While most of us assume that dog bites happen in parks or neighborhoods, as more pets enter public retail spaces, dog bites and knock-down injuries inside stores are becoming more common. Shoppers tend to believe that if a store is “pet-friendly,” it must have safety rules in place. Unfortunately, many Illinois stores allow dogs inside without enforcing leash rules, temperament requirements, or even capacity limits.
The friendliest dog can become startled in tight quarters and snap at another shopper. In particular, pet-friendly stores can be hazardous for children who move quickly and are at or near the dog’s eye level. A calm dog at home can react very differently in a noisy, crowded retail environment where children rush to pet it. When an injury occurs, the victim of a dog bite can face confusing questions regarding whether the dog’s owner, the store, or both are liable for the injuries.
While Illinois dog bite laws (510 ILCS 5/16) impose strict liability on dog owners, this does not let stores off the hook. When retailers invite pets inside without proper controls in place, their own negligence may play a significant role in the resulting injuries to other shoppers. Understanding how liability works following a dog bite in a retail environment can help victims protect their rights and pursue full compensation. A highly skilled DuPage County personal injury lawyer can help you receive full damages for your dog bite injuries.