Who Is Liable for My Dog Bite?

 Posted on January 27, 2024 in Animal Attacks

When a person has wrongfully suffered a dog bite from someone else’s dog, Illinois law allows that person (plaintiff) to pursue legal action to collect damages for the losses their injuries have caused. When filing a claim, it is important that the correct party or parties who are liable be held accountable, but it is not always clear where that liability lies. An Illinois dog bite lawyer can help make that determination. The following are some of the potential parties.

Property Owners

If the dog bite occurred on someone else's property, the owner may be named as the defendant (the at-fault party). In some cases, the plaintiff may pursue legal action against the property owner for negligence or failure to control the dog, especially if the dog had a history of aggressive tendencies that the owner was aware of or should have been aware of.

Landlords

In certain situations, if the dog's owner is a tenant, the landlord may be included as a defendant in the lawsuit. This could be the case if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take appropriate action, such as enforcing pet policies or evicting the tenant.

Animal Keepers or Handlers

If the dog bite occurred in a setting where the dog was under the care or control of someone other than the owner, such as a dog walker or pet sitter, that person might be held liable if they failed to control the dog or take appropriate precautions.

Business Owners

If a dog bite injury occurs on the premises of a business, such as a pet store, grooming salon, or veterinary clinic, and the business owner was negligent in providing a safe environment or failed to enforce policies regarding dogs on their property, they may be named as defendants in any legal action.

Government Entities

If the dog who bit is a police dog, military dog, or owned by another government entity, and the injury occurred while the dog was “working,” there could be some legal liability on the part of the government for the plaintiff’s injuries. Any personal injury action involving a government entity can be complex since these actions have different rules than cases involving private parties. 

Contact a DuPage County, IL Dog Bite Lawyer if You Have Been Injured

When it comes to dog bite lawsuits, determining the appropriate defendants is crucial for a fair and just resolution. Legal proceedings may involve negotiations for settlements or trial litigation. Having an experienced Illinois dog bite attorney advocating for you is essential for your success in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for the losses you have suffered. Call Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC at 630-552-6860 to schedule a free consultation.