Illinois Dog Bite Laws Explained

If you’ve been injured because of a dog attack in Illinois, you may be wondering about the laws surrounding the dog owner’s liability.

First, you should be aware that seeking damages for a dog bite or other dog-related injury isn’t always easy. You must be able to prove that the dog injured you and that it was unprovoked.

If you have any concerns about your case or need help filing an injury claim against the dog’s owner, call an attorney with our firm to discuss your case during a free claim evaluation. Below, we examine the main laws concerning dog bite cases in Illinois.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Illinois

When you’ve been hurt by a dog, you can file an injury claim for the damages you’ve suffered. Your damages could consist of surgeries, hospital bills, and other medical expenses, time missed from work, and pain and suffering. You must file your dog bite claim within two years of the date of your injury.

If you fail to file your claim within this mandated time frame—called the statute of limitations—you will lose your right to file an injury claim.

Additionally, the longer you wait to file a claim, the more likely evidence will be lost or witnesses will lose their memories of the incident. The sooner you file your claim, the better chance you have of a successful outcome.

Strict Liability for Illinois Dog Attacks

Illinois imposes strict liability on the owners of dogs that bite people. This means that, if a dog harms you, you can seek damages whether it was the dog’s first time attacking someone or not. This rule covers dog-related injuries other than bites. For instance, if a dog jumps on you and knocks you down, the owner would still face strict liability.

The owner is liable for any damages you suffered if an unprovoked dog injured you and you weren’t doing anything illegal.

Proving Your Illinois Dog Bite Case

To get the compensation you deserve for your dog attack injuries, you will have to prove your claim. This means you will need to demonstrate the following:

• That you were attacked and injured by the dog
• That you suffered damages because of the injury
• That you didn’t provoke the dog in any way
• That you were legally allowed near the dog (you were in public or allowed on the dog owner’s property)

Consult a Rockford Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been seriously injured by a dog, contact a dog bite attorney for help obtaining compensation for your damages. Losses from a dog bite can add up quickly—hospital expenses and missed work wages alone can devastate your wallet. You should not have to pay for losses you’ve suffered due another person’s inability to train his or her dog.

To talk with a Rockford dog bite attorney at Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC, dial 815-656-4600 or enter your case information into the form below. We offer free case reviews, so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch.