Chicago Mastiff Dog Bite Lawyer

A Mastiff can weigh well over 150 pounds. When a dog that size bites, the injuries are rarely minor. Victims across Chicago, from Lincoln Park to the South Loop, have suffered deep tissue wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, and permanent scarring after Mastiff attacks. If this happened to you or someone you love, you have real legal rights under Illinois law, and Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to help you use them.

Table of Contents

• Why Mastiff Bites Are So Dangerous
• Illinois Dog Bite Law and Mastiff Attacks
• What to Do After a Mastiff Bite in Chicago
• Damages You Can Recover in a Mastiff Bite Case
• How Illinois Law Treats Dangerous and Vicious Dogs
• Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Mastiff Bite Case
• FAQs About Chicago Mastiff Dog Bite Lawyer

Why Mastiff Bites Are So Dangerous

Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds in the world. English Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, and Bullmastiffs routinely tip the scales between 120 and 230 pounds. Their sheer size means that even a single bite can cause injuries that require surgery, extended hospital stays, and months of rehabilitation. A child or elderly person knocked down by a charging Mastiff faces the same serious risks as someone who is bitten directly.

Since 2016, over 83 breeds and mixed breeds have been implicated in fatal dog attacks, including Mastiffs, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and others. That data reflects a broader truth: any large, powerful dog can cause catastrophic harm when its owner fails to control it properly. Scientific studies have determined that the leading causes of fatal dog attacks stem from preventable factors such as irresponsible ownership, neglect or abuse, failure to neuter dogs, and inadequate supervision of large or strong dogs around infants and children.

Think about a Mastiff running loose near Millennium Park or charging at a cyclist along the 606 Trail. The physical force alone can cause crush injuries, torn ligaments, and severe lacerations. Victims often sustain lacerations and deep tissue wounds, nerve or tendon damage, and facial injuries that require reconstructive surgery. These are not minor inconveniences. They are life-changing events that carry enormous medical costs and emotional weight.

Mastiff attacks are also especially dangerous because of how these dogs bite. Their wide jaws and muscular build mean that a single bite can create significant tissue damage. In a 2019 study covering the risk of breed ownership, researchers found that dogs weighing between 66 and 100 pounds have the highest bite risk and the highest average tissue damage per bite. Mastiffs often exceed even that weight range by a significant margin, which compounds the potential for serious harm.

If you were attacked by a Mastiff in Chicago, the injuries you suffered are not something you should bear alone. As a Chicago abogado de lesiones personales firm with deep roots in Illinois injury law, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg understands exactly what these cases involve and how to pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Illinois Dog Bite Law and Mastiff Attacks

Illinois does not give dog owners a free pass the first time their dog bites someone. Under The Illinois Animal Control Act, specifically 510 ILCS 5/16, if a dog “attacks, attempts to attack, or injures” a person, the dog’s owner is “liable in civil damages for the full amount of the injury,” and this liability applies when the dog acted without provocation and the victim was in a place where they were legally allowed to be.

This law provides strong protection for victims, though it includes certain defenses for dog owners. Unlike states that require proof of negligence or a prior history of aggressive behavior, often referred to as the “one-bite rule,” Illinois law holds owners liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. However, this is not true strict liability as defenses such as provocation and assumption of risk may apply. So even if the Mastiff that attacked you had never bitten anyone in the past, its owner is still responsible for your injuries unless they can prove a valid defense.

To bring a successful claim under 510 ILCS 5/16, you generally need to show three things. The primary law governing dog bite liability in Illinois is The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16). Under this statute, dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets if the following conditions are met: the injured person did not provoke the dog, the injured person was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred or in a public place, and the defendant is the legal owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog.

The definition of “owner” under Illinois law is broader than most people expect. Under 510 ILCS 5/2.16, “owner” means any person having a right of property in an animal, or who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has it in his care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on any premises occupied by him or her. This means a neighbor who was watching the Mastiff for the weekend, or a landlord who knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on the property, may share in the legal responsibility for your injuries.

Provocation is the most common defense dog owners raise. Illinois courts apply a reasonable standard, asking whether a normal dog would have reacted the same way given the circumstances. If you were simply walking down a sidewalk near Wicker Park or waiting for the bus on Michigan Avenue, provocation is very unlikely to apply. A qualified abogado de mordedura de perro can help you counter that defense with evidence and, where needed, expert testimony.

What to Do After a Mastiff Bite in Chicago

The steps you take immediately after a Mastiff attack can directly affect the strength of your legal claim. Your first priority is medical care. Even wounds that appear manageable can become infected quickly. Nearly one out of five dog bites becomes infected, and Mastiff bites, given their depth and force, carry a real risk of serious infection, including conditions that can turn life-threatening without prompt treatment.

After seeking medical attention, report the attack to Chicago Animal Care and Control. Under 510 ILCS 5/13 of The Illinois Animal Control Act, when animal control receives information that a person has been bitten, the dog must be confined under the observation of a licensed veterinarian for a minimum of 10 days from the date of the bite. This quarantine period protects public health and creates an official record that can support your legal claim.

Document everything you can. Take photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if it is safe to do so. Get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses. If the attack happened near a business, a park like Humboldt Park, or along a busy street like Western Avenue, there may be surveillance footage that captures the incident. That footage can be critical evidence, and it must be preserved quickly before it is overwritten or deleted.

Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline could result in losing your right to compensation. Acting promptly ensures that evidence is preserved and witnesses remain accessible. Do not wait. Contact a abogado de mordedura de perro as soon as possible so your case can be investigated while the evidence is still fresh.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles cases throughout Chicago and the surrounding area, including Cook County. We know how to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case, from animal control records to medical documentation to witness statements.

Damages You Can Recover in a Mastiff Bite Case

A Mastiff attack can create financial and personal losses that extend far beyond the emergency room bill. Illinois law allows victims to pursue compensation for the full range of harm caused by the attack. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, the owner is liable for the full amount of the injury, which courts have interpreted broadly to include economic and non-economic damages alike.

Economic damages include your medical bills, from emergency treatment and surgery to physical therapy, follow-up care, and any future procedures you may need. If your injuries kept you from working, you can also recover lost wages. For victims who suffer permanent injuries, such as nerve damage, scarring, or the loss of a finger or hand, future earning capacity is also part of the calculation. In addition to physical harm, many victims experience psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Settlements are determined not just by immediate medical costs but also by long-term care needs, emotional suffering, and lost income.

Non-economic damages cover your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact the attack has had on your daily life. If you now fear dogs, avoid parks or public spaces, or struggle with PTSD, those losses are real and compensable. Permanent disfigurement, such as facial scarring from a Mastiff bite, carries significant value in Illinois courts. Jurors understand that living with visible scars affects every aspect of a person’s life.

The insurance picture matters too. Many Mastiff bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. Homeowners insurers paid out $1.56 billion in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2024, and the average cost per claim nationally has risen 174.7% from 2015 to 2024, due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards given to plaintiffs. Insurance companies know these claims are serious, and they will work to minimize what they pay you. Having a skilled abogado de mordedura de perro in your corner levels the playing field.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg works to identify every source of recovery available in your case, including homeowners insurance, umbrella policies, and, where applicable, landlord liability. We fight to make sure you are not left paying for injuries someone else’s negligence caused.

How Illinois Law Treats Dangerous and Vicious Dogs

Illinois law creates two formal classifications for dogs that have shown dangerous behavior: “dangerous” and “vicious.” These designations matter for your case because they can affect the owner’s liability and the outcome of related animal control proceedings.

Under 510 ILCS 5/2.05a, a dangerous dog is one that, while off the owner’s property and unmuzzled or unleashed, behaves in a way that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified threat of physical injury or death, or one that bites a person without causing serious physical injury. A Mastiff that lunges at pedestrians near the Riverwalk or charges at children in a Rogers Park playground could meet this definition even before a serious bite occurs.

The threshold for “vicious” is higher. Under 510 ILCS 5/2.19b, a vicious dog is one that, without justification, attacks a person and causes serious physical injury or death, or any dog that has been found dangerous on three separate occasions. A Mastiff that causes deep puncture wounds, broken bones, or tissue damage requiring surgery would likely meet the definition of a vicious dog under Illinois law.

When a dog is found vicious, Illinois law requires the owner to pay a $100 public safety fine into the county animal control fund, have the dog spayed or neutered within 10 days at the owner’s expense, and keep the dog in a proper enclosure. If the owner of a vicious dog knowingly fails to comply with these requirements and the dog then injures or kills someone, the owner faces criminal penalties up to a Class 2 felony under 510 ILCS 5/26.

A prior dangerous dog designation, prior animal control complaints, or a history of reported aggression all strengthen a civil injury claim. Your abogado de mordedura de perro can obtain animal control records, complaint histories, and veterinary reports to show that the owner had reason to know the Mastiff posed a risk. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to discuss how these records can support your case.

Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Mastiff Bite Case

Mastiff bite cases involve serious injuries, significant insurance company resistance, and legal arguments that require a firm grasp of Illinois animal control law. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has represented injured clients across Chicago for decades. We handle cases in Cook County courts, including the Daley Center at 50 West Washington Street, and we know how to build cases that hold dog owners fully accountable.

We take dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in calling us. We will review your case, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of what your claim may be worth. Our team investigates every angle, from animal control records and prior bite complaints to surveillance footage and medical expert testimony.

Mastiff attacks happen across Chicago’s neighborhoods, from Hyde Park to Avondale, on public sidewalks, in apartment hallways, and at parks throughout the city. No matter where your attack occurred, Illinois law gives you the right to pursue full compensation. Whether your case involves a landlord who ignored a dangerous dog, a dog sitter who lost control of a massive animal, or an owner who simply failed to leash their Mastiff in public, we know how to hold the responsible party accountable.

If you or a family member was injured in a Mastiff attack in Chicago, do not wait. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today at (312) 222-0010 for a free consultation with a abogado de mordedura de perro who will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Chicago Mastiff Dog Bite Lawyer

Does Illinois law cover Mastiff bites even if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes. Illinois follows a liability standard under 510 ILCS 5/16, which means the dog owner is responsible for your injuries regardless of whether the Mastiff has any prior history of aggression. You do not need to prove the owner was careless or that the dog was known to be dangerous. As long as the attack was unprovoked and you were lawfully present where it happened, the owner is liable for the full amount of your injuries, though defenses such as provocation and assumption of risk may still apply.

What if the Mastiff that attacked me belongs to my neighbor or a friend?

You still have the right to file a claim. Many people hesitate to pursue compensation when the dog owner is someone they know, but the reality is that homeowners and renters insurance typically covers dog bite claims. Filing a claim goes through the insurance company, not directly against your neighbor’s personal finances in most cases. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you pursue fair compensation while handling the process with discretion.

Can I recover compensation if the Mastiff knocked me down but did not actually bite me?

Yes. The Illinois Animal Control Act covers injuries caused by a dog’s actions beyond just bites. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, the law applies when a dog “attacks, attempts to attack, or injures” a person. A Mastiff that charges at you and causes you to fall, breaking your wrist or hip, can create the same legal liability as a direct bite. The key factors are that the attack was unprovoked and you were in a place you had a right to be.

How long does a Mastiff dog bite case in Chicago take to resolve?

The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries, whether the dog owner’s insurance company cooperates, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Cases involving serious injuries, such as nerve damage, scarring, or infections requiring hospitalization, often take longer because it is important to understand the full extent of your medical needs before settling. Many cases resolve within several months to a couple of years. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg works to move your case forward efficiently while making sure you receive the full compensation you are owed.

What should I do if the Mastiff owner claims I provoked their dog?

Provocation is the most common defense raised in dog bite cases in Illinois. Illinois courts apply a reasonable standard, asking how a normal dog would react under the same circumstances. Simply walking near a dog, making eye contact, or moving suddenly does not constitute legal provocation. If the owner raises this defense, your attorney can counter it with witness statements, video evidence, medical records, and, where appropriate, expert testimony from an animal behaviorist. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows how to dismantle provocation defenses and protect your right to compensation.

More Resources About Breeds Commonly Associated with Dog Bites

• Chicago Rottweiler Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago German Shepherd Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Labrador Retriever Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Husky Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Doberman Pinscher Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Boxer Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago American Bulldog Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Cane Corso Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Presa Canario Dog Bite Lawyer
• Chicago Pit Bull Dog Bite Lawyer