Chicago PetSmart Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bites can cause severe injuries, leaving victims with medical expenses, emotional trauma, and lasting physical scars. PetSmart, as one of the largest pet retail chains in the country, allows leashed pets inside its stores, creating an environment where dog attacks can happen. Customers expect a safe shopping experience, but unfamiliar dogs in a high-traffic environment increase the risk of bites. Employees and delivery personnel not working in the grooming section may also be at risk.

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite at a PetSmart location in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we have helped Illinois injury victims recover millions of dollars and are here to guide you through your legal options.

How Do Dog Bites Happen at PetSmart?

Dog-friendly retail spaces present unique risks that traditional stores do not. When customers bring pets into a crowded, high-traffic environment, the likelihood of an unprovoked dog attack increases. While many pet owners assume their dogs will remain calm, unfamiliar settings can trigger fear-based aggression, leading to bites or other injuries.

Several factors contribute to dog bites at PetSmart:

• Lack of control. Some pet owners fail to properly restrain their dogs, leading to sudden or aggressive behavior toward customers and employees.
• Overstimulation.  Loud noises, large crowds, and the presence of other animals can overwhelm dogs, making them more likely to react aggressively.
• Misjudging temperament. Owners may assume their dog is well-socialized, but exposure to unfamiliar people and pets can trigger defensive behavior.
• Improper leash use. A dog that is not securely leashed may lunge, jump, or bite without warning, increasing the risk of injury.

According to a recent epidemiological study, most dog bite injuries in the U.S. involve owned pets rather than strays. This means that incidents in public spaces like PetSmart are often caused by customer-owned animals rather than unfamiliar dogs. Chicago ranks third nationwide for reported dog bites, highlighting the prevalence of these incidents in Illinois.

The U.S. Postal Service’s 2024 rankings placed Chicago among the worst cities for dog bites, reflecting a broader pattern of high injury rates across the state. As more people bring pets into retail spaces, the risk of bites increases, affecting customers, employees, and delivery personnel.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites in Chicago

Dog bites can cause severe injuries that require emergency medical attention, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment. These injuries are not limited to physical wounds; they can also have lasting psychological effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dog bites are among the leading causes of nonfatal emergency room visits in the United States. The severity of a dog bite injury often depends on the force of the bite, the location of the wound, and whether the dog carries harmful bacteria. Some injuries heal with minimal treatment, while others result in long-term complications or permanent damage.

Certain individuals, including young children and older adults, are particularly vulnerable to life-threatening infections, disfigurement, and mobility impairments after an attack. The CDC also found that fatal dog bite incidents more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, emphasizing the increasing risks associated with dog attacks. 

Deep Puncture Wounds

Dog teeth are designed to grip and puncture, often causing deep wounds that can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Unlike shallow scratches, puncture wounds introduce bacteria deep beneath the skin, increasing the risk of infection. These injuries sometimes require surgical intervention, wound debridement, or sutures to prevent complications.

The depth of a puncture wound can make the infection harder to detect, as the surface may appear to heal while bacteria thrive beneath the skin. Medical professionals often prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections such as tetanus or rabies, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. 

Torn Muscle and Nerve Damage

Severe dog bites can tear muscle tissue and sever nerves, leading to permanent mobility loss, chronic pain, or partial paralysis. Injuries affecting the hands, arms, and legs can impair daily functions, making tasks like gripping, walking, or lifting objects difficult. In extreme cases, nerve damage may result in numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the affected area.

For some victims, nerve repair surgery or physical therapy is required to regain function. However, full recovery is not always possible, especially if the damage is extensive or untreated.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites often leave visible scars, particularly on the face, hands, arms, and legs. While some wounds heal without significant marks, others result in permanent disfigurement, requiring reconstructive surgery or skin grafts. Deep wounds or bites involving tearing or avulsion injuries (where the skin is forcibly removed) are more likely to cause visible scarring.

Beyond the physical impact, visible scars can lead to emotional distress, self-consciousness, and social anxiety. Children who suffer facial injuries may experience bullying or difficulty with self-esteem, while adults may face challenges in professional and social settings. 

Infections from Dog Bites

Dog saliva contains numerous bacteria, making infection one of the most serious risks associated with dog bites. Some of the most common infections resulting from dog bites include:

• Cellulitis. A bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly, causing redness, swelling, and fever. If untreated, it may lead to bloodstream infections (sepsis).
• Rabies. A fatal viral infection affecting the nervous system. Immediate medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are required if there is a risk of rabies exposure.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A drug-resistant bacterial infection that can cause severe complications if it enters the bloodstream.

Victims should wash bite wounds immediately with soap and water, but professional medical evaluation is still necessary. 

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Dog attacks can be extremely traumatic, leading to lasting emotional and psychological distress. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression after a severe dog bite. The sudden nature of an attack can leave victims feeling vulnerable, fearful, or unable to be around dogs in the future.

Symptoms of PTSD after a dog bite may include:

• Recurring nightmares or flashbacks of the attack;
• Avoidance of places where dogs are present;
• Heightened anxiety and panic attacks; and
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

For young children, a dog attack can cause developmental trauma, leading to long-term phobias or social withdrawal. Many victims benefit from trauma counseling, therapy, and emotional support to process their experiences and regain confidence.

The Long-Term Impact of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can have life-altering effects, requiring ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological support. Victims often face financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of rehabilitation. Many also suffer from permanent physical and emotional scars that affect their daily lives.

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury at PetSmart in Chicago, you have the legal right to seek compensation. Illinois law protects victims by holding dog owners accountable for the harm their pets cause. Working with an experienced attorney can help you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and long-term suffering.

Who Is Held Liable for a Dog Bite at a Chicago PetSmart Store?

Determining liability for a dog bite at PetSmart depends on who owned or controlled the dog and whether the store took reasonable steps to prevent injuries. Illinois law imposes strict liability on dog owners while holding businesses accountable for unsafe conditions contributing to customer injuries.

Dog Owner Liability

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their pet if:

• The dog attacked or attempted to attack someone who was lawfully present; and
• The victim did not provoke the dog before the attack.

This means that a customer whose dog bites another person inside PetSmart is financially responsible for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unlike some states, Illinois does not require proof that the dog had a history of aggression—a single bite is enough to establish liability.

PetSmart’s Responsibility

While dog owners are primarily liable for bites, PetSmart may bear some responsibility if the company fails to enforce its leash policy or allows dangerous conditions to persist. PetSmart could be held liable if:

• Despite warnings, the store permitted an unrestrained or aggressive dog to remain on the premises; 
• Employees ignored or failed to intervene when a dog displayed aggressive behavior; and
• The company did not adequately enforce safety policies for handling pets inside the store.

In cases where negligence by both the dog owner and PetSmart contributed to an attack, an injured customer may pursue compensation from both parties.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

In some situations, liability may extend beyond the dog owner and PetSmart. Other parties who could be held responsible include:

• Landlords or property managers if an attack occurred due to a failure to enforce property regulations regarding animals;
• Dog walkers, handlers, or pet sitters if they were in control of the dog at the time of the bite; and
• Manufacturers of defective leashes, harnesses, or barriers if a product failure allowed a dog to escape and cause harm.

Because liability in dog bite cases can be complex, working with an experienced attorney is essential for identifying all responsible parties and pursuing full compensation for injuries.

Defenses Dog Owners May Use to Avoid Liability

When pursuing a dog bite claim, expect the owner to argue against liability. Some owners might claim that the victim provoked the dog, making the bite a justified reaction rather than an attack. Others might deny ownership of the dog and argue that they were not legally responsible for the animal at the time of the incident. Finally, in some cases, a negligent dog owner might assert that the victim was unlawfully present, even in public spaces.

Proving liability in Illinois dog bite cases requires strong evidence, including witness statements, security footage, and expert medical testimony. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we fight for maximum compensation for injury victims and help counter false defenses raised by negligent dog owners.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for a Dog Bite Injury?

Dog bite victims may be entitled to significant financial compensation for their injuries. A recent analysis found that in one reporting year, State Farm paid out $14 million in Illinois for dog-related injury claims. Injury victims may seek out compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages 

Dog bites can lead to permanent disabilities and emotional trauma, requiring legal action to ensure fair compensation. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles Illinois dog bite claims with skill and dedication, helping victims recover the financial support they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog at PetSmart?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the bite to PetSmart management, and document your injuries with photographs and witness statements. Speaking with an attorney can help determine liability and strengthen your claim.

Can I sue PetSmart for a dog bite injury?

Liability depends on whether PetSmart failed to enforce its safety policies or allowed a dangerous situation to escalate. An attorney can review whether the store played a role in the incident and whether you have a valid claim against the company.

What if the dog owner refuses to take responsibility?

Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause. Even if an owner denies responsibility, an experienced attorney can help file a claim and recover the compensation you deserve.

Were You Or Someone You Know Bitten by a Dog at a Local PetSmart Store? Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite at a PetSmart in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has helped Illinois injury victims recover millions, and we are ready to fight for you. 

Dog owners and businesses must be held accountable for animals attacking innocent victims. Medical bills, lost wages, and lasting trauma can take a serious toll, but you don’t have to face this alone. 

Our experienced legal team will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Call us today at 877-595-4878 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.