Dogs may be cuddly companions for many, but it is easy to forget that they are also descended from wolves—wild animals with the ability to injure or even kill people. While many dogs are friendly and harmless, some are not. Especially when threatened or scared, a dog could bite, causing serious injury to a victim. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, our dog bite injury lawyer can help you to understand your rights and options.
To set up a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys today.
Damages from a Dog Bite Attack
Being attacked by a dog can be, first and foremost, terrifying. Even a small dog can be intimidating and could cause a victim significant harm. When a dog bites or attacks, potential injuries to the victim include:
- Bone fractures
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of blood
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (suffered if the victim hits their head when falling)
- Infection
- Psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder and the development of a fear of dogs
The dog owner’s Homeowner’s Insurance typically covers the damages you suffer, even if the dog bite did not occur on that dog owner’s property. Some insurance companies may fight liability but we have settled multiple cases where the insurance company was difficult to deal with.
Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Illinois
Illinois code makes it clear how liability for a dog bite is managed in our state. The Animal Control Act in Illinois, 510 ILCS 5/16, reads that if a dog or another animal attacks a person who is conducting themselves peaceably, without provocation, and the person is legally upon a property, then the owner of the dog (or other animal) is liable in full for any civil damages suffered to the victim.
Instances where an Owner is Not Liable
Per Illinois law, there are clearly some instances when a dog owner may not be held liable for damages suffered to the dog bite victim, including in the event that the victim was not conducting themselves “peaceably,” if the victim is trespassing at the time of attack, or if the victim has provoked the dog in any way.
Potential for Negligence Claims
In addition to the strict liability statute, which allows a dog bite victim to hold the owner of a dog strictly liable for any harm suffered as a result of a dog bite, a victim may also be able to bring forth a negligence-based claim against the dog owner. This involves proving that the dog bite owner failed to do something that a reasonable person would do, and that this failure led to the dog bite. For example, failing to leash a dog with known aggression can be negligent or not properly securing a dog in a fenced in area when the owner knows the dog has the propensity to cause others harm.
Dog Attacks on an Animal
You can also seek recovery for damages when a dog or other animal attacks your pet. Typically, you would receive compensation for any veterinarian bills that were incurred, but we could also seek recovery for the value of the dog if the animal is killed.
Get Legal Help Today
If you have questions about dog bites laws in Illinois and how working with an attorney can help, please call the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC today for a free consultation. We understand how terrifying being attacked by a dog is, and we want to help you recover the compensation award that you deserve. For the information you need about how to move forward with your case, send us a message directly or call our dog bite lawyers today.
