Chicago Pit Bull Dog Bite Attorneys

When a dog attacks someone, the physical and emotional trauma can be overwhelming. In Chicago and throughout Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for the harm their pets cause. Pit bulls, in particular, are frequently involved in serious attacks that leave victims with long-term injuries and expensive medical bills. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our abogados expertos en mordeduras de perro Chicago help victims of pit bull attacks pursue the full compensation they are entitled to under Illinois law.

Understanding Pit Bull Attacks

Pit bulls are known for their strength and tenacity. Although many pit bulls are family pets and never exhibit aggression, data shows that the breed is disproportionately involved in dog bite injuries. Pit bulls were responsible for nearly 67 percent of all fatal dog attacks nationwide between 2005 and 2019, as well as 48 percent of dog-related infant deaths. They also lead in non-fatal attacks that require emergency treatment or hospitalization.

Why are pit bulls more likely to cause serious harm?

• Strength and size: Pit bulls are muscular and powerful. When they bite, they can cause crushing injuries and severe lacerations.
• Tenacity: Once a pit bull locks onto a victim, it often does not let go easily. This increases the damage done to soft tissue, nerves and blood vessels.
• Attack behavior: Pit bulls are more likely than many other breeds to attack without apparent provocation and tend to target vulnerable areas such as the neck, face and groin.

The growing use of pit bulls as service animals also poses a risk of dog attacks. While it’s true that any dog can technically be trained for service work, pit bulls are generally considered a poor fit for these tasks. Temperament is a key factor. A pit bull’s personality and behavior patterns often don’t fully emerge until the dog reaches adulthood, around two years of age.

In some cases, even well-trained pit bulls may begin showing signs of aggression after a year or more of training. Once a dog shows aggression, particularly toward humans, it is no longer safe to function as a service animal. Continuing to use a pit bull in such a role can expose the public to unexpected risks of dog bites.

Types of Injuries from Pit Bull Attacks

Victims of pit bull bites often suffer traumatic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, such as emergency surgery, skin grafts or long-term rehabilitation. The recovery process can be painful and emotionally exhausting. The damage to skin, nerves, muscle tissue and bones can be severe because of the breed’s bite strength and tendency to hold on once it latches. Common pit bull dog bite injuries incluyen:

• Deep puncture wounds that can damage muscles and internal tissues
• Lacerations and soft tissue damage, especially to the face, arms and legs
• Broken bones or fractures, either from the force of the bite or from being knocked to the ground
• Infecciones such as cellulitis or sepsis due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth
• Facial wounds requiring reconstructive or plastic surgery
• Permanent nerve damage leading to loss of mobility or sensation
• Avulsion, in which tissue separates from the body
• Cicatrices y desfiguración, which can have emotional as well as physical effects
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression or PTSD, particularly in children

Pit bull bites can result in chronic pain or limited mobility. In some cases, victims may be left with permanent disabilities that reduce their ability to work or enjoy daily life. Additionally, scarring and disfigurement can affect self-esteem, particularly when facial injuries are involved.

Does Breed Matter in Dog Bite Cases?

A 2023 survey found that pit bulls were generally the most popular dogs in the United States, with the American Pit Bull Terrier being among the most commonly identified breeds in DNA-tested dogs, accounting for 14.8 percent. While many factors influence dog behavior, certain breeds have physical and behavioral traits that make them more capable of causing serious injuries.

Pit bulls are often in the spotlight because of their size, bite strength and fighting history. These characteristics can make an attack more dangerous, especially when the dog is not adequately trained or restrained. It is not about vilifying a breed but about recognizing the realities victims face when certain types of dogs are involved in serious attacks.

Unlike some states, Illinois does not follow the so-called one-bite rule that gives pet owners a free pass the first time their dog bites someone. Instead, Illinois applies a strict liability standard under the Ley de control de animales. This means a dog owner is responsible whenever their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown any previous signs of aggression or was considered dangerous.

This is especially important in cases involving pit bulls. Although pit bulls have been linked to dog fighting in the past, an owner’s liability in Illinois does not depend on whether their dog has a history of aggression. The law focuses on whether the dog caused harm. A dog owner is liable when their pet bites someone, as long as the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog into attacking.

Your Right to Compensation After a Pit Bull Dog Bite

En virtud de la ley Illinois, dog owners hold strict liability for injuries their pets cause, as long as the victim was not trespassing or provoking the dog. This means that if a pit bull bit you in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills, including surgeries and follow-up care
• Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
• Cicatrices y desfiguración
• Angustia emocional
• Dolor y sufrimiento

After a pit bull attack, gathering clear evidence is essential to build a strong claim. This includes photos of your injuries, medical documents and witness accounts. A skilled Chicago dog bite lawyer can identify the responsible parties and handle insurance negotiations on your behalf. Acting promptly improves your chances of success in recovering full compensation for injuries.

Guidance on Steps to Take After a Pit Bull Attack

Feeling overwhelmed in the aftermath of a pit bull bite is natural. While you may have various thoughts running through your mind, the priority is always your well-being. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a pit bull attack, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights for pursuing a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner:

1. Be sure to seek prompt medical attention. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and may require stitches, rabies treatment or even surgery. When treating a wound, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Apply pressure and antibacterial ointment, then cover it with a clean bandage. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling or fever. 
2. Report the dog bite to your local police department. This ensures the pit bull attack is officially documented and may lead to an investigation into whether the dog has a history of aggression.
3. If possible, gather evidence. Take clear photos of your dog bite injuries, torn clothing and the location where the pit bull attack occurred. Keep copies of all medical records, treatment plans, bills and any correspondence related to the incident. These documents help establish the scope of your injuries and the financial impact, which is crucial when building a legal claim.
4. Avoid speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company without first consulting a Chicago dog bite lawyer, as anything you say could be used to minimize your claim. Insurers may try to shift blame or downplay the severity of your wounds. An attorney can help you navigate these conversations and protect your rights from the start.

Why You Should Seek The Help of An Attorney After A Chicago Pitbull Dog Bite

After a pit bull attack, time is of the essence. Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for filing dog bite claims. A Chicago abogado de mordeduras de perro can preserve critical evidence, locate witnesses and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.

Insurance companies may try to offer a quick settlement that fails to cover the full extent of your losses. A lawyer who understands the nuances of Illinois dog bite laws can fight for the compensation you truly deserve. 

En Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we are committed to helping personal injury victims in the Chicago area. Our team has decades of experience handling dog bite cases. We understand the physical, financial and emotional toll these incidents can take, and we work tirelessly to hold negligent dog owners accountable.

When you hire us, we will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the pit bull attack. Our Chicago dog bite attorneys will work with medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries and identify all sources of compensation for you.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will negotiate with insurers for a full and fair settlement, taking your case to court if they refuse to settle. Our goal is always to obtain the maximum compensation available so you can focus on healing.

Contact a Chicago Pit Bull Dog Bite Attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a pit bull in Chicago, don’t wait to get legal help. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg offers free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your options. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. There are no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.