Can I Sue For a Dog Bite in Joliet?

 Posted on February 14, 2022 in Personal Injury

While most dogs are considered a man’s best friend, dog bite injuries can leave devastating results for both the victim and the pet owner. Injuries sustained from a dog bite may cause the victim long-term physical disabilities, pain and suffering. Even if a dog has no history of being aggressive or violent, the owner may still be held liable if their dog attacks you. If you were attacked by a dog, it is important to reach out to a personal injury lawyer immediately to ensure you can protect yourself and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Suing for a Dog Bite Injury

The injuries that can occur from an animal attack can leave a victim disabled, disfigured, and with severe trauma. The costs that a victim accumulates from medical bills may be pricey, so they may be eligible to seek financial compensation to cover hospital bills and more during a claim or lawsuit. Per the Illinois statute of limitations on personal injury claims, typically, victims have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

Liability for Dog Attacks in Illinois 

Illinois dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. The exception to this rule is if the dog who attacked was provoked, abused or otherwise instigated into attacking by the victim or someone else, the owner may not be held responsible. This is because provoking the dog would be an external circumstance that led to the dog attack. Many animals will become protective or aggressive if they feel threatened by another force. 

Owners may also be held criminally liable if their dog bites someone. In the state of Illinois, a vicious dog is labeled by the state and the owner is required to pay a $100 public safety fine and lock the dog up in the home. In the case that a known vicious dog attacks another person due to the owner’s negligence to keep the dog locked up or muzzled, the owner may be charged with a class 3 felony. 

How Much Money Can I Be Awarded?

The amount of money that you can be awarded if you decide to sue for a dog attack depends on a few factors. Typically, the owner of the dog will be made to help pay for your medical expenses and other damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries, including mental pain and suffering, a victim can be awarded more compensation. This type of lawsuit may best be handled by a personal injury attorney who is experienced in successfully pursuing clients with compensation that fits the injury sustained. An attorney may be able to help you:

• File an official lawsuit 

• Manage the necessary documentation needed to present your case

• Help you determine what amount of compensation is justified for your injuries

• Proceed through potential litigation 

Find an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Joliet

With over 10 years of fighting for his clients, Will County personal injury attorney Michael J. Lichner has lots of experience in dog bite cases. Call today at 815-730-1977 for a free consultation to discuss filing a dog bite injury claim. 

Source(s):

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41