According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 4.7 million dog bites each year in the United States. Of these 4.7 million bites, 800,000 results in medical care. Also, 31 people die a year from dog bites. Not only this, but the CDC also reports that about 400,00 cat bites occur each year, and some children have been killed by pet wolves in the past.
Many people only consider dog bites when they think of animal attacks. However, many types of other animals can injure a person from small house pets to pet exotic animals. An animal attack directed at a human can be extremely serious and even fatal. Some animals that attack humans can pose a serious risk to that person’s well-being since they can be more powerful than us. These attacks can be traumatic, costly, and life-altering.
At Mike Agruss Law, we have helped thousands of clients to seek justice and compensation for personal injuries, and you won’t owe us a penny for our services unless we win your case. If you or a loved one has been injured from someone else’s animal attack, contact our Chicago personal injury law office today for a free consultation.
Common Animals That Attack
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rodents
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Exotic animals
Different animals are capable of doing different types of damage. Some common injuries from an animal attack include lacerations, internal bleeding, broken bones, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, nerve damage, scarring, rabies or other infections from the animal’s saliva, disfigurement, disability, and even death.
Illinois Dog Bite Law
Each state has different laws regarding animal attacks. Let’s consider one of the most common animal attacks: dog bites. The dog bite laws in Illinois apply to most other animals and dictate that a lawsuit must be filed within our statute of limitations, which would be two years after the date of the attack. According to Illinois law 510 ILCS 5/16, to prove that the dog or owner is liable, the plaintiff must show:
- The dog or animal attacked, attempted to attack, or injured the person
- The injured person had a lawful right to be in the place they were at when attacked or injured
- The dog or animal was not provoked
Illinois uses the strict liability theory regarding animal attacks and dog bites. This means that the owner of the animal is liable even if they had no knowledge that the animal might injure someone. As long as you can prove the elements listed above, you likely have a valid case against the animal’s owner.
Damages That Can Be Recovered
After an animal attack, the injured person may have suffered various damages as a result. These damages can add up to cost them a hefty sum, so you have the potential to be compensated for those losses if you win your case. Some common damages in animal attack cases can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
If you or a loved one has been injured from someone else’s animal attack, contact our office today for a free consultation.
