Rockford Dog Bite Attorneys Protecting Your Rights After An Attack

Illinois’ dog bite statute contains specific wording regarding dog bite injuries. The law, 510 ILCS 5/16, specifically states that if a dog bite victim wants to prove that the owner of the dog is liable for the dog bite injuries, the victim must show the following:

• The dog attacked, attempted to attack, or injured the victim;
• The victim was lawfully permitted to be where he or she was injured or attacked at the time of the injury or attack; and
• The dog was not provoked by the victim.

The Illinois dog bite law pertains to injuries that are caused by not only dog bites, but also by other behaviors of the dog. For instance, if you are walking down the road and a dog runs up to you, jumps on you, knocks you down, and causes you injury, you can pursue compensation under the Illinois dog bite statute.

Strict Liability in Illinois

Each state uses either a “negligence” legal theory or a “strict liability” legal theory regarding dog bites. Illinois happens to be a “strict liability” state, which means that the owner of the dog cannot use the argument that they were not aware of the dog’s aggressive tendency. If a dog injures a victim and the dog was unprovoked, the owner is automatically liable, according to the Illinois dog bite law, even if the owner had no previous warning or knowledge that the dog might bite or cause another person’s injuries.

Defenses that Owners Might Use in Dog Bite Cases

If you have been injured by a dog, you will want to find legal representation that is familiar with Illinois dog bite laws. The lawyers at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., have the level of experience that you should look for if you need legal representation.

One of the reasons that you should choose a skilled dog bite lawyer at our office is that we understand the different defenses that might be used by dog owners and how to successfully fight those defenses. There are generally two defenses for dog bite cases including Provocation and Trespassing. For example, you cannot tease or otherwise threaten or injure a dog and then turn around and file a dog bite claim against the owner of the dog. Additionally, you cannot enter the private property of a dog owner without permission and file a claim against the owner of the dog if you are bitten. Illinois law requires that you must be “lawfully” on the property in order for your claim to be valid.

Let Us Help You Today

If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation on your dog bite case with an experienced Streator or Rockford dog bite lawyer, contact the law office of Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., today at 815.398.9700. We can explain your rights under Illinois law and let you know whether your claim is valid or not.