Animal Attacks
Each year, millions of dog bite injuries are reported across the United States, yet many more go unreported. Experiencing an attack by a dog or other domestic animal can be terrifying and traumatic, and may cause significant injury.
In Illinois, in order to prove a dog or other animal is liable for a bite, an injured person must show that:
- The dog or other animal attacked, attempted to attack or injured the person.
- The person had a lawful right to be in the place he or she was when attacked or injured
- The dog or animal was not provoked.
Illinois’ dog bite law covers both injuries caused by animal bites and injuries caused by other animal behaviors. For instance, if a person is walking down a public sidewalk and a dog runs out of its yard and jumps on the person, knocking him down and causing injury, the injured person may be entitled to compensation under Illinois law.
When it comes to animal bites or other injuries caused by animals, Illinois is a “strict liability” state, meaning the animal’s owner cannot argue that he or she had no warning of the animal’s aggressive or injury-causing tendencies. If an animal injures a person without provocation, the owner may be liable – even if the owner had no previous knowledge that the animal might cause injuries.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones and bone dislocation
- Lacerations, contusions and abrasions
- Disfigurement and scarring of the face, hands and legs
- Infection
- Psychological and emotional trauma
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries as a result of an animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation for payment of current and ongoing medical expenses, mental health treatment, emotional and psychological distress, lost wages and income earning ability, disfigurement and scarring, pain and suffering, and loss of a normal life.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations on dog bites is two years from the date of the dog bite.
Central Illinois Animal Attack Attorney
At LeFante Law Offices, P.C. our skilled attorneys are highly experienced at dealing with personal injury law and can assist you in recovering compensation for your animal attack injury.
To schedule a free legal consultation, please call the Peoria animal attack lawyers at LeFante Law Offices, P.C. today at 309-999-1111. Or contact us electronically by using this online form.
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