Legal Help for Chicago Dog Bite Nerve Damage

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago dog bite attorneys help victims pursue full compensation for dog bite nerve damage injuries. Our team understands how devastating nerve damage caused by a dog attack can be. We also work with leading medical experts to build strong legal cases.

How a Dog Bite Can Cause Permanent Nerve Damage

Dogs’ powerful jaws can exert crushing force that is capable of damaging tissues deep beneath the surface. When a bite tears into the skin, it can compress or even tear nerves.

Unlike cuts or bruises, nerve injuries may not heal easily or fully. In severe types of dog bites, prompt medical treatment is essential to prevent permanent loss of function or sensation.

Types of Nerve Damage from Dog Bites

Medical professionals typically classify nerve damage into three main categories:

1. Neurapraxia

The mildest form of damaged nerves. Involves temporary compression or bruising of the nerve without lasting damage. Most people make a full recovery within weeks or months.

2. Axonotmesis

The nerve fibers (axons) are damaged, but the surrounding sheath may remain intact. Recovery is possible, but it may take years and never fully heal.

3. Neurotmesis

The most severe form of nerve damage is from dog bites. Both the nerve and its protective sheath are completely severed. Recovery is unlikely. Even with intervention, victims may experience total paralysis, muscle atrophy, or permanent loss of sensation or movement.

Symptoms of Damaged Nerves After a Dog Attack

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, seek medical attention right away, especially if you notice symptoms such as:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning
• Weakness
• Twitching
• Stiffness
• Paralysis
• Atrophy

Prompt treatment of a bite wound can preserve nerve endings, reduce intense pain, and preserve vital evidence in your personal injury case.

Diagnosing and Treating Nerve Injuries from Dog Bites

A medical professional will assess the injury through a detailed physical exam, which may include imaging, Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) testing, and electromyography (EMG) in severe or unclear cases.

Treatment depends on the type of nerve damage and how serious it is:

• Wound cleaning, treatment for broken bones, and infection control (bites carry a high infection risk)
• Pain management with medications and nerve blockers
• Physical or occupational therapy to restore function
• Surgical repair or nerve grafts for severe cases

Recovery may take months or years, and in some cases, permanent damage remains despite medical care.

Long-Term Consequences of Nerve Damage from a Dog Bite Injury

As a result of nerve damage, dog bites can have life-altering consequences, especially when they affect fine motor skills, facial muscles, or mobility. Dog bite victims with serious injuries may face:

• Chronic neuropathic pain
• Loss of dexterity, sensation, or strength
• Inability to perform daily tasks or return to work
• Long-term or permanent disability
• Anxiety, PTSD, or depression
• Ongoing medical care

Your Legal Rights Under Illinois Dog Bite Law

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/), the dog’s owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by the animal. A victim must show:

• They were not trespassing
• They did not provoke the animal
• They were injured by a dog bite or dog attack

Seeking Compensation for Nerve Damage and Related Losses

Nerve damage is complex and often misunderstood by insurers. Our experienced team works to collect fair compensation, including:

• All medical expenses, including pain medications & physical therapy
• Pain and suffering 
• Lost wages and future lost earning capacity
• Costs long-term medical treatment
• Emotional trauma and diminished quality of life
• Permanent disability

We work closely with medical and vocational experts to document your losses and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Why You Need an Experienced Chicago Dog Bite Attorney

Not all personal injury lawyers grasp the complexity of these types of nerve damage, navigating:

• Medical experts to explain the injury
• Knowledge of Illinois’ strict liability law
• Experience dealing with homeowners’ insurers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we push back when adjusters try to undervalue your case.

Contact Our Firm for a Free Consultation About Your Dog Bite Injury

If you’re suffering from nerve damage from a dog bite in Chicago, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence. Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney at (888) 424-5757 or through our form to discuss your legal options.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.