Dog bite liability in Illinois is governed by the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), which holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals. Unlike some states that follow a “one bite rule,” Illinois does not require the victim to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If a dog attacks or injures a person who was peaceably conducting themselves and had a lawful right to be where the attack occurred, the owner is liable for all resulting damages. This includes medical expenses, reconstructive surgery costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Dog bite claims can also arise from knockdowns, where a dog jumps on or chases a person causing injury without an actual bite.
Dogs can be our closest companions. But the unfortunate reality is that sometimes dogs bite. In fact, the CDC estimates that approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur throughout the United States each year. Not surprisingly, many of the victims of those dog bites are children.
Dog owners have a legal duty and responsibility to properly train, supervise, restrain, and control their pet. If you or a loved one has been bit by a dog, the pet owner has breached their duty. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover for your injuries.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Our personal injury lawyers have achieved incredible results for injury victims, including dog bite victims. With offices located in Decatur, Sullivan, and Bloomington, we have the unique ability to serve dog bite victims throughout Central Illinois.
Free Dog Bite Consultations
Instead of asking dog bite victims to pay a consultation fee, our dog bite lawyers provide consultations free of charge. At your free consultation, we will meet with you to discuss your options and review your medical issues, while determining the best path moving forward so you will receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Contingent Fees
Just as your consultation is free, we do not charge hourly attorney time for work performed on dog bite cases. Instead, we take dog bite cases on a contingency. This means we only get paid if your claim is eventually settled or won at trial. Our fee will then be an agreed upon percentage of the overall award as determined by your representation agreement.
