Dog bites can cause painful injuries, and victims may need compensation for the many medical expenses and other damages they face. Because of this, you need to know whether or not you can sue for a dog bite, which our lawyers can determine when handling your case.
As long as you did not provoke the dog and you were lawfully present at the location, you may hold the dog’s owner liable for injuries from a bite. It doesn’t matter whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior; the owner may be at fault. You have two years to sue for a dog bite injury in Illinois, so don’t wait to see if you have a claim with our lawyers.
For a free and confidential case evaluation from our Chicago personal injury lawyers, call the Rhatigan Law Offices now at (312) 578-8502.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Chicago?
If someone’s dog attacked or bit you, you may suffer bad injuries. Nerve damage, lacerations, infections, disfiguring facial injuries, and other dog bite injuries can be life-altering, emotionally and financially. You may be able to sue for a dog bite, so call our Arlington Heights, IL personal injury lawyers to see if you have a case.
Strict liability applies to dog bite cases in Illinois. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, dog owners are liable for the full amount of an injury caused by a dog bite, under certain conditions.
Most likely, you can sue the owner for a dog bite injury in Chicago, even if the owner was not negligent themselves. Your lawsuit may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, which we can quantify on your behalf.
Suing for a dog bite injury can be uncomfortable for victims, especially if they know the dog and owner personally. We appreciate this, and aim to make the recovery process as smooth as possible while still advocating for fair compensation.
What Are Some Key Aspects of Chicago’s Dog Bite Laws?
There are several key aspects of Illinois’ dog bite laws that, if not present in a case, may stop the victim from filing a lawsuit and recovering compensation.
Bites without Provocation
For an owner to be liable for a dog bite injury, the dog must have bitten the victim without provocation. Eyewitness testimony can confirm you did not provoke the dog in any way, such as by hitting or kicking it. Tell us who was present during the attack. We can quickly interview them to preserve their recollections.
Unintentional provocation might complicate your case and lower your damages. Examples of unintentional provocation may include stepping on a dog’s tail or a child pulling a dog’s ear.
If the dog bit you in a public area, there may be homes or businesses with security cameras nearby. If so, our lawyers can promptly request access to footage, which may show the dog attacking you with any provocation, whether intentional or not.
Victim’s Lawful Presence
Another key aspect of being able to hold a dog’s owner liable for injuries from a bite is whether or not you were lawfully present in the location. For example, if the dog bit you on the owner’s property, you must have been a guest and lawfully present on their property for them to be liable in a lawsuit.
If the dog bites you on any public property, like a park or on the sidewalk, you can sue the owner, as you have the same right as the owner does to be there.
How Long Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Chicago?
The statute of limitations for dog bite injury lawsuits is the same as the statute of limitations for general personal injury claims in Illinois.
That means you have two years to file the lawsuit, according to 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Your damages and injuries are immediate, so don’t wait to contact our lawyers about your case. Most victims need to get compensation as soon as possible, and we can file a timely lawsuit on your behalf.
What Are Chicago’s Rules for Reporting Dog Bites?
Reporting dog bites is mandatory in Illinois. This typically benefits victims, who can document their injuries by promptly reporting them. Our attorneys can help with this, so reach out if you need assistance.
Dog bites should be reported to Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) right away. The dog must be confined for at least 10 days after biting someone and get assessed by a veterinarian according to 510 ILCS 5/13, so reporting is important.
You can report a dog bite to the CACC by calling 311, the non-emergency line.
If you are badly injured from a dog bite, you may call 911 and request emergency medical assistance. If law enforcement officers arrive, they can also document the incident and may inform the CACC of the bite on your behalf.
We may be able to use CACC reports and findings to support your compensation claim, so call us for help getting these documents in Chicago.
What Can I Get if I Sue for a Dog Bite in Chicago?
If you sue for a dog bite injury, we can seek compensation for your medical expenses, missed income, and even your non-economic damages.
If you suffer nerve damage in your hand, for example, you may be able to work, but in a very limited capacity. We can seek the difference in your pre- and post-bite income in your lawsuit.
Your medical damages may be overwhelming, and we can factor them into your claim as well.
Facial injuries from dog bites cause considerable pain and suffering for victims. Tell us how your quality of life has reduced, describe the embarrassment you feel because of disfiguring injuries, and be candid about all intangible damages.
Call Us About Your Dog Bite Injury Case Today
Get a free case evaluation by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices’ Mount Prospect, IL personal injury lawyers at (312) 578-8502.
Related Posts