What You Need to Know About Dog Bites and “Dangerous Dogs”

 Posted on June 09, 2021 in Dog Bites

When you think of a dog, you likely think of a happy, tail-wagging companion that is a common addition to families across the world. However, it is very easy to forget that while dogs can be part of the family, they are still living creatures that can sometimes act unpredictably and lash out if they feel the need. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Insurance Information Institute (III), there are an estimated 85 million dogs in the U.S., however, insurance companies paid out around $854 million in claims relating to dog bites in 2020 alone. If you have been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you are likely eligible for claiming compensation for your injuries.

Illinois’ Animal Control Act and Liability

In the state of Illinois, owners are responsible for the actions of their animals in nearly all situations. If a person is bitten by a dog, the owner of that dog is liable for the injuries that the dog causes. Specifically, the Illinois Animal Control Act states that a person is responsible for civil remedies for injuries caused by their dog biting a person if the person was in a place that they were legally allowed to be and the dog was not provoked.

Dangerous Dogs and the Law

Nobody wants to believe that their canine companion is dangerous, but there are occasions where dogs can be unpredictable. Dogs can be deemed “dangerous” or “vicious” by the state under certain circumstances, in which case, the owners would be notified of their dog’s status in writing. In some situations, a person who is bitten by a dog is bitten by one who has a history of dangerous behavior or biting. In these cases, the owner would have even more of a responsibility to ensure his or her dog is not a danger to others.

According to Illinois law, a “dangerous dog” is a dog who behaves in a manner that poses a serious risk of injury to a person while the dog is unleashed, unmuzzled, and/or unattended on property that is not the dog owner’s property and the person is legally allowed to be present there. A “vicious dog” is one that causes serious physical injury to another person, unprovoked, or who has been deemed “dangerous” on three separate occasions. An owner who is notified of incidents involving their dog has more of a responsibility to supervise and monitor activity and interactions with his or her dog at all times.

Discuss Your Case with an Orland Park, IL Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Every year, thousands of dog bites are reported, with many of them requiring medical care. Dog bites can be serious injuries that require extensive medical attention and could even potentially result in scarring or disfigurement. If you have been bitten by a dog, you should speak with an Illinois dog bite injury attorney to discuss your options for compensation. Call Issa Law, LLC today at 708-966-2408 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/mcm-dog-bite-prevention-week-2021-infographic-v3.pdf

https://www.iii.org/article/spotlight-on-dog-bite-liability

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704