Best Joliet Dog Bite Attorneys
in 2025 
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Michael Agruss DogBites Law |
Call Today 312-786-4442 |
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Our Selection Process
Attorney at Law Magazine seeks to provide consumers with a go-to list of top attorneys for their legal needs. To that end, we require all listed attorneys meet the following qualifications. The attorney must have an active license to practice law in all the states in which they are listed; the attorney must have no history of disciplinary action or criminal history; the attorney must have a minimum of five years in the practice of law; and the attorney must have a minimum of a 4+ star consumer rating. Each listing provides an at-a-glance look at some of the attorney’s top cases as well as some of the other attributes that distinguish them from their peers. If you believe any attorney listed does not meet these qualifications, please notify us via email at [email protected].
How to Select the Best Dog Bite Attorney
Step 1: Choose an Attorney in Joliet Experienced in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite claims may seem straightforward, but they often involve complex legal issues such as strict liability laws, negligence, provocation defenses, and insurance disputes. The best Joliet dog bite attorney will have specific experience handling these types of cases—not just general personal injury matters. Ask about their track record with dog bite claims, including verdicts, settlements, and negotiations with homeowners’ insurance companies. Familiarity with local laws and past results in similar cases is essential for a strong start.
Step 2: Look for a Lawyer Who Understands the Medical and Emotional Impact
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, from deep puncture wounds and nerve damage to infections and permanent scarring. Children, in particular, may suffer psychological trauma. The right dog bite attorney for you will understand the short- and long-term effects of these injuries and know how to build a case that includes not just medical bills, but pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care. Ask how the attorney works with medical professionals or psychological experts to support these claims.
Step 3: Assess Their Reputation and Communication Style
Check client reviews, professional ratings, and referrals to learn how others felt about working with the attorney. Were they responsive, compassionate, and clear in their communication? Did they keep clients updated and explain legal options in plain language? A dog bite lawyer’s bedside manner matters, especially when working with injured victims or worried parents. Trust and communication can make a significant difference in how comfortable and confident you feel throughout your case.
Step 4: Understand the Fee Structure and Personal Commitment
Most Joliet dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t pay their legal fees out of pocket; instead, they will take a percentage of your settlement. The percentage does vary between lawyers, so be sure to ask about their fees as well as how they handle other expenses. You should also ask who will be handling your case. You want an attorney who is qualified and who you feel will be personally invested in your case.
Recommendations While You Wait to Connect to an Attorney
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps before meeting with an attorney in Joliet can make a major difference in your case. Here are up to eight important things you can do while you wait for your consultation:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even minor-looking bites can lead to serious infections or complications. Get medical care as soon as possible, and be sure to follow all treatment recommendations.
- Report the Incident to Authorities: Contact your local animal control or police department to file an official report. This creates a record of the attack and may help identify the dog’s history of aggression or lack of vaccination.
- Gather Contact Information: Collect the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance details. If anyone witnessed the attack, get their contact information as well.
- Take Photographs of Injuries and the Scene: Document all wounds, torn clothing, the location of the attack, and the dog (if safely possible). These photos provide powerful visual evidence of what happened.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Save any clothing or items damaged during the incident. Do not wash or alter them—they may be useful to your attorney or experts.
- Keep a Journal of Your Recovery: Write down your pain levels, emotional state, missed work, and medical appointments. This record can support claims for pain and suffering or lost income.
- Avoid Posting Online About the Incident: Do not share photos or discuss the case on social media. Insurance companies may use your posts against you later.
- Make a List of Questions for Your Dog Bite Attorney: Prepare your concerns ahead of time so you can make the most of your legal consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Should I Do Immediately after a Dog Bite?
First, seek medical attention—even if the wound appears minor. Dog bites can cause deep punctures, infections, and even nerve damage. Then, report the incident to your local animal control or police department to ensure the attack is documented. If possible, identify the dog and its owner, and gather contact information from any witnesses. Taking photos of your injuries and the scene is also helpful.
- Can I Sue the Dog’s Owner for a Bite?
Yes, in many cases you can file a claim or lawsuit against the dog’s owner. Most states impose liability on owners when their dog injures someone, especially if the dog was off-leash, unprovoked, or previously known to be dangerous. Some states follow a “strict liability” rule, meaning the owner can be held responsible regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before. Others require proof of negligence or a prior incident.
- What if I Was Partially at Fault?
Your ability to recover damages may depend on your state’s laws. In comparative negligence states, your compensation could be reduced if you were partially responsible—for example, by provoking the dog or trespassing. In contributory negligence states, even slight fault on your part may bar recovery altogether. An attorney can explain how local laws apply to your case.
- What Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and future treatment costs (including plastic surgery or psychological counseling). If the dog had a history of aggression and the owner failed to act responsibly, you may also be awarded punitive damages in some jurisdictions.
- Do I Have to Go to Court to Get Compensation?
Not always. Many dog bite cases settle through negotiations with the dog owner’s homeowners' or renters’ insurance. A skilled Joliet dog bite attorney can often resolve the matter outside of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, litigation may be necessary.
- Is the Dog Going to Be Put Down if I File a Claim?
Filing a claim does not automatically result in the dog being euthanized. That decision is typically made by animal control authorities based on the dog’s behavior, severity of the attack, and local ordinances. The civil legal process focuses on your compensation, not on punishing the animal.
- How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, often between one and three years from the date of the attack. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering damages, so speak with an attorney promptly.
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Joliet?
Most dog bite attorneys in Joliet work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front. Your dog bite lawyer only collects a fee if they win your case or secure a settlement, typically as a percentage of the recovery.