A Cook County jury awarded $4.2 million Wednesday to a Chicago man who suffered severe facial lacerations, a fractured orbital bone, and permanent nerve damage after being attacked by his neighbor’s Rottweiler in a shared alleyway behind their Bridgeport homes.
The plaintiff, Robert Szymanski, 46, was walking to his garage in March 2024 when the dog burst through an improperly latched gate and attacked him. The attack lasted approximately 90 seconds before Szymanski’s cries brought other neighbors to intervene.
Illinois Strict Liability Law
Illinois is what lawyers call a “strict liability” state for dog bites. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog without the victim needing to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or acted negligently. The only defenses are trespass and provocation.
The defendant argued Szymanski had previously teased the dog through the fence — a provocation defense — but the jury rejected the claim after a neighbor testified she had never seen Szymanski interact aggressively with the animal.
The Injuries
Szymanski required three facial reconstruction surgeries, including titanium mesh placement to repair his orbital floor. He sustained permanent partial facial paralysis affecting his ability to fully close his left eye and has been diagnosed with PTSD that prevents him from spending time in outdoor spaces.
The $4.2 million award included $1.1 million in past and future medical expenses, $900,000 in lost earnings as a union electrician, and $2.2 million in pain and suffering.
The defendant’s homeowner’s insurance carrier — State Farm — is expected to cover the verdict, which falls within the policy limits.