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. In fact, 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. There are many different struggles ahead of you when you must recover from a dog bite injury, and our team of lawyers will be with you at every step. They want to answer all of your questions to help you know what’s ahead, including those below and more.
What happens when someone’s dog bites me in Illinois?
In Illinois, the owner of a dog has strict liability for the injuries that it causes. Strict liability means that you do not have to prove fault in order 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 he/she has 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 he/she lacked knowledge that the dog would attack or bite.
Is there a cap on damages for dog bites in Illinois?
There is no cap for personal injury damages when it comes to dog bites in the state of Illinois. This is a benefit to you because dog attacks are often surprising in the extent of the injuries and complications they cause. It’s not uncommon to deal with significant long-term effects, such as:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Aggressive infections
- Scars
- Emotional distress
It’s very difficult 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 attack you suffered. The lawyers at Lindner Law, LLC are experts at getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
Are there different rules for dangerous breeds in Illinois?
While many people have concerns about certain breeds of dogs, such as Rottweilers or pit bulls, Illinois law does not make a distinction when it comes to your ability to get compensated for your injuries.
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 send us an email to get started.