Can I Pursue Compensation After an Attack by an Unleashed Dog?

Victims of an Animal Attack by Unleashed Dogs Have Rights

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Victims of unprovoked dog attacks have the legal right to sue the unleashed dog’s owner for legal damages if they suffer serious injuries.

In Illinois, many people are hurt each year when unleashed dogs attack them. These dog owners are responsible for restraining their pets, which makes them liable for any dog bite injuries that may occur.

A Chicago dog bite lawyer at our law firm can guide you through the claims process to fight for fair compensation if you have suffered from an unleashed dog attack in Illinois.

Critical Steps to Take After the Incident

If you want to pursue compensation for your losses, you must take the appropriate steps immediately following the incident:

• Seek medical attention to be diagnosed and treated for your injuries
• Report the incident to the local animal control agency and the police if necessary
• Identify the owner of the unleashed dog and inform them of the attack
• Retain all medical records associated with your injuries
• Consult the top dog attack lawyers in the state

Following these steps will give you the best chance of prioritizing your health and preparing for a successful legal claim.

How a Dog Owner Is Held Liable for Dog Bites

Most jurisdictions in the state have leash laws that prohibit unleashed dogs in public areas, including sidewalks, trails, and most parks. If the owner violates these statutes, they are probably guilty of negligence. If an unleashed dog hurts someone, the owner can be held liable for the resulting legal damages.

Many states, including Illinois (510 ILCS 5/16), have a strict liability rule for dog attacks. This means that a person who is injured by a dog and did not provoke them or trespass on private property at the time can sue the owner for legal damages.

The dog’s previous behavior has no bearing on the owner’s liability. Some states have a “one-bite rule,” where the owner may be exempt from liability if the dog has never bitten anyone else or demonstrated aggressive behavior.

Dog bite injuries can have a major impact on the victim’s life. If you are hurt by a friend’s dog or a loose dog out in public, you could pursue compensation for the following damages:

• Lost wages – If the dog bite forces you to miss work while recovering from injuries, you can seek lost income in the settlement
• Medical expenses – Costs associated with medical treatment for a dog bite, such as surgery, medication, or ongoing therapy, can be covered by the claim
• Emotional distress – An attack by an unleashed dog could lead to emotional health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a fear of other dogs
• Disability and disfigurement – An extremely severe dog bite may leave the victim with scarring or a permanent disability, which can influence the case value
• Pain and suffering – Injuries that cause significant physical pain can increase the non-economic losses assessed in your claim
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If the physical or emotional impact of the unleashed dog attack makes it harder to enjoy life, this can be considered a legal loss

Contact Us for a Free Consultation About Your Case

Dog owners must be held accountable for failing to protect others from harm. In Illinois, unless you were trespassing on the owner’s property or provoking the dog, the owner is strictly liable for the legal damages you suffered due to the attack. Our unleashed dog attack injury lawyers in Chicago know what it takes to prove your innocence and secure fair compensation.

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the incident
• Gathering evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and dog vaccination records
• Assessing all legal damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies for the maximum settlement
• Litigating in civil court if a settlement cannot be reached

If an unleased dog caused you harm, we want you to understand your legal options. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. Together, we will hold the owner accountable for allowing their unleashed dog to hurt you.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.