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Dog bites and animal attacks cause thousands of serious injuries each year in Illinois. Children are especially vulnerable to devastating facial injuries, scarring, and lasting psychological trauma. If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Algonquin, Rockford, McHenry County, or anywhere in the greater Chicago area, Illinois law is strongly on your side—and so are the dog bite lawyers at Shindler & Shindler.
Rob and Keith Shindler personally handle every dog bite case at our firm. We bring compassion, urgency, and aggressive legal advocacy to families whose lives have been disrupted by a preventable animal attack.
Illinois has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals. This means you do NOT need to prove that:
As long as you were lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the dog, the owner is automatically liable for your injuries. Our McHenry County dog bite lawyers know how to use Illinois’s strict liability statute to build a compelling, efficient case for our clients.
Illinois's strict liability law for dog bites is a powerful tool. You may be entitled to full compensation without needing to prove the owner's negligence.
Dog bites can cause far more than superficial wounds. Common serious injuries our Rockford and Algonquin clients have suffered include:
In most cases, the dog’s owner bears primary liability under Illinois law. However, other parties may also share responsibility:
Q: What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Algonquin or Rockford?
A: Seek immediate medical attention, even for wounds that appear minor. Report the incident to local animal control. Document the injury with photographs and obtain the dog owner’s information and insurance details. Then call Shindler & Shindler before speaking with any insurance company.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. For victims who are minors at the time of the attack, the two-year period typically begins when the child turns 18. Do not delay—evidence can disappear and memories fade.
Q: Can I sue if the dog bite happened at someone’s home in McHenry County?
A: Yes. Illinois’s strict liability statute applies whether the attack occurred in a public park, on the street, or in a private home. As long as you were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog, you have the right to pursue compensation.
Q: What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
A: Provocation is the primary defense in Illinois dog bite cases. Our attorneys meticulously investigate the circumstances of the attack and gather witness testimony, surveillance footage, and other evidence to counter false provocation claims.
Whether you were a pedestrian severely harmed by a reckless driver in Chicago or Algonquin, or if you are dealing with the complex aftermath of a fatal accident, the skilled personal injury lawyers at Shindler & Shindler are here to help.
Call Shindler & Shindler today at 847-WE-FIGHT to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients across the Chicagoland area, including Cook County, McHenry County, and surrounding communities.
When I first met Robert to talk about a case, the first words to me were, “We won’t talk about money yet, let me tell you first what I can do for you.” Honestly the best lawyer I’ve come across. As a lawyer and as a person.
Brayan Estrada
Mr. Shindler’s hard work and dedication allowed me to not have so much anxiety throughout the entire court process. He is reliable, honest and trustworthy. Someone you can count on, indefinitely.
Marisol Canizales
I met Rob back in 2021 and he is an amazing person! What distinguishes him is that he treats and cares for his clients as people first, then clients. He takes the time to get to know you and connect with you as a person.
Jorge Moreno
Great experience working with Mr Shindler. Treated me more like an old friend rather than his client. Handled my case exceptionally well and eased my tension every step of the way. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need.
Mike McCall
I was really impressed with this law firm. I spoke with Rob – he really took the time to listen to the full story of my son’s accident. He didn’t dismiss the call within a few minutes like most of the larger law firms that advertise on TV.
Auz Auz
There is so much I could say, but Shindler & Shindler is & has been consistently phenomenal. Rob & Keith are good people with big hearts & are incredibly educated/experienced in what they do. They hold themselves to an incredibly high standard & work with passion & integrity. 10/10 recommend.
Amber Davis
I’ve known Rob for over 20 years, and during that time, I’ve watched him and his brother Keith help countless people navigate their challenges. Referring someone to a professional is always a big deal, but I’ve never hesitated to send my family and friends to these two.
Peter N
I was in an auto accident and felt like nobody was listening to my concerns. When Rob got recommended to me, I was expecting another half-hearted look at my case and was nervous about going. The entire first meeting, I had felt like I was meeting with an old friend.
Camren McQuitter
From the start, Rob and Keith demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine dedication to my case. They took the time to explain every detail clearly, ensuring I fully understood each step, which gave me great confidence throughout the process. What truly stood out was their unwavering commitment to my success.
Jae Nev
Rob was an amazing person to work with. In my time of emotional and physical need, he made me feel safe, and heard. He has a great sense of humor which put my mind at ease and helped me through this. He listened and cared what I had to say.
Carol Baron
