Typically, states will have one of two legal theories regarding dog bites that they follow. The first, known as the “One Bite Rule” states that a dog owner will only be held liable after a dog bite if the dog has exhibited aggressive behaviors in the past, such as a prior dog bite attack.
Illinois is not a “One Bite Rule” state, instead of following strict liability. Strict liability means that the dog’s owner cannot claim they had no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive tendencies and if their dog causes any injuries, the owner will be held liable for those damages.
Illinois does require that the dog bite attack meet three parameters as laid out in the Illinois Dog Bite Statute 510 ILCS 5/16, which are:
- The dog attempted to attack, attacked, or injured the victim.
- The victim had the legal right to be in the place where the attack occurred.
- The dog was not provoked by the victim in any way.
This statute also covers non-bite injuries such as being knocked down to the ground by a charging dog, again as long as these incidents follow 510 ILCS 5/16.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, we at America’s Consumer Lawyer are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses, and this includes working on your behalf to ensure a favorable settlement.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
To receive full compensation for your dog bite injuries, it is important to be represented by a dedicated and experienced personal injury lawyer. Financial compensation for your dog bite injury depends on a variety of factors including:
- The extent of your injuries and associated medical bills;
- Long term medical treatment that may be required, including assistive devices, pain management, home assistance, and therapy;
- The insurance policy of the liable party;
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
We at America’s Consumer Lawyer are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
