Do I Have a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Illinois?

 Posted on June 20, 2024 in Personal Injury

Dog bites are unexpected, especially in cases where dogs attack without provocation. The consequences of a dog bite injury can be severe and victims are often recovering from shock, making logical thinking difficult. In many cases, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the owner of the dog to recover compensation for any damages the dog bite caused. A seasoned Illinois dog bite injury attorney can review your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury in Illinois?

In Illinois, strict liability applies to dog bite injuries and dog owners. With strict liability, the Animal Control Act states that the owner of a dog is responsible for any injuries his or her dog causes, regardless of whether or not the dog was previously known to be dangerous. You may have a lawsuit against the dog’s owner if you can prove that:

• You were lawfully on the owner’s property or in the area where the dog bite occurred

• You were injured by the dog

• You did not provoke the dog

It is the responsibility of the owner of the dog to ensure proper care for his or her dog and to take any actions to minimize the potential for injuries, especially if it is known that the dog is aggressive or has bitten someone previously.

Keep in mind that if the dog bite injury is a result of trespassing or intentional provocation, the owner may not be responsible for any injury that occurs. However, if a child accidentally provokes a dog and receives a bite injury, you may still be eligible to file a claim against the dog’s owner.

What Do I Do After a Dog Bite Injury?

Immediately after a dog bite injury occurs, you need to seek medical attention. Do your best to document the circumstances around the injury, including taking pictures of the scene and any injury you received, in addition to obtaining the information of the dog’s owner. You should seriously consider contacting the police and filing a report, even if the bite does not initially appear to be very serious.

As soon as possible, you should also contact a lawyer with the details of your dog bite injury. Your lawyer can help you build a case against the dog’s owner and pursue the compensation you deserve to help you with the cost of recovery.

Contact a Lake Zurich, IL Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Dog bites are traumatic injuries, and these injuries can have long-term consequences. In the majority of dog bite injury cases, the owner is liable for any injuries his or her dog caused. A skilled Cook County, IL dog bite injury lawyer is essential to understanding your legal options after a dog bite injury.

At Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers, we are a father-daughter team with more than 25 combined years of personal injury law experience. We will provide you with the knowledgeable representation you need after a dog bite injury occurs. Call 847-721-2499 for a free consultation.