Illinois Dog Bite FAQs

DuPage County Attorneys Answer Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Attack Injuries

What Types of Injuries Can Occur in a Dog Attack?

Dog bites can result in severe cuts and lacerations, puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, and scars/disfigurement. In some cases, a bite may be severe enough that the amputation of fingers, hands, or legs may be required. A victim of a dog attack may also suffer non-bite injuries, such as a fall that results in broken bones, dislocated joints, or brain trauma. 

What Should I Do if I Suffer a Dog Bite Injury?

Following a dog attack, it is important to gather as much information as possible. Take photos of the injuries and the location where the attack occurred and get the contact information of any witnesses. Ask the dog's owner for information about the dog's vaccination records and any applicable homeowner's or renter's insurance policies. Seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible, and report the incident to the local police department or animal control agency. Finally, you should contact a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options for recovering compensation.

When Is a Dog's Owner Responsible For Dog Bite Injuries?

Under Illinois liability laws, the owner of a dog is liable for injuries that occur when an animal bites, attacks, or attempts to attack someone without provocation. This law applies in any attack that occurs when a victim is in a location where they are legally allowed to be, and a dog owner is liable even if they were not aware that their pet had dangerous or aggressive tendencies.

What Forms of Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite?

The valuation of a dog bite case will depend on the severity of the victim's injuries and the extent of the damages suffered. A victim may be able to receive compensation for current and future medical treatment, the loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability, the physical and emotional pain and suffering they have experienced, and any property damage that occurred in the attack. If a dog attack results in a fatality, the victim's surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and grief and mental anguish.

What Should I Do if I Was Attacked By a Stray Dog?

An attack by a roaming or unleashed dog should be reported to the authorities. If the animal in question is captured by an animal control agency, steps may be taken to identify the dog's owner and hold them responsible for the injuries caused by their animal.

Can I Receive Compensation if a Dog Attacked Me at a Dog Park?

A dog's owner may be held liable for injuries any time their pet attacks someone without provocation. Those who are injured at a dog park may be able to show that a dog's owner did not follow the park's rules and regulations or that they did not provide proper supervision of their animal.

What Are My Options if My Dog Was Attacked or Killed By Another Dog?

When a dog bites another dog, the injuries suffered may be considered property damage. The owner of the dog that was attacked may be able to recover compensation for veterinary treatment, and if their pet was killed, damages may include the original costs of purchasing the dog, as well as any special training the dog received.

Are Some Dog Breeds More Dangerous Than Others?

While any type of dog can attack and injure someone, there are certain aggressive breeds that are commonly involved in serious dog bite injury cases. Around two-thirds of all dog bite fatalities are caused by pit bulls, and Rottweilers and German shepherds are also regularly involved in serious and fatal dog attack injuries. An owner may be found to be negligent if they did not provide the proper training and supervision of a breed of dog that is known to be dangerous.

What if I Was Attacked By an Animal Other Than a Dog?

The liability laws in Illinois apply to attacks by any animals, not just dogs. Victims of attacks by animals such as cats, birds, horses, or rodents should speak with an attorney to determine their options for recovering compensation for their injuries.

Contact a Naperville Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you have any other questions about dog bites or animal attack cases, the attorneys of Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help you understand your legal options, and we will work with you to pursue compensation for dog bite injuries. Contact us today by calling 630-552-6860 to set up a free consultation.