If you or a loved one has been a dog bite victim in Chicago, an experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you get financial compensation for your injuries.
Dog bite victims’ injuries can include serious scarring and long-term pain, so it is important to contact our personal injury law firm if you have been injured in a dog attack to make sure you get full and fair compensation.
What Are Illinois Dog Bite Laws?
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), an owner of any animal that attacks, attempts to attack, or injures another person without provocation is strictly liable for the damages suffered by the victim.
Certain exceptions exist such as:
- if the injured party was trespassing, provoking the animal, or
- if the animal is a police dog on duty.
What is a “Dangerous Dog?”
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog deemed “dangerous” for unprovoked serious injury incurs a $50 fine for the owner. Additionally, the owner must microchip, spay/neuter, possibly seek behavior training, or use a muzzle and leash for the dog in public.
Legal Consequences to the Owner of a “Dangerous Dog”
Should an owner disregard mandates for their ‘dangerous dog’ and it causes severe harm, they can be charged with a Class 4 felony. A Class 3 felony applies if non-compliance results in a fatality.
What is a “Potentially Dangerous Dog”?
Under Illinois law, a “potentially dangerous dog” is one unsupervised and loose in a pack of at least three. Such dogs, once reclaimed, must be micro chipped and spayed or neutered by their owner within two weeks. Failing to comply can lead to a $500 penalty or impoundment over the year-long designation period.
“One Bite” Rules
Illinois does not have a “one bite” rule. Instead, the state operates under a strict liability dog bite statute which holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even in dog bite injury claims when the animal has never shown aggression or bitten someone in the past.
What Are the Laws in Chicago?
In addition to the Illinois laws, Chicago has specific ordinances for dog ownership.
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-140 Licensing
The owner of a dog four months of age or older must obtain a city dog license for the dog, unless it is temporarily in the possession of a veterinary hospital, pet shop, or other animal-care facility, or humane society.
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-090 Reporting a Bite
If a dog bites a person or another animal, the owner is required to report the incident to the Animal Care and Control Commission within 24 hours after dog bite occurs.
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-030 Animal Restraint
Owners must keep and maintain the animal under restraint unless the dog is being used for rescue or law enforcement work.
Who Is Liable If a Dog Bites Me in Chicago?
In Chicago, the dog’s owner is typically held liable for any injuries caused by their dog. Illinois law holds owners strictly liable if their dog bites someone without provocation, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.
What Should I Do After a Dog Attack?
After a dog bite, ensure your safety first and seek immediate medical attention. Then, if possible, gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses, and document the scene with photos of your injuries and the location. Lastly, report the incident to local authorities and consult a Chicago dog bite lawyer to discuss dog bite claims.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago
Many dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for damages in dog bite cases, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and more..
Common Types of Injuries Suffered in a Dog Attack
Dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries that include:
- Punctures
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
- Emotional trauma
Two Common Legal Defenses for Dog Owners
There are two common legal defenses that dog owners may use to try to avoid liability for a dog bite lawsuit.
Provocation
Owners may argue that a dog bite case only occurred because the victim provoked their dog through taunting or other actions triggering aggression. However, per the Illinois Animal Control Act, owners are liable for unprovoked attacks by their pet on an individual behaving peaceably.
Trespassing
Dog owners might argue that the victim was illegally on their property during dog bite incidents, a defense more plausible if the dog serves a protective role. Nonetheless, if bitten on lawful grounds, the owner is liable for injuries in Illinois.
Do I Have a Case for My Chicago Dog Bite Injuries?
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a dog bite in Chicago, you may have a case if:
- You were bitten by a dog without provocation
- You were on public property or lawfully on private property when you were bitten
- You suffered serious injuries as a result of the dog bite
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for Help with your Case
When you or a loved one calls our law firm, you will get:
- A free initial consultation with one of our experienced Chicago dog bite attorneys.
- A thorough evaluation of your case.
- Honest guidance about your legal options.
- A clear explanation of the personal injury claim process.
- A commitment to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
(312) 223-1700