Schaumburg Dog Bite Lawyers

Attorneys for Animal Attacks in DuPage County and Cook County

Illinois has a statute called the Animal Control Act that allows injured parties to recover from the owners of animals causing such injuries. Also, many towns and villages throughout the state have ordinances that are helpful in recovering compensation for injuries caused by animals. Normally, homeowner's insurance for the animal's owner will cover such injuries. Injuries can result from dog bites, animal knockdowns, and other animal bites or attacks.

Deadlines for Filing a Claim Under the Animal Control Act

Every state has a time limit, or statute of limitations, for personal injury lawsuits (including dog bite injuries). The statute of limitations places limits on the time span in which an injured person can file a lawsuit after an injury. The statute of limitations can vary depending on the circumstances; therefore, it is important to know when the statute will run so you can get your lawsuit filed before that date. In Illinois, victims generally have two years after a dog bite occurred to pursue a lawsuit against the dog's owner or other liable parties.

Illinois' Animal Control Act Statute

The Illinois Animal Control Act states that in order to prove the dog or owner is liable for the attack, an injured party must show the following:

• The dog or other animal attacked, attempted to attack, or injured someone;
• The person had a right to be in the place where the attack or injury occurred; and
• The dog or other animal was not provoked.

The Illinois Animal Control Act governs injuries caused by animal bites and other behaviors. For example, say a dog escapes from their owner and knocks someone down on the sidewalk, causing an injury to a passerby. The injured person has the right to seek compensation under this act.

Strict Liability Dog Bites in the State of Illinois

Generally, states in the U.S. judge dog bite cases by two separate theories: strict liability or negligence. Illinois is a strict liability state regarding dog bites and other injuries caused by an animal. Strict liability means that the owner of the animal cannot argue that they had no warning of an animal's aggressive nature. If a dog or other animal injures a person without provocation, the owner is liable, even if they did not know that the animal was likely to cause injuries.

The strict liability rule is used for dog bites and other injuries caused by canines. For example, if a person is knocked down by a dog, the owner is still liable, even if they did not know that the animal would jump.

Contact an Experienced Illinois Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a dog bite or other injury from an animal, our attorneys can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us at 847-240-9010 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We have been handling personal injury cases involving dog bites and injuries from animals in Illinois for over 40 years, and our firm has a proven track record of favorable results. Located in Schaumburg, Illinois just west of Woodfield Mall, we offer flexible consultation appointment scheduling. If your injuries prevent travel, one of our attorneys will come to you to discuss your legal rights.