Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites in Illinois are a concerning matter and require careful attention. In this state, dog owners can be held accountable for any harm caused by their pets if they were negligent in managing them. Dog bite victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite injury.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Illinois, it is important to work with an experienced dog bite injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help you establish liability for your dog bite claim and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process. They will work to secure appropriate compensation for your losses.
Contact our legal team to schedule a free case evaluation. All confidential or sensitive information you disclose with us will remain private under an attorney-client relationship.
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Contact our Illinois dog bite lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Illinois dog bite lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Statistics Related to Illinois Dog Bite Incidents
The Chicago Tribune reports that Illinois has the second-highest number of dog bites in the United States and the highest dog bite payouts nationwide.
Illinois ranked eighth in the nation last year for estimated dog bite claims and costs, as reported by the Insurance Information Institute.
Insurance companies paid out over $61.8 million for 837 dog bite claims, with an average claim payout of $73,797, more than twice the average of $35,553 in 2018.
A ranking released by the United States Postal Service in June placed Illinois sixth for states with the highest number of postal worker dog attacks during mail delivery.
Over 200 animal attacks on postal workers were reported in Illinois last year, a slight increase from the state’s 2021 figures.
A 16-year study by Dogbites.org found that pit bulls were involved in 380 deaths (67%) from dog attacks, making them the breed most often associated with fatal incidents.
The average cost of medical treatment after a dog bite in Illinois is higher than $48,000, which is more than the average cost of other personal injury treatment costs.
Young children, the elderly, and postal carriers are the most frequent victims of dog attacks. Over 50% of dog bite victims are children, with around 42% under the age of six.
Understanding Illinois Dog Bite Laws
The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/1, et seq) states:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of injury proximately caused thereby.”
Illinois is a strict liability state in a dog bite case and other types of animal attacks. This means that a dog bite victim does not need to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner. Instead, the victim must demonstrate the following elements:
- That the individual was harmed by the animal
- That the injured individual had a lawful right to be present at the place where the dog attack happened
- That the animal or dog was not provoked
A skilled dog bite attorney can employ both strict liability and negligence in seeking compensation for victims. A Chicago dog bite lawyer will work to hold the dog owner and their insurance provider liable for damages resulting from the animal attack, including medical costs, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of normal life, and, in certain cases, emotional distress.
Illinois law permits liability to be assigned to either the dog owner or the person who had control of the dog at the time of the incident.
Chicago’s 2001 ordinance penalizes irresponsible owners of “dangerous dogs” according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Fatal Injuries and Repercussions of a Dog Bite Attack
According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, nearly 20 percent of all dog bite victims require medical attention for their injuries. Dogs have powerful jaws that can lead to fatal injuries. CDC says most dogs bite a person’s arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that over 18 percent of dog bites become infected.
Our Illinois dog bite injury attorneys help clients recover damages for common dog bite injuries, like:
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Vein or artery damage
- Damage to tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Possible amputations of fingers
- Cuts, bruises and scratches
- Dislocations
- Bone Fractures
- Crushing (head/skull injuries)
- Infections like rabies, tetanus, staph, MRSA, and Pasteurella
The CDC found that 27,000 dog bite victims every year undergo reconstructive surgery like skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A dog bite victim may require multiple expensive surgical procedures over several years. Hence, seeking compensation from the dog owner’s insurance company is crucial.
What to do After a Dog Bite in Illinois: Essential Steps
Each year, over 4.5 million Americans experience dog bites, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. DogsBite.org reported 58 dog bite fatalities in 2023.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Illinois, it’s important to take immediate action to ensure proper medical treatment and protect your rights. Here are the essential steps you need to take after experiencing a dog bite in Illinois.
After a dog bite accident in Illinois, follow these essential steps:
- Seek immediate medical care: Call 911 if it’s an emergency; otherwise, visit an emergency clinic.
- Report the dog bite incident: Contact the police if dog bite injuries are severe or if the dog’s owner is hostile. Secure a copy of the police accident report.
- Document everything: Take photographs and videos of the dog bite injuries, the dog, and the scene of the animal attack.
- Gather information about the dog’s owner: Note their name, address, phone number, and the dog’s details.
- Collect eyewitness information: Ask for the name and contact information of anyone who witnessed the dog attack.
- Report to animal control: Once done with emergency medical care, report the incident to your local animal control.
- Contact insurance providers: Typically, the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance of the dog owners will be responsible for covering your damages. Contact the right insurance carrier to file a dog bite claim.
- Avoid hurried settlements: Wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement before settling a claim.
What’s the Timeline for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for dog bite cases requires filing a lawsuit within two years of the incident. However, if the victim is a minor, the filing deadline is extended to two years past their 18th birthday.
This timeframe is crucial as failing to file your personal injury case within the designated period could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
We advise consulting with experienced dog bite lawyers promptly after the dog bite accident. A skilled dog bite attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure your case is filed within the required time frame.
What Compensation is Available for an Illinois Dog Bite Case?
If you or your loved one has sustained injuries caused by a dog bite, you may be entitled to financial recovery. Insurance giant State Farm reported nearly $211 million paid out for dog bite claims in 2022, a roughly 30% increase from 2021.
At the Injury Lawyer Team, dog bite attorneys have helped our clients receive various types of compensation in Illinois dog bite claims, including:
- Present and future medical bills related to the dog bite
- Cost of necessary medical equipment
- Lost wages if you are severely injured or disabled as a result of the dog bite
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Property damage, in case any property or belongings were damaged due to the dog attack
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of personal enjoyment
- Punitive damages if egregious actions or intentional conduct
Dog bite lawyers, using their vast knowledge of personal injury law, guide you about the compensatory damages to claim during a dog bite lawsuit. Our Chicago dog bite lawyers, having invaluable resources at their disposal, are skilled in ensuring you receive a fair settlement for your dog bite injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation With An Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bites can cause mild to life-threatening injuries and infections. Additionally, fatal dog attacks can lead to loss of income, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, and other losses for the victim. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious dog bite injury due to a fatal attack, we are here to help you.
The Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can protect your legal rights and help you seek financial compensation from negligent dog owners. Our dog bite attorneys have extensive experience representing clients across Chicago, Illinois and handling a wide range of dog bite claims.
Contact us at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation today. All personal injury lawyers at our law firm work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees until your dog bite attorney wins your case.