Most dogs are lovable, furry companions. Unfortunately, not all dogs live up to this reputation. Dog attacks can leave victims with horrible injuries including facial lacerations, damage to the hands and fingers, and deep puncture wounds. Because dogs’ saliva is teeming with bacteria and other pathogens, dog bites injuries can also become dangerously infected. Sometimes, dog attacks are even fatal – especially when the victim is a child. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, you may wonder if you can sue the dog’s owner. The answer to that question varies, but in most cases, it is possible to sue a negligent dog owner for dog attack injuries.
Illinois Law Regarding Dog Attacks
States handle dog bite liability differently. In some states, a dog owner is not responsible for dog-related injuries unless he or she knew that the dog was aggressive. These are sometimes called “one-bite” states because the owner often avoids liability for a first-time dog attack. Illinois is not a one-bite state. In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs if:
- The victim was on public property such as a park or public sidewalk or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack
- The injuries were caused by the dog
- The victim did not provoke the dog
Put another way, as long as you were not intentionally provoking the dog or trespassing, the dog owner is most likely liable for dog bite injuries. In Illinois, dog owners are also liable for non-bite injuries caused by a dog. For example, if a dog knocks you to the ground and you sustain a traumatic brain injury, the dog owner may be liable.
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