Illinois Law on Dog Bite Injuries
Illinois has enacted a statute, the Animal Control Act, that provides remedies in the event of a dog bite. In order to prove that the owner of the dog or other animal is liable for damages, the victim must prove that:
- The creature attacked, attempted an attack, or otherwise injured him or her;
- The victim was lawfully present in the location where the confrontation occurred; and,
- The dog or other animal was not provoked in the attack.
From the statutory language, the law covers both injuries from a bite and harms caused by other animal behaviors. Therefore, dog bite liability may attach where a dog dashes out of a yard and knocks down a victim, causing injuries.
Note that Illinois dog bite cases may proceed regardless of whether the owner knew about the animal’s aggressive tendencies, based upon prior behavior. Still, an owner may have a defense in a dog bite case where:
- The dog was provoked in some way; or,
- The victim was trespassing or otherwise unlawfully present in the place where the attack transpired.
Damages in a Dog Bite Case
The basis for the right to compensation in a dog bite cases is the losses a victim experiences due to his or her injuries, a legal concept known as damages. If you’re bitten by a dog, you may recover damages related to:
- The costs of your medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care, if applicable;
- Your lost wages, if you’re out of work due to your injuries;
- Pain and suffering for your injuries;
- Loss of consortium, society, or other losses impacting your personal relationships.
Consult with an Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Case
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, our dog bite attorneys have the experience and expertise necessary to fight for the rights of injured victims. Time is of the essence with these types of cases, so we encourage you to contact us right away to discuss your legal options. Our Illinois dog bite lawyers offer free, no-obligations consultations and we’re always happy to answer questions about your situation. Please visit us online for more information.
