Illinois Dog Bite Law

In Illinois, an owner may be liable in both civil and criminal cases if their animal bites someone. An injured individual can sue an owner for any money they are required to pay for their injuries. Additionally, an owner may be charged with a felony if they knew that their animal was vicious or dangerous before an attack.

Most Illinois dog bite laws also govern other kinds of injuries that spring from a dog attack (e.g. dog scratches, injuries sustained in attempts to flee from a dog attack).

However, there are two exceptions to proving negligence in a dog bite attack:

• Exception 1 -The injured party provoked the attack: When the victim of a dog attack is proven to have incited the attack in question, there is typically no liability on the part of the owner or handler of the dog.
• Exception 2 -The injured party was in a location they were not legally permitted to be in: When the victim of a dog attack has encroached upon property or space they are not legally allowed to have access to, there is no legal basis for recovering damages for their injuries. This does not always necessarily mean that a person entered the property or space with an intent to break the law, however (as is the case with a burglar, for instance).

Your Homewood Dog Bite Resource: Understanding Local Laws and Support

Homewood residents know how integral pets are to our community, but it's important to remember that dog attacks can happen anywhere, even in our peaceful neighborhoods. If you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite in Homewood, you're not alone. Many local families have faced similar situations, often grappling with the aftermath of medical bills, emotional distress, and the need for swift legal action.

The Village of Homewood takes animal control seriously, and their Animal Control Department is a valuable resource for residents dealing with dog-related incidents. It's vital to report any incidents to ensure the safety of your neighbors and their pets. Understandably, this step can feel daunting during what is already a stressful time, but local authorities are trained to assist you in documenting the event and ensuring that any aggressive animals are addressed appropriately.

When visiting local parks, such as the beautiful Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, it's crucial to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Local dog owners often allow their pets to roam freely; while most pets are friendly, the unpredictability of unfamiliar animals can lead to dangerous situations. Recognizing the common pain points in our community helps us understand how to better protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Additionally, if an attack occurs, it's not only physical wounds that can follow; many victims experience lasting emotional trauma as well. Our firm understands how deeply these incidents can affect your quality of life. We are prepared to assist you in securing compensation for both your physical and emotional injuries, keeping in mind local laws and nuances.

Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite in Illinois?

If you are suffering injuries from a dog bite and are seeking compensation, then you must prove that the dog attempted to injure you, that you had a lawful right to be on the premises, and that you did not provoke the dog.

After a dog bite in Illinois a there are important steps to take to prevent further injury both to yourself and others:

1. Step One: If you've been bitten in a dog attack, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment.
2. Step Two: Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, including the owner of the animal.
3. Step Three: Report the dog bite to animal control. This creates a record of the incident, and it could be that the animal in question has a history of biting.

• Cataloging all injuries associated with the attack.
• Documenting all medical treatment received.
• Keeping track of all expenses related to the attack.
• Maintaining copies of all receipts and other pertinent records.

Illinois Law: Dog Attacks Against Other Dogs

Negligent dog owners in Illinois can also be held liable for injuries their dogs cause to other people's pets. This means that when a dog causes injury to another dog, the dog's owner may be financially responsible for damages.

These damages include:

• Veterinary bills
• Dog medications
• Kennel fees while the injured dog is recovering
• Or even the replacement cost of the deceased pet

Call Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation

If you've been attacked by a dog, you have a lot on your plate and feeling overwhelmed is natural. At Panio Law Offices, our lawyer works hard to provide clients with detail-oriented, personalized legal representation. We also work on a contingency basis which means that we don't take any fees until we have successfully secured compensation for your injuries.

We believe that one of the keys to success is building quality relationships with our clients as this enables us to represent you in court more effectively. As a result of our track record of success, we were named one of the top 100 trial lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Hear it from Our Satisfied Clients!

5 / 5 stars
My initial call to discuss my case was very informative. I was unsure whether to proceed with legal action but Mr. Panio took his time to discuss my options and explain the process. He made sure to give me frequent calls and update me on the case. I highly recommend Panio Law Offices.
- M. Cisneros