Illinois Law Regarding Non-Bite Injuries Caused by a Dog

 Posted on April 24, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Anyone who has been around dogs can confirm that their behavior is sometimes unpredictable. A large dog may run and jump on somebody, knocking them to the ground where they suffer a serious head or spine injury. Dogs who think a neighborhood child is a threat may try to attack the child. Sometimes, dog-related injuries occur not because the dog is aggressive, but because the dog is playing and does not realize its own strength. However, this can still lead to serious injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, you may have several questions about your legal rights and options. According to Illinois law, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs in most circumstances. These laws typically apply to dog bite injuries, but the law also covers people who have suffered another type of dog-related injury.

When is an Owner Legally Responsible for an Injury Caused by Their Dog?

Each state has slightly different rules when it comes to dog owners’ liability. In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for dog-related injuries to others. This means that the owner does not have to know that the dog is aggressive to be considered legally responsible for an injury caused by his or her dog. The very first time the dog injures somebody, the owner is liable.

There are a few important exceptions to this rule: A dog owner is only liable for injuries caused to somebody who was on public property or lawfully on private property. For example, if somebody is trespassing through a backyard when they are injured by a dog, the owner may not be legally responsible for this. The owner may also avoid liability if the person who was injured was intentionally provoking or taunting the dog.

Financial Compensation for Damages

The dog owner may be required to reimburse the injured person for financial losses caused by their injuries. For example, if a child is knocked to the ground and breaks their arm, the dog owner may be required to reimburse the child's parents for the cost of emergency room care, X-rays, and hospitalization.

Compensation for non-financial losses may also be available. Someone who has been injured by a dog may suffer from anxiety, phobias, nightmares, flashbacks, and other emotional harm. Financial compensation may be available for the physical and mental pain and suffering caused by a dog attack.

Contact our Waukegan Dog Injury Attorney

If you or someone you care about suffered a non-bite injury that required medical care, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. Our Lake County personal injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 to discuss your case during a free consultation.