Can You Sue For A Dog Bite in an Illinois Dog Park?

 Posted on April 17, 2025 in Animal Attacks

Dog parks are an attractive option for Illinois dog owners to provide their pets with exercise and socialization. However, one never knows what other dogs are capable of. Severe animal attacks happen in dog parks, and if one happens to you, the Illinois dog bite attorneys at Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC will help you understand if your case could lead to compensation. 

Who is Liable for a Dog Park Attack? 

People who enter a dog park in Illinois assume some risk, but no one should suffer a dog attack in these public areas. According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, Illinois has a strict liability statute for dog attacks. This means that the owner shall be held liable for the injuries their animal causes in these circumstances: 

• The dog bite victim was legally present in the area where the attack happened. A dog park is a public area, so you have a legal right to be there. 

• The other dog owner’s animal was not provoked. This means you did nothing to encourage the animal to act aggressively. 

• You or your dog suffered injuries from the bite or attack. 

The strict liability law means that the other owner could be liable for your injuries, whether or not they knew the animal was aggressive. So, if another dog attacks you in a dog park in the circumstances above, you could be entitled to compensation for your or your dog’s medical bills and more. 

Dog Park Attacks are Often Legally Complex

The other dog owner could be on the hook if their dog injures you or your animal in a dog park. However, dogs roam freely in a confined area in most dog parks, which could make it easy for the other party’s attorney to argue the dog was provoked, or there was an assumption of risk. 

For instance, suppose two dogs are playing with each other, and suddenly, the other animal attacks and seriously injures your dog. The other dog owner may argue that their animal behaved reasonably in the circumstances, and that they are not liable for your dog’s injuries. 

An experienced dog bite attorney may need to prove that the other dog owner was negligent. For instance, perhaps the other dog owner failed to supervise their pet closely or did not restrain the dog, despite the dog having bitten other animals in the past. In these cases, a skilled dog bite lawyer may succeed in finding the other party negligent. 

A Government Agency May Also Be Liable 

In addition to suing a negligent dog owner for your or your animal’s injuries, a dog park attack can sometimes be the responsibility of the local government. Government entities are usually protected from dog bite liability, but they could be held accountable if the government agency exhibits willful or wanton misconduct.

Contact a Naperville, IL Dog Bite Lawyer

If you have been bitten by a dog, immediately contact an Aurora, IL dog bite attorney from Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC to understand your legal options. Our firm is paid on a contingency basis, so you do not pay us unless we win. Call 630-552-6860 to schedule a free legal consultation.