What Are the Laws in Illinois Regarding Dog Bites?

 Posted on January 25, 2021 in Personal Injury

While we usually think of dogs as adorable pets, they are also animals capable of causing serious injuries and even death. Dog bites can cause severe lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, and broken bones. An individual pushed to the ground in a dog attack may also suffer a traumatic brain injury, back injury, or another type of bodily injury. Sadly, some dog attack victims do not survive these injuries. If you or a loved one were the victim of a dog bite, you may be curious to learn about dog bite-related laws in Illinois.

Dog Owner Liability

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility. Dog owners have a legal duty to protect others from their dogs. Many dog bites and dog attacks occur because a negligent owner let the dog run through the neighborhood or failed to keep the dog on lease on public property like a park. The laws describing dog owner liability vary from state to state. In some states, a dog owner is not legally responsible for a dog attack if the dog had no history of aggression. These so called “one free bite” laws allow a dog owner to evade liability if they did not know that the animal was capable of biting. Illinois is not a “one free bite” state. Dog owners are strictly liable for injures caused by their dog. If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, you will not need to prove that the dog has vicious tendencies.

Damages in a Dog Bite Injury Claim

A premises liability claim may allow you to hold a dog owner accountable for injuries caused by his or her dog. It may also allow you to recover financial compensation for your damages. Dog bites can cause considerable physical and mental injuries. You may be compensated for your hospital and doctor bills, medication, surgery, x-rays and other medical tests, mental health treatment, and more. You may also receive compensation for your lost wages from the time you spent off work while recovering. If the injuries have reduced your ability to earn a living, compensation for the impairment to your earning capacity may also be recoverable. Non-economic damages in a dog bite injury claim may include your pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and disfigurement.  

Contact an Elmhurst Dog Bite Lawyer  

If you or a loved one were the victim of a dog attack, you may be able to bring a premises liability claim against the dog owner. You may be compensated for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. To learn more, contact an Illinois personal injury attorney at Schwartz Injury Law. Call 630-415-0500 for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/051000050K18.1.htm