DOG BITES ATTORNEY IN PEORIA, ILLINOIS
Although dogs are sometimes referred to as “man’s best friend”, dog bite laws exist for a reason. Dog bites can often result in serious physical and psychological consequences. You may be entitled to compensation if you are the victim of a dog bite.
The State of Illinois has a statute that makes the owner of a dog (or any other animal) strictly liable for injuries to people, regardless of any negligence by the defendant.
The pertinent parts of that statute read:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such persons fo the full amount of the injury proximately cause thereby.”
According to this statute, an injured person must be able to show the following:
A dog attempted to or actually injured the person
The individual had a lawful right to be in the place they were at the time of the attack
The dog was not provoked in any way
Provocation includes things like teasing or physically abusing the dog. For example, if you hit the dog and they bite you, the owner will generally not be held liable.
It is important to note that there is a 2 year time limit from the time of the accident to file a claim and have it be heard in court.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be compensated for injuries sustained from a dog bite. Contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions and talk about next steps.