Lake Zurich Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Experienced Dog Attack Attorney in Lake County

Most dogs never bite people. And most dog owners take care to ensure their dogs are safely inside, on a leash, or behind a fence. Unfortunately, however, some of the ninety million dogs in America are dangerous either because of natural temperament or training. Likewise, some dog owners are reckless, aggressive, or simply irresponsible.

When aggressive dogs and irresponsible owners combine, the results can be tragic. Dogs bite and maul people nearly five million times each year, and these numbers are just from the bites that get reported. The cost of these attacks reaches over one billion dollars every year, and the people who end up paying - both with their money and their health - are often attacked through no fault of their own.

While only the most tragic dog attacks result in fatalities, many more result in lifelong, debilitating injuries and scarring. Yet more bites require urgent, intensive medical care in the form of stitches and surgeries. If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you deserve to know your options - especially if the bite victim is a child. An attorney at Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers with experience in Illinois personal injury law can discuss your case with you at no cost.

Who is Responsible for Dog Bites in Illinois? 

Dog bite laws vary from state to state. If you have suffered a dog attack in Illinois, it is important to understand what the Illinois Animal Control Act says about who is responsible when a dog bites someone.

The law recognizes the danger posed by dogs and is very clear about dog bite liability. According to the Animal Control Act, the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible for injuries caused by the dog, both in public places and when the bite or attack occurs on private property, including in a dog owner's home. However, it is important to note that these laws apply to situations where the person the dog bit was legally allowed on the property. For instance, if someone was trespassing on the dog owner's property, different liability laws may come into play.

Illinois has a "strict liability" law when it comes to dogs. This means that a dog owner is held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, whether or not they were aware that the dog could be dangerous. A single dog bite is enough to establish liability. The law also says that the person who was bitten must prove they were not provoking the dog and had the right to be at the location where the dog bite happened.

Illinois law has even stricter rules for dog owners whose pets have already bitten someone. If a dog has previously bitten a person without a lawful reason, the owner must take reasonable precautions to prevent future bites. Not doing this can lead to serious legal consequences for the owner, including having the dog put down.

Can I File a Lawsuit if My Child Provoked a Dog? 

If a dog bites someone because the dog was provoked, or because the person was committing a criminal act like trespassing, the person who was bitten may be responsible under the law. However, these questions can be complex, as children may sometimes provoke a dog by accident. Furthermore, if a dangerous dog is kept in a yard behind a chain link fence, for example, a child may be bitten when she sticks her fingers through the fence to play with the dog. No matter what happened in your case, talk to an attorney. You may be able to take legal action.

Contact a Lake County Dog Bite Attorney

At Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers, like most people, we are very fond of dogs. However, we strongly believe that when a dog acts aggressively toward another person, the owner is responsible for the dog's actions. By taking legal action, you may help keep other people safe from bites and attacks in the future. Our firm handles cases in Cook and Lake Counties, as well as Lake Zurich. Contact us at 847-721-2499 for a free consultation.