Trusted Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Victims
Holding Illinois dog owners liable for the harm and scarring their pets cause
While many people love dogs, that does not give their owners the right to fail to protect people who come into contact with them. Dog owners in Chicago have a duty to warn visitors they have a dog and to restrain dogs that are aggressive. According to dogsbite.org, each day 1,000 U.S citizens visit an emergency room because of a dog bite.
Our Chicago dog bite attorneys understand the premises liability laws and other dog bite laws that govern how dog owners must protect Illinois residents. Whether a dog bite happens to a child or an adult, we work to prove the dog owner failed to meet these laws or failed to comport with standard behavior for dog owners. At Gainsberg Law, we seek damages for any surgeries needed, amputation or loss of limb, scarring, physical pain, emotional suffering, medical bills, and wage loss.
Who is most vulnerable to a dog bite?
Children are especially susceptible to being bitten. They have less caution than adults that a dog may bite and more zeal to try to play with the dog. The elderly are also prone to dog bites because they cannot maneuver out of the way of an aggressive dog in the same manner as younger adults can.
Why dog owners are liable for dog bites
Dog owners have a duty to make their property safe. This includes the inside and outside of their home or residence. This duty applies to people they invite onto their property and passersby. The duty generally does not apply to anyone who trespasses on his or her property.
Our Chicago dog bite attorneys understand that most homeowners have homeowner’s insurance and most renters have renter’s insurance. The insurance normally will pay for the damages up to the policy limits if fault on the part of the dog owner can be proved.
In some cases, the owners of the property where the bite occurred can also be sued even if they are different than the dog owner. In Illinois, it is generally not a defense that the dog owner didn’t know that the dog had a propensity to bite.
What laws apply?
In addition to premises liability law, there are specific Illinois dog safety laws, such as the Illinois Animal Control Act, that provide that:
- Dogs that bite should be tested for rabies.
- Stray dogs may be impounded or even put to sleep if the owner cannot be found.
- If the dog is found to be “vicious,” it can be neutered, put to sleep, or ordered that it be enclosed.
- Dogs may be ordered to be muzzled
- Dogs not on the owner’s property may be required to be on a leash.
- The dog may be required to attend obedience school
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:
Speak with a skilled Chicago dog bite attorney by making an appointment now
If you or a loved one was attacked or bitten by a dog, you have rights. Dog owners in Illinois are strictly liable to protect most citizens if their dog bites. Our Chicago dog bite lawyers work to prove the attack occurred and that your injuries resulted from the attack. Dogs are not always your best friends. Prompt attention is a must to be able to hold the dog owners responsible and also to treat the wounds. For help from an experienced lawyer, call Gainsberg Law at 312-600-9585 or reach us through our contact form to review your case.