Dogs can be lovable pets that are treated like a member of a family. However, while many dogs are friendly, others may be aggressive toward strangers or protective of their property. Even a seemingly calm dog may behave unexpectedly and attack a person with no warning. Dog bites can have a serious effect on the victim’s life. Not only can the physical injuries be severe, but the emotional trauma of being attacked by an animal can be significant. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, you may be wondering if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Liability for Dog Bite Injuries
In Illinois, dog owners are held strictly liable for damages suffered by a victim of a dog bite. This means that the victim does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent in order to recover compensation. The victim simply needs to show that he or she was bitten by the dog and suffered injuries as a result. There are some exceptions that may apply, such as when the victim acted in a way that provoked the dog into attacking them or when a person was trespassing on private property. However, in most cases, a dog’s owner will be liable for injuries and damages suffered by dog bite victims, regardless of whether they were aware that a dog had a history of aggressive behavior or whether the dog had ever bitten someone in the past.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for all of the ways they have been affected by their injuries. These can include:
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Medical expenses – Dog bites can result in multiple types of serious injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and nerve damage. Victims may require emergency medical treatment, surgery, and ongoing care. The costs of this treatment can be very high, especially if major surgical procedures are required or if ongoing physical therapy is needed. A dog’s owner may be required to pay all of the costs related to past and future medical treatment.
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Lost wages – If a dog bite injury is severe enough, a victim may be unable to work while they are recovering. In some cases, an injury may result in a permanent disability, such as nerve damage that affects a person’s ability to use their hands. A victim may be compensated for the income they are unable to earn while recovering from their injuries, as well as the loss of future income due to a disability.
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Pain and suffering – Serious dog bites can be very painful, and a person’s quality of life may be significantly diminished while they are recovering. A victim may also experience emotional trauma or PTSD, especially if a dog bite resulted in serious scarring and disfigurement. The dog’s owner may be required to pay compensation that will address these issues.
Contact Our Peoria Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you or a member of your family have been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you have suffered and any other damages you have experienced. At Kanoski Bresney, our Bloomington dog bite lawyers will fight to get you the full amount of compensation that you deserve. Contact our office today at 888-826-8682 to arrange a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41