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Should I take legal recourse for a dog bite in IL ?

Yesterday, my wife and I went out for our Sunday morning walk. From a distance, we saw a lady coming towards us with her big German Shepherd. I had a uneasy feeling about it and as they neared us, we stood some distance aside waiting for them to pass us. Then, suddenly unprovoked, dog rushed towards us and bit my wife. I immediately took her to emergency ward - where the doctor treated her with first aid/ Tetanus shots. We called up the police and they sent the Animal control team to interview the dog owner. The owner DENIED that my wife was bitten and said that their dog was being friendly!!

This has thoroughly incensed me and my wife. My wife is still traumatised over the incident and she's expecting me to do something about it. What should be my next step be? Should I seek legal help? I don't want to pay any more money than what I am already paying towards the medical expenses.
Responding to Faith's questions

- When the dog owner asked us "Is she Okay"? I said she's not. But told her to leave right away with the dog as we didn't want to risk a 2nd attack.

- What I want? I wanted an apology. And that they would offer to make good on the medical bills. We have insurance. So, our out of pocket expenses won't be much. But they chose to deny it.

But an apology at this stage (48 hrs have passed) is meaningless.

Public Comments

1. Of course you should take it to court.

2. If the lady was a good person she would have offered to pay the hospital bill. Instead she denied the incident. I would definitely take legal action. You can have a free consultation with a lawyer ask them about the overall outcome of the finances you've put out.

3. WHY didn't you tell the dog owner about this when it happened?
You didn't mention where she was bitten?
Was she not right there?
What do you want from her?
Do you want the dog to be put asleep?
How much "pain and suffering" did your wife or has she gone thru?
The hospital took care of herprobably off your insurance which you only have the deductible. The tetanus shot is actually needed by ALL adults every 10years.
DFo you think bringing this woman (owner) to court is worth your deductible? No one does pro-bono (free) any more!
The owner has the right to keep her dog, she doesn't have to put it to sleep because of this.
If you want to bring this to court well, thats your right but, WHY? What do you have to gain? What are you in need of?
Unless she needs plastic surgery,
WHATS THE POINT???

I would drop it before it cost yourself more than your deductible.
buy yourself some pepper spray and do not give off the sense of fear when passing a dog.

4. Be sure that the investigation was regarding the correct person & dog (may be another woman in area that has the actual German Shepard that bit). The ER would make a determination that it was definitely a dog bite & how large the animal could have been. Animal Control should have checked that dog is current on shots. You should insist on a signed complaint thru animal control. The owner should be held responsible for the medical bills.

Double check with local lawyer for initial consultation regarding recommendations and ratifications.