Cook County Dog Bite Attorneys

Lawyers for Victims of Animal Attacks in Elmhurst and Addison

For millions of families throughout the United States, including many who live here in the Chicago area, dogs are much more than animals. They are devoted, loyal companions who are as much a part of a family as any humans are. Most dogs have never caused a person to suffer an injury, and most never will, but some dogs are more inclined to bite and attack. Federal estimates indicate that nearly 5 million dog bites occur each year nationwide, and many victims of such bites are young children.

If you or your child have sustained injuries caused by a dog bite or an attack by any other domesticated animal, you may be entitled to compensation from the animal's owner. Recoverable damages may include your medical costs, missed time at work, emotional distress, pain, and suffering. Depending on the circumstances, you could also obtain compensation for permanent scarring and disfigurement. At Kaiser Law, our skilled attorneys have been helping dog bite victims since 1990, and we are equipped to assist you and your family.

Illinois Lawyers Who Know the Law

Illinois adheres to the principle of strict liability in cases involving dog bite and animal attack injuries. This means that the person who owns the animal—or a person who has temporarily assumed responsibility for the animal—is liable for injuries that another person sustains due to the animal attacking or biting. More importantly, strict liability also means that the victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent in any way in order to collect compensation for his or her injuries.

While you do not need to establish negligence to collect damages for an animal bite, you will need to establish a few other elements. First, you must show that you were in a place that you were allowed to be when the attack or bite occurred. If you were trespassing at the time, the law does not afford you the same protections that it would if you were obeying the law. Next, you must prove that you did not provoke the animal into attacking. If a dog or another animal only bit you after you provoked it, the owner will not be held liable. In cases involving child victims, the provocation standard is lower, as children are much less likely to understand the potential consequences of provoking or teasing an animal. Finally, you must demonstrate that you were injured and suffered measurable losses as a result of being attacked or bitten.

It is important to understand that the laws that address dog bites in the state of Illinois apply to more than "bite injuries" caused by the teeth of the animal. Any injuries that you sustain due to being attacked by a dog—or any other animal—are eligible for compensation if all of the above-listed criteria are met. If, for example, you were knocked down by an attacking dog and you broke your arm in the fall, the owner of the dog is likely to be liable for your injury, even if the dog never bit you.

Dog Bite Counsel in Cook County

Because dog bites and animal attacks in Illinois are under the umbrella of strict liability, it is common for victims and animal owners to at least attempt to negotiate settlements before pursuing litigation. At Kaiser Law, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience, and we realize the importance of negotiating in good faith on your behalf. We realize, however, that the best approach is to start preparing for trial from the start. Our lawyers will carefully review the circumstances that led to your injuries and gather any and all information that is likely to be helpful to your case. If we cannot secure a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case into the courtroom to protect your best interests.

Contact a Skilled Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog or suffered injuries in any other type of animal attack, contact the office of Kaiser Law to discuss your options for taking action. Call 630-274-4400 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers today. We serve clients in Bensenville, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, and throughout Cook County and DuPage County.