Compensation for Dog Bites in Illinois

 Posted on May 14, 2024 in Personal Injury

People like to say that dogs are a man’s best friend. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and for various reasons, some dogs bite people, causing serious injury requiring intensive recovery. Dog bites can be complicated legal matters because the “perpetrators” are not subject to the law, and depending on the specific circumstance several different people may have been responsible for the dog at the time of the incident. The dog’s owner is generally responsible for ensuring that the pet is not a danger to its surroundings, although other factors are taken into consideration that might determine who is liable. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, speak with a dedicated Glenview, IL personal injury lawyer who can help you get compensation for the resulting damages.

Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites You?

If you were walking on a public sidewalk minding your own business when a dog suddenly appeared, attacked you, and caused injuries, the dog’s owner might be legally responsible for the injuries.

Some states have what is commonly referred to as a “one-free bite” policy. In these states, if a dog has no history of aggression, the owner might not be held liable. The idea is that the dog’s owner would have had no reason to assume the dog would be aggressive and bite someone, so it would not be reasonable to assume they would be taking precautions to avoid this.

The state of Illinois does not require any history of aggression for a dog owner to be held liable. Even if the dog never acted out before, the owner can be held liable for related costs if the dog injures someone. The owner is expected to control their pet, and if they do not, they can suffer legal consequences.

What Type of Compensation Can I Expect?

The compensation you might get depends on the type of injury you have suffered. DOg bits can result in a variety of injuries, including:

• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Puncture wounds
• Fractures
• Eye injuries
• PTSD

Depending on the severity of the injury, dog bite victims might need stitches, rabies shots, skin procedures to help with facial scars, surgery, medication to stop infection, and emotional therapy. If you file a personal injury claim, you might be able to get all your medical bills covered, coverage for any time you were unable to go to work, and reasonable future fees based on recommendations by medical professionals.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Cook County, IL Dog Bite Attorney

If you were injured by a dog bite, speak with a knowledgeable Northbrook, IL, personal injury lawyer to find out what options you have. At Gruzmark Law, Ltd., we believe in holding people accountable when their actions or inaction cause others harm. We can also provide service to clients in English, Russian, and Mongolian. Call us at 847-729-7660 so we can schedule a free consultation.