & Turner for your legal needs , they are very professional and compassionate to their client needs. I love the way they are handling my case. William Turner is the best at what he does . Thanks Friend , Levinson & Turner
I was referred to William by a family member. I would recommend him to everyone!! He takes the time to explain all the small details, also very knowledgeable about your rights. I I enjoyed working with Jeanea, she always kept me informed. Lauren.
Excellent law firm
Great lawyer reaches to all possible maxes for u keeps u updated and great professional staff
Bill Turner is a friend and a good lawyer, we have used him a few times with good success.
These guys were awesome. Very caring and very detailed. If you are in need of sound legal advice and assistance, there’s no one better than William Turner. I’m a very happy client.
To our Friends at Friend, Levinson, and Turner LTD This Letter of thanks is from our family. Your Team assisted with a dire situation and helped represent us in the most professional way possible, while maintaining a supportive relationship with us. The guidance we received helped assure us of your competence and concern for the very best outcome for our family. The constant interaction and intervention on your behalf provided us peace of mind. Thanks seems insufficient for the time and attention we received. Please rest assured, we will refer anyone to your firm who seeks guidance, counsel, or representation. With our sincere thanks.
Bill Turner has handled a couple of matters for me that other law firms would not consider. I got settlements that made me happy. Bill is nice, professional, knowledgeable, intelligent, honest, works hard for his client, and is responsible and responsive to the client's needs. I would trust Bill and his Firm to handle any kind of matter for me. I am sorry I can only give them 5 stars--they should have their own galaxy! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED--THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bitten by a dog in Chicago – can I get compensation?
Yes. Illinois law is on your side if the attack was unprovoked and you were lawfully present.
Are dog owners liable for bites in Illinois?
Absolutely. Under strict liability, the owner (and sometimes landlords or property managers) are responsible for your damages.
What if I don’t want the dog put down—I just want my bills paid?
Legal claims are about compensation, not punishing the animal. In most cases, claims are paid by insurance, not through criminal penalties.
What should I do after a bite or attack?
Get medical attention, report the bite to Chicago Animal Control, document your injuries, and contact a dog bite attorney quickly—evidence is time sensitive.
How do attorney fees work in Illinois workers’ comp?
Fees are limited by law and only collected if you receive benefits—never up front.
Don’t Wait—Evidence in Dog Bite Cases Disappears Quickly
Contact Friend Levinson & Turner as soon as possible to protect your rights, secure evidence, and begin your recovery. Our attorneys understand the Animal Control Act, how to work with insurers, and how to maximize your compensation—while respecting your concerns for both people and animals.