×
FREE CONSULTATIONS – CALL NOW

815.398.9700

Hablo Español
Workers Compensation

We consistently obtain substantial
settlements without a lengthy trial.

Personal Injury

Maximizing your
injury compensation.

Wrongful Death

Helping you pursue a claim against the other
party’s insurance company for your loss.

Menu
Search

Dog Bites Attorneys La Salle

Home / Dog Bites Attorneys La Salle

Dog Bites Attorneys La Salle

Dogs bite injuries can be severe and debilitating, and sometimes they can even be fatal. Young children often are at particularly high risk of serious injury in a dog attack, and it is important for parents to seek immediate treatment for wounds. In La Salle, dog bite injury victims do not need to show that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was aggressive or was likely to bite. Rather, Illinois is what is known as a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. As such, all a plaintiff needs to prove is that the defendant owned the dog and that the dog attacked without provocation.

An experienced La Salle dog bite lawyer can help with your case.

Strict Liability for Dog Bites in La Salle, IL

The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) governs dog bite injuries in the state. As we mentioned, Illinois law clarifies that liability for dog bites in La Salle are handled under a theory of strict liability as opposed to negligence.

In order to be successful in a dog bite injury case, a plaintiff in La Salle typically needs to prove the following in order to recover damages:

  • Dog attacked and bit the plaintiff;
  • Plaintiff was lawfully in the place where the dog bite occurred (in other words, the plaintiff was not trespassing); and
  • Dog was not provoked; and
  • Plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the dog bite.

Situations in Which a Plaintiff Cannot Recover Damages in La Salle for a Dog Bite Injury 

Given that dog bite claims fall under a theory of strict liability, are there any situations in which the plaintiff cannot recover damages? Generally speaking, the dog’s owner—the defendant—may be able to argue one of the following:

  • Dog was provoked when it bit the plaintiff, which could involve a number of different scenarios such as the plaintiff teasing the dog; or
  • Plaintiff was trespassing when the dog attack and dog bite injury occurred.

You should always work with an experienced La Salle personal injury lawyer on your case, and it is important to seek advice from an attorney if you have questions about your claim.

Statute of Limitations for La Salle Dog Bite Injury Lawsuits

If you are injured by a dog in La Salle, how long do you have to file a lawsuit? The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202), the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. According to the law, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date you were bitten by a dog and sustained injuries or else you can be barred from filing a claim to seek compensation.

Contact a La Salle Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Were you or someone you love injured in a dog attack? An experienced La Salle dog bite injury lawyer can assist with your case. Contact Brassfield & Krueger, LTD to learn more about the personal injury services we provide to clients in La Salle and throughout the Ottawa-Streator area.

What a few of our clients have to say about us.

Client Testimonials

Schedule A Free No Obligation Consultation

For your convenience, we have offices in Rockford and Streator.