Many dogs are gentle companions. However, dogs are also animals with sharp teeth and claws capable of inflicting severe damage. Puncture wounds, nerve damage, broken bones, and face lacerations are just some of the serious injuries that a young victim may sustain in a dog attack. Approximately 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites every year. About half of dog bite victims are children.
If your child was attacked by a dog, you may be able to seek justice for your child and compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.
Illinois Law Regarding Dog-Related Injuries
Liability for dog-related injuries varies state to state. In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs if:
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The dog bite victim was on public property or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred. In other words, the victim was not trespassing at the time of the attack.
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The victim’s injuries were caused by the dog.
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The victim did not intentionally provoke the dog.
Some states follow a legal doctrine called “one bite rule” which means that a dog owner is not liable for bite injuries if he did not know that the dog was aggressive. If the dog never attacked someone before, the dog owner may avoid culpability for the attack. However, Illinois is not a “one bite” state. In Illinois, a dog owner may be liable for injuries caused by his dog even if the dog never attacked someone before.
Damages in a Dog Bite Case
Dog bites can cause painful, dangerous injuries. Some people are left with permanent nerve damage and disfiguring scars after being attacked by a dog. To make matters worse, dogs’ saliva is teeming with bacteria and other pathogens. Infection is a serious concern for dog attack victims. Medical bills can quickly add up.
Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover financial compensation for medical expenses related to the bite and other damages. You could be compensated for:
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Emergency room bills, hospital bills, prescription medication costs, and other medical costs
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Scarring and disfigurement
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Lost quality of life caused by severe and permanent injuries
Contact a McHenry County Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child were injured by a dog, you may be able to take legal action against the dog owner. You may be able to hold the dog owner responsible for the harm caused by his or her negligence and recover financial compensation for damages. Call our Crystal Lake personal injury attorneys for help. Call 815-338-3838 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41