Posted on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 5:49 am
Dog bites can cause more than immediate pain and medical bills. When they leave lasting scars, particularly on the face, the physical and emotional consequences may stay with a victim for life. Facial scarring after a dog attack can impact appearance, confidence, career opportunities, and relationships.
In Chicago and throughout Illinois, the law allows victims to pursue compensation not only for the cost of medical care but also for the long-term effects of visible injuries. In legal terms, these forms of compensation are called damages, which cover economic losses like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic harms such as pain, suffering, or disfigurement. Understanding what damages may be available is essential to ensure you receive the support you deserve.
The long-term impact of facial scarring
Scarring is not just a cosmetic issue. When scars appear on the face, they are difficult to hide and can serve as daily reminders of the trauma. Victims may struggle with depression, anxiety, or loss of self-esteem, and in some cases may withdraw socially or professionally.
Children are particularly vulnerable, as facial scars can affect emotional development and subject them to bullying or isolation. Illinois law recognizes these unique harms, which is why facial scarring often plays a significant role in personal injury damages.
How Illinois law addresses dog bite liability
Illinois follows a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries their animals cause, as long as the victim did not provoke the dog and was lawfully in the location where the attack occurred . Victims do not have to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
For victims with facial scarring, this standard provides a more straightforward path to pursuing damages. Once liability is established, the focus shifts to documenting the extent of physical and emotional harm.
Medical treatment and costs for facial scarring
Treatment for facial scars can be complex and ongoing. Victims may need immediate emergency care followed by multiple surgeries, skin grafts, or laser treatments. Even with advanced medical care, complete restoration is not always possible. These costs can quickly add up, creating financial strain for families already dealing with the emotional impact of the injury.
Compensation for medical expenses may include:
- Emergency care and hospital stays.
- Reconstructive or plastic surgery.
- Dermatology or laser treatments.
- Physical therapy for associated injuries.
- Counseling or therapy to address emotional effects.
Non-economic damages for visible scars
Non-economic damages often play a significant role in facial scarring compensation. These damages acknowledge the personal losses that, although not documented financially, are just as real.
Victims may be compensated for:
- Pain and suffering related to the initial injury and ongoing discomfort.
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Loss of self-confidence or diminished quality of life.
- Social or relationship challenges caused by visible scars.
Courts and insurers often weigh these damages heavily, especially when scars are permanent or disfiguring.
When punitive damages may apply
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are not designed to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant for egregious conduct. For example, if a dog owner knowingly violates local leash laws or ignores prior incidents of aggression, a court may impose additional damages to discourage such behavior.
How Wallace Miller builds strong dog bite claims
At Wallace Miller, we understand that a scar is more than a mark on the skin—it is a lasting injury that can reshape a person’s life. Our attorneys gather medical records, consult with plastic surgeons, and work with psychological experts to fully demonstrate the impact of scarring. We also work with you to understand and convey how the injury affects your daily life, ensuring insurance companies and juries see the whole picture.
We know these cases are deeply personal, and we approach each one with compassion while fighting relentlessly for maximum compensation.
Contact our Chicago dog bite lawyers today
You may be entitled to significant damages under Illinois law if you or a loved one suffered facial scarring after a dog bite. Wallace Miller can help you pursue justice and financial recovery. Call 312-261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online now.