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LaSalle County Dog Bite Attorneys

Home / LaSalle County Dog Bite Attorneys

LaSalle County Dog Bite Attorneys

Being attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience. It can leave you with lasting physical and emotional scars. Understandably, you may have numerous questions and concerns about how your medical bills will be paid, how much time you will lose from work, and how to cope with the emotional trauma of such an experience. In Illinois, there are specific laws that deal with dog bite liability. It is imperative that you seek medical treatment right away and then contact our LaSalle County dog bite attorneys.

Proving Liability in an Illinois Dog Bite Incident

In order to recover compensation for your damages, you must show that the dog owner is liable. To do so, you must prove the following:   

  • The person’s dog attacked or attempted to attack you;
  • You were lawfully permitted to be at the location where the attack took place; and
  • You did not provoke the dog in any way.

While this law pertains to dog bites in Illinois, it also extends to other actions, like being knocked down and injured by a dog.

Illinois and Strict Liability

State laws on dog bites will vary between the law of negligence and strict liability. Illinois follows the strict liability theory, which means that the dog owner cannot use the argument that he or she was unaware the dog was aggressive. If you do not provoke the dog, and it attacks you, the owner is automatically on the hook. There is no defense that the owner had no knowledge the dog might bite someone or cause injuries.

Common Injuries from a Dog Bite

Certain types of injuries tend to be more common when it comes to dog bite injuries. These injuries can include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Infections
  • Eye injuries
  • Face injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Scars
  • Rabies
  • Emotional trauma

You should take a dog bite seriously, even if it seems to be only a minor surface wound. It is quite common to develop an infection. Also, there is always a risk of rabies, especially if the dog was wild. Scarring is also something with which many dog bite victims must contend. Getting treatment sooner rather than later can help reduce the risk of infection and the potential amount of scarring.

Defenses to Dog Bite Injuries in LaSalle County

Our LaSalle dog bite attorneys are well-versed in the defenses that the dog owner’s insurance company will try to use. The two primary defenses are provocation and trespassing. The owner will claim you provoked their dog or that you were trespassing on their property, even if you did neither.  

Contact LaSalle County Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you need assistance pursuing a dog owner for injuries you sustained from an attack, let our experienced personal injury attorneys help. Contact Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. today for assistance.

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