Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if this dog has shown aggression before?

    That doesn’t matter. Illinois follows a strict liability rule for dog bites — meaning dog owners are legally responsible even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

  • Are dog bites covered by insurance?

    Most dog bite claims in Illinois are covered by the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance, which often provides tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in liability coverage.

  • Do I need to register my dog?

    Dogs in Chicago must be registered with the city. Owners of unregistered or aggressive dogs may face additional penalties after an attack.

  • Does Illinois follow the “one bite” rule?

    Unlike some states, Illinois does not require proof that the dog had bitten someone before. A single incident is enough to pursue a claim.

  • What if the dog that bit me belongs to a friend or family member?

    You can still file a claim. The compensation usually comes from their insurance, not their personal finances. It’s possible to recover damages without ruining relationships.

  • What if I was bitten in a public place, like a park or street?

    In most situations, you can usually still file a claim. Dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets under control in public.

  • What if the dog didn’t bite me, but knocked me down and injured me?

    You may still have a case. Under Illinois law, dog owners can be held liable for any injury caused by their dog, not just bites.

  • How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?

    Tenenbaum Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you win your case.

  • Can I still file a claim if the dog owner denies responsibility?

    Yes. That’s exactly when you should contact a lawyer. We can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and handle negotiations or litigation on your behalf.

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  • Dog owners are liable even if the dog never bit before (in Illinois)

  • Nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims requires medical treatment for infections, scarring, or nerve damage

  • Dog bites account for over one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims

  • The average dog bite claim in the U.S. results in tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs and damages

  • Over 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year, with hundreds of thousands requiring medical attention

  • Mail carriers, utility workers, and delivery drivers are high-risk professions for dog bites