In recent weeks, Illinois residents have dealt with the effects of major snowstorms and near-zero temperatures, including the risk of slipping and falling on icy sidewalks and driveways. This risk may increase if you encounter a dog while you are out walking, as unfamiliar and friendly dogs alike may jump on you or run into your path, causing you to lose your balance. Unfortunately, falling on ice can often lead to serious injuries including broken bones, concussions, and more. If you have been injured in a fall caused by a dog, you may wonder whether it is possible to…
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Although the percentage of dog bites and attacks that result in fatal injuries is relatively small, an attack can be deadly, especially when the victim is a child or someone else who is unable to effectively defend themself. These cases can be especially devastating for the victim’s surviving family members, and while there is no way to bring the victim back, there are ways to hold the dog’s owner accountable.
Strict Liability for Illinois Dog Owners
According to Illinois law, a dog’s owner is strictly liable for all civil damages if someone is injured because the dog attacks without provocation…
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Many people think of dogs as friendly animals, and this is often true, especially when they are cared for by responsible pet owners. However, if you have been bitten by a dog, you know just how dangerous they can sometimes be. In certain circumstances, a dog may be classified as dangerous, or even vicious, under Illinois law, and you may have questions about how these classifications can come into play in your case for compensation.
Illinois’s Dangerous Dog Classification
According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, there are two primary circumstances under which a dog can be defined as…
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A dog attack is often traumatizing in the moment, both mentally and physically, and unfortunately, many victims continue to experience trauma for many years after the fact. This is especially true for victims whose injuries result in permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects their appearance and physical abilities. If your dog bite injuries have left you with permanent scars, it is important that you understand your options for recovering damages.
Why Dog Bites Often Lead to Scarring
Though we often think of dogs as friendly animals, biologically they are predators, with teeth and jaws that can cause serious damage. Research…
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Though you may have seen portrayals of rabies in the media, it may not be a disease that you ever expect to contract yourself. It is true that rabies infections among humans are uncommon in the United States, but if you are bitten by a strange dog, it is still important that you take all of the necessary health precautions to avoid becoming infected with rabies or another disease.
What is Rabies and How Does it Spread?
Rabies is a virus that uniquely affects mammals and is primarily spread through the saliva of an animal that has been infected.…
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In the warm summer months, taking your dog to a dog park can be a fun activity for you and a great way for your dog to socialize and get exercise. However, because Illinois dog parks often allow dogs to run without a leash, there may be a greater risk of dog bite injuries. Before going to the park, you should take safety precautions that can protect you, your dog, and everyone around you.
Preparing For Your Trip to the Dog Park 
Dog park safety can start well before you arrive at the park itself. Here are some things…
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If you are a dog owner, you likely consider your dog to be a member of the family and want to keep it safe from harm. If your dog is attacked by another dog, the situation can be extremely upsetting, and it is understandable that you would want some kind of compensation for your distress. In Illinois, it is possible to pursue recovery from the other dog’s owner under certain circumstances, and an experienced dog bite attorney can help you make your case.
Keeping Your Dog Safe From Other Dog Attacks
The best way to avoid the trauma of…
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