Illinois Dog
Bite Lawyer

Were you injured by a dog in Illinois?

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. However, recovering damages in a dog bite case can be challenging, as Illinois follows the “one bite rule” or “negligence” rule, which requires proving that the dog owner knew or should have known about their pet’s dangerous propensities.

At LA Dog Bite Law, our experienced Illinois dog bite attorneys have a deep understanding of the state’s dog bite laws and can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.

Illinois Dog Bite Laws: Key Points for Owners and Victims

Illinois addresses dog bites and animal attacks through the Animal Control Act, specifically in Section 13 of the Act (510 ILCS 5/13). Here are the main points to understand:

• Observation Period: When a person is bitten by a dog or other animal, the animal must be confined and observed by a licensed veterinarian for at least 10 days. This period may be reduced by the Administrator or Deputy Administrator.
• Owner Responsibilities: The owner must present the biting animal to a veterinarian within 24 hours of the incident. At the end of the confinement, the animal must be examined, vaccinated against rabies if eligible, and microchipped if not already.
• Reporting Requirements: Anyone aware of a person being bitten by an animal must notify the Administrator or Deputy Administrator within 24 hours.
• Concealment and Disposal: It’s illegal for an owner to hide, euthanize, sell, give away, or otherwise dispose of an animal known to have bitten someone before it’s examined and released from confinement.
• Public Safety Fine: The owner of a biting animal must pay a $25 public safety fine, which goes into the county animal control fund.
• Exceptions: Special provisions exist for police dogs and search and rescue dogs that are current on rabies vaccinations.
• Penalties: Violating the provisions about concealing or disposing of a biting animal is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for subsequent violations.

This law emphasizes the importance of proper handling and observation of animals involved in biting incidents, placing significant responsibility on animal owners to comply with regulations and ensure public safety.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations, scarring, and emotional trauma.

Some common injuries we see in dog bite cases include:

• Deep cuts and gashes that require stitches or staples
• Torn skin and muscle tissue
• Nerve damage, which can lead to numbness or loss of sensation
• Infections, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis
• Broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and face
• Disfiguring scars that may require reconstructive surgery
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional injuries

In some cases, dog bite injuries can have long-term or even permanent effects on a person’s health, mobility, and quality of life. It’s important to seek prompt medical attention and follow through with all recommended treatments to minimize the risk of complications.

Dog Breeds Commonly Involved in Bite Incidents

While any dog can bite under certain circumstances, some breeds are more frequently involved in serious attacks than others.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are among the breeds most commonly responsible for fatal dog bites.

However, it’s important to note that breed alone does not determine a dog’s propensity for aggression. Factors such as training, socialization, and the owner’s handling of the animal play a significant role in a dog’s behavior. As such, our focus in dog bite cases is on holding owners responsible for their negligence rather than perpetuating breed stereotypes.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Illinois

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Illinois, taking swift action is essential to protecting your health and legal rights.

Here are the steps you should take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can easily become infected, and some injuries may be more severe than they appear at first glance.
2. Report the bite to your local animal control agency. They will investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies.
3. Gather evidence, such as photos of your injuries, contact information for witnesses, and the dog owner’s information.
4. Contact an experienced Illinois dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite

In the aftermath of a dog bite, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

However, there are some common mistakes that can jeopardize your health and your ability to seek compensation:

1. Waiting too long to seek medical care or legal advice. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to connect your injuries to the dog bite incident.
2. Trying to negotiate with the dog owner or their insurance company on your own. These parties may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or shift blame onto you to avoid paying a fair settlement.
3. Posting about the incident on social media before consulting with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use your posts to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or that you shared fault for the bite.

By consulting with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney early on, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Compensation in Illinois Dog Bite Claims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency room bills, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
• Lost wages for time taken off work to recover from your injuries
• Pain and suffering, including both physical pain and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement, which may require costly plastic surgery to repair
• Punitive damages, in cases where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless

An experienced Illinois dog bite lawyer can assess the full scope of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

In many cases, we are able to negotiate a fair settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company without the need for a lengthy court battle. However, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

Illinois Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

It’s important to note that there is a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Illinois. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, in general, is two years from the date of the injury but can be longer.

If you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a dog bite incident to ensure that your rights are protected.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Being bitten by a dog can be a painful, frightening, and isolating experience. You may feel like no one understands what you’re going through or how to navigate the complex legal system to seek justice.

But you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.

At LA Dog Bite Law, we’ve helped countless dog bite victims in Illinois stand up for their rights and recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward with their lives. We offer free, no-obligation