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Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys

Home / Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys

Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys

Being attacked by a dog is understandably a terrifying ordeal. You could be left with lasting emotional and physical scars as well as considerable expenses. You might have questions about who will pay for your medical expenses, what happens if you cannot go back to work right away, and how you should deal with the emotional trauma. Illinois has laws that specifically apply to dog bite liability. If you suffered injuries due to a dog bite in Illinois, go get medical treatment as soon as possible and then reach out to a skilled Rockford dog bite attorney.

How to Prove Liability in an Illinois Dog Bite Case

Illinois law requires you to prove the dog owner was liable to recover compensation for your injuries. This is accomplished by showing evidence of the following:

  • The owner’s dog attacked or attempted to attack you
  • You were a lawful visitor on the premises 
  • You did not provoke the dog to bite

While liability statutes pertain to Illinois dog bites, they have also been used in related cases, such as being knocked to the ground by a dog.

Strict Liability in Illinois

Depending on the state, you may be dealing with negligence and strict liability laws. Illinois has strict liability, which means the dog owner is prohibited from claiming that they were unaware their dog had a propensity for biting. If the dog attacks you without provocation, the owner is responsible. They do not have an applicable defense that they did not know that their dog might cause injuries or bite someone.

Common Types of Injuries in Rockford Dog Bite Cases

We tend to see certain types of injuries in dog bite cases. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Eye injuries
  • Face injuries
  • Infections
  • Nerve damage
  • Permanent scarring
  • Rabies
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

You should always take a dog bite seriously, even if you think your injuries are superficial. It is not uncommon to develop a secondary infection after a dog bite injury. There is also the risk of rabies, especially if you do not know the dog’s vaccine history. Even minor wounds can heal poorly, resulting in significant scarring. That is why we suggest seeking medical treatment without delay. 

Are There Any Defenses to Dog Bite Injuries in Illinois?

Our legal team is well-versed in the defenses that the owner’s insurance company might try to assert. There are two primary ones—provocation or trespassing. They will claim you provoked their dog or that you were trespassing on their property, even if you had a legal right to be there.

Contact Our Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you need assistance pursuing compensation after a dog bite in Illinois, let our experienced legal team help. Contact Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., today to schedule an initial consultation.

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