How Much is Your Dog Bite Injury Case Worth? Call Now (312) 222-0010
If You Have Been Injured in a dog bite attack, You Are Not Alone
We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, and we are here for you, too.
Covered on this page
Chicago has a dog bite problem
According to a State Farm report, in 2022, Illinois ranked seventh in dog bite incidents, with 729 claims filed and $49 million in claims paid that year. The state also ranked seventh in the postal worker dog attacks in 2021, with Chicago coming in eighth on a list of U.S. cities with the most dog attacks.
Many dog bite victims are children. Roughly 27 percent of dog attack fatalities nationwide are suffered by children nine years old and younger. Adults accounted for 67 percent of deaths related to dog bites, while the remainder of fatal dog bite victims are between the ages of ten and 18.
Dog Attacks in Illinois
Illinois has a high number of dog bites despite having one of the nation’s lowest rate of dog ownership. Just 31 percent of households have a dog, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dog bite statistics
Covered on this page
The “One Bite” Rule Does Not Exist in Chicago, Illinois
In quite a few states across the United States, there exists a “one bite” rule where the dog owner or guardian is, to a degree, exempt from legal responsibility the first time their dog causes injury as long as they did not have a reason to believe their dog to be dangerous.
However, in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois, the owner is completely liable for any time their dog causes injury. This means that despite the dog’s previous behavior, the owner is liable for their dog in any case of personal injury as long as the victim is “peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be” according to Illinois’s statute.
Owners Are Responsible for Dog Bites
In Chicago, Illinois, the owner is considered to be anyone with the right of property to the dog; this includes someone who is keeping the dog, has the dog under their care or allows the dog to be on their personal premise.
Owner Negligence
If the plaintiff is bringing a case forward of owner negligence, they must give plausible facts that demonstrate the owner’s breached responsibility. The owner may be classified as negligent from being unreasonable or failing to act, such as providing warning.
Emotional Suffering
Physical injury is not the only way to receive fair compensation for damages and loss from a dog bite. According to federal law, emotional pain, as long as it is in tandem with the physical injury, is considered justifiable suffering. Mental suffering alone is not cause for damage recovery across the United States. Nonetheless, when the victim under emotional distress resulting from close proximity to the incident, or a “zone of physical danger,” experiences fear of personal safety and suffers physical injury as a result, they can then recover damages.
However, in Illinois courts specifically, it has been determined that damages can be given to the victim for mental distress even if it does not directly relate to physical injury.
Our Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Get Results for Injury Victims
There is no damage cap for personal injury in the state of Illinois. It also does not matter whether or not the dog bite comes from a dangerous breed, such as a pit bull or Rottweiler. Our attorneys are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
$1,015,000
Family suffered full-body injuries when attacked by multiple dogs entering their backyard.
$700,000
Pet store employee's nose was bitten by customer's dog while fitting the dog with a harness.
$230,000
Woman bitten in the face by a dog at a neighborhood BBQ.
$185,000
Woman, who, while working as a concierge, was bitten by a resident's dog.
Covered on this page
How to Protect Yourself from Dog Attacks
Dogs let you know in their own ways when they are stressed. Some signs include:
- Avoid eye contact. Dogs may see eye contact as a challenge to their power or control.
- Know stress when you see it. Many familiar actions like yawning, shaking, placing the tail between the legs and licking lips are signs of stress.
- Stay calm. Do not run from dogs or past dogs, and do not yell or make loud noises. These are cues to attack.
- Do not bother a dog that is sleeping. Be careful around dogs that are eating or have a toy they may want to protect.
Time is running out
Any dog bite victim, other than a minor or someone who is under a legal disability, of a dog-related injury has two years from the date of the attack to file a claim.
If it has been over two years, the lawsuit cannot be pursued. If the victim intentionally or accidentally provokes the dog, such as kicking the dog or stepping on its tail, the claim may be defensible under Illinois law. Another way for a claim to be barred is if the victim is not lawfully on the owner’s property. If the victim is invited onto the owner’s property as a guest, then it is considered lawfully being on the property. If the victim is trespassing or committing another crime, then it is likely that the damages of a dog-related injury will not be recoverable.
Tips for avoiding dog bites
Covered on this page
No Fee Unless Your Dog Bite Case is Successful
Any personal injury consultation is free with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
The Joliet dog bite attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg understand that it may be difficult to understand specific laws surrounding dog attacks. We urge you to reach out to us with any questions or personal concerns.
All dog-related personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis. This means we only require payment if we succeed in recovering damages for you. Contact us for a free personal injury consultation.
All calls are answered 24/7. Se habla español.
SEEN ON:
