What Happens If I am Bitten By a Dog in Illinois?

 Posted on June 12, 2020 in Dog Bite Injuries

For many families in Illinois, it is almost unthinkable that their beloved pet dog may cause injury to someone, though even peaceful dogs can bite given the right circumstances or if provoked. Dealing with a dog bite injury can be traumatic for the victim and also cause distress for the owners for whom the dog may be considered a member of the family. In cases such as these, Illinois has a specific procedure in place to handle the potentially dangerous animal and analyze the facts of the case.

What Happens After a Dog Bite

Although a dog from Illinois is no more or less likely to bite than a dog from another state, Illinois state law places more liability on the owners of dogs who bite or attack. According to the Illinois Bar Journal, State Farm paid $14 million for dog-related claims in Illinois in 2016, second only to California. The penalties for violent incidents involving dogs can be much stiffer in Illinois than in neighboring states because of the Animal Control Act. The potential timeline and repercussions for a dog bite may vary with factors such as a civil suit or appeal, but you can expect the following to occur immediately following a dog bite:

1. The dog bite must be reported to an appointed veterinarian licensed by the State of Illinois within 24 hours.
2. The dog will then be placed in confinement for a period of 10 days for observation, which may be reduced or extended depending on the results of the observation period, the discretion of the veterinarian, and other extenuating circumstances.

While the law clearly prescribes what must occur immediately following a dog bite incident, what happens next depends on the unique details of each case. The court will look at whether or not the dog was leashed, if the dog has acted aggressively in the past, and whether or not the dog was provoked to aggression. Depending on such factors, the owner of the aggressive dog may face criminal charges, civil charges, or both.

Contact a Naperville Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

A dog bite incident can be a traumatic experience for all parties involved, and the owner of a potentially aggressive dog may also be held liable for the incident. If you have been bitten and injured by a dog, you should have your case examined by a DuPage County personal injury attorney. Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices is ready to answer any questions you may have and help you make your personal injury claim to obtain deserved compensation for your injuries. To schedule your free consultation with our legal team, call us today at 630-755-6426.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704

https://www.isba.org/ibj/2017/06/lawpulse/illinoisleadsthepackindogbiteclaims