Can Illinois Dog Bite Victims Seek Compensation For Their Injuries?

 Posted on October 06, 2021 in Personal Injury

Dogs are thought of as loyal companions and loving pets. However, it is important to remember that dogs are animals capable of inflicting profound or even fatal injuries. It is estimated that nearly 5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. If a dog bit you or a loved one, you may have questions about your legal options. You may wonder if you can sue the dog’s owner and seek compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Fortunately, Illinois law does allow dog bite victims to pursue damages when a dog owner’s negligence causes them harm.

Illinois Dog Bite Liability Law

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility. In addition to caring for the dog’s health and safety, dog owners must also consider the safety of others. The Illinois Animal Control Act allows victims of dog attacks to seek legal remedies for dog bite injuries. In some states, an injured person must prove that an owner was aware of a dog’s aggressive nature in order to recover compensation for dog attack injuries. Fortunately, Illinois is not one of these states. A victim can recover compensation if:

• The injury was caused by the defendant’s dog.

• The dog was not provoked.

• The injured person was on public property or lawfully on private property.

Seeking Damages After a Dog Attack  

Dog attacks can cause long-lasting physical and mental injuries. Deep lacerations, tendon and nerve damage, broken bones, and eye injuries are some of the most common injuries suffered by dog attack victims. Because dogs’ mouths carry many types of harmful bacteria, dog bite wounds can quickly become infected. The mental trauma stemming from a dog attack can be considerable. Some victims suffer psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder or phobias for years after the attack.

If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, you may be able to seek compensation for these damages. Your emergency medical bills, doctor’s visits, and other medical expenses may be recoverable through a personal injury claim. You may also be compensated for your lost wages due to missed work and any harm to your earning capacity caused by the injuries. Compensation for non-economic damages like pain, mental anguish, and disfigurement may also be available.

Contact a Cook County Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a family member was bitten by a dog or injured in a dog attack, contact the Elk Grove personal injury attorneys at Kaiser Law for help. Our team can help you build a strong case and seek compensation for your damages. Call 630-233-9946 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29490720/