Dog bites can leave devastating scars on victims. If you are the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, contact the dog bite lawyers now.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and fatalities. In the state of Illinois, victims of dog attacks may hold the owner liable for any and all damages. If a dog or other pet in Illinois has injured you, call an experienced Illinois dog attack lawyer right away to discuss your legal options.

Illinois Dog Bite Law

Illinois has adopted a very clear Animal Control Act, which makes the owner of dangerous animals accountable for the damage they cause. Under Illinois legal code 510 ILCS 5/16:Sec. 16, “If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.”

The Legal Rights of Dog Attack Victim

Victims of dog attacks may pursue damages for:

Medical Expenses: Any related medical bills that result from the attack may be considered in a dog bite lawsuit. This amount should include future medical needs such as follow-up visits, physical therapy and cosmetic surgery.

Loss of Earnings: If a victim misses work because of the injuries suffered, the lost wages may be compensated.

Pain and Suffering: A judge or jury will usually put a monetary value on the physical pain and mental anguish the attack caused the victim.

Emotional Distress: Illinois courts have ruled that a victim may be eligible for compensation even when they are not physically injured. Victims who experience mental anguish and fear for their life are eligible for compensation.

A dog attack attorney will review all aspects of your case to determine what damages you may be eligible to seek and receive.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,000 U.S. citizens visit the emergency room every day for a dog bite injury. While any breed of dog can cause serious injury, the pit bull is specifically responsible for the most attacks. Dogsbite.org, a Seattle-based dog bite victims’ advocacy group, reported that between the years of 2006 and 2008, pit bulls were involved in 59 percent of all fatal dog attacks. Of those, 16 fatal dog attacks that took place off the owner’s property. Pit bulls accounted for 81 percent of fatal dog attacks.

Personal injury lawyer E. Ryan Bradley vigorously investigates incidents and helps assess fault and liability. He offers comprehensive consultations to anyone who has been emotionally and physically injured in an animal attack. There are statutes of limitations on all types of personal injury claims. So please call right away to discuss your potential claim.