Recovering Damages from a Dog Bite in Illinois

 Posted on July 21, 2023 in Personal Injury

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, often resulting in physical injuries and emotional distress. If you have been the sufferer of a dog bite in Illinois, you may wonder if you have the right to recover damages. Today, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal rights and remedies to dog bite sufferers in Illinois, along with a discussion of common injuries associated with dog bite attacks. Consult a personal injury lawyer to understand how best to wield the available legal remedies as you move forward with your injury case.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can lead to a variety of injuries. Some common injuries associated with dog bites include puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures, nerve damage, infections, and disfigurement. In more severe cases, injured individuals may suffer from deep tissue damage, limb amputations, or emotional trauma requiring long-term therapy. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and document injuries and treatment received, as this evidence will play a significant role in establishing the severity and impact of the dog bite.

Legal Rights in Illinois

In Illinois, dog bite cases are governed by the “Animal Control Act.” Under this law, an injured person is not required to prove that the dog owner was negligent. Instead, the law holds the owner strictly liable, meaning the owner is responsible for all damages resulting from a dog bite, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression or the owner was unaware of the dog’s vicious tendencies. However, this strict liability only applies if the individual who was bitten was lawfully on the premises where the bite occurred or was in a public place.

Recovering Damages

In dog bite cases, the injured individual can seek compensatory damages for medical costs like surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy. Additionally, injured parties can claim damages for pain and suffering, any future medical expenses that may be incurred, lost wages, or loss of earning capacity. If the owner’s conduct was extremely reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the owner. However, this is only in the most extreme of circumstances. In the vast majority of dog bite cases, punitive damages will not be a factor.

Contact a Mount Prospect Dog Bite Attorney

For distinguished legal counsel, contact the experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer with Adler Law Offices, LTD. Call 312-236-2700 for a free consultation.

Source - https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41