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Illinois Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

When a dog attacks you or someone you love, it can be one of the most frightening moments of your life. Most people have a hard time believing that dogs can be as dangerous as they sometimes are.

At Lindner Law, LLC, our attorneys fight to hold dog owners responsible for the injuries that their dogs inflict. You will face many different struggles when you must recover from a dog bite injury, and our team of lawyers will be with you at every step. We want to answer all your questions to help you know what’s ahead, including those below and more.

What Happens When Someone’s Dog Bites You In Illinois?

In Illinois, the owner of a dog is liable for the injuries it causes. Strict liability means that you do not have to prove fault to recover money for your injuries. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, there are only four elements which the injured party must prove:

Injury caused by a dog “owned” by the defendant
Lack of provocation
Peaceable conduct of the injured person
The presence of the injured person in a place where they have a right to be

Illinois’ strict liability stands in contrast to many states that maintain a “scienter” rule, also known as a “one bite rule,” which allows a dog owner to escape liability if the dog didn’t have a previous history of biting and the owner did not have reason to expect the dog would attack or bite.

Seeking Compensation After A Dog Bite

Victims of dog bites can seek various types of compensation, including:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage

You can file claims against dog owners and, in some cases, third parties. Emotional suffering, when combined with physical injuries, justifies compensation. An experienced Illinois dog bite attorney can help ensure you receive proper compensation.

Is There A Cap On Damages For Dog Bites In Illinois?

There is no cap for personal injury damages regarding dog bites in Illinois. This benefits you because dog attacks are often surprising in the extent of the injuries and complications they cause. It’s common to contend with significant long-term effects, such as:

Permanent disfigurement
Aggressive infections
Scars
Emotional distress

It’s challenging to put a price on the damage that can happen during a dog attack. The permanence of the scars alone could be a constant reminder of the harrowing animal attack you suffered. The lawyers at Lindner Law, LLC have the skill necessary to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Serious Injuries From Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in serious injuries with long-term effects. Common injuries include:

High risk of infection
Nerve damage
Mobility issues
Permanent scarring
Emotional distress (anxiety, fear around dogs, PTSD)

Children and older adults are often the most common victims of severe dog bite injuries.

Are There Different Rules For Dangerous Breeds In Illinois?

While many people are concerned about specific dog breeds, such as Rottweilers or pit bulls, Illinois law allows compensation for injuries regardless of the dog’s breed.

Statute Of Limitations For Dog Bite Claims In Illinois

In Illinois, individuals bitten by a dog have a two-year period from the incident date to submit a claim. The claim may be defensible under Illinois law if the victim provokes the dog or is not lawfully on the owner’s property. It’s essential to act quickly to ensure you protect your rights.

Importance Of Hiring An Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer

Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies are often difficult to negotiate with, especially without legal representation. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average insurance payout for a dog bite claim in 2023 was $58,545. However, victims without a lawyer often receive significantly lower settlements due to the complexities of the legal process and the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts.

Why Choose Lindner Law, LLC?

Even though our main offices are in Milwaukee and Appleton, Wisconsin, we are highly experienced in handling dog bite cases in Illinois. Don’t let our location deter you; we can fight just as hard, if not harder, than a firm in Illinois. Let us fight to make it right for you.

Your Situation Demands A Personalized Review

Every single injury is unique, and that’s especially true for dog bites. Reach out to our team to get a free consultation with a skilled dog bite attorney who can help you find the answers to all your questions. Call 888-217-1625 or email us to begin.