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How Do Dog Bite Injury Cases Work in Illinois?
Dog bites are a serious concern for many people, particularly those who have been the victim of a dog bite themselves or know someone who has. In Illinois, dog bite cases are governed by the Animal Control Act. Today, we’ll explore how dog bites injury cases work in Illinois and your legal rights as an injured party.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a dog attack, you need an experienced Bloomington dog bite lawyer to help you navigate the legal path ahead.
Understanding the Animal Control Act
The Animal Control Act in Illinois is a very strong law for victims of dog bites. This law places responsibility on whoever owns, harbors, or is responsible for a dog that bites another person. It puts the responsibility squarely on whoever a dog belongs to or whoever is responsible for a dog that bites another person.
This means that if someone else’s dog has bitten you and you did not provoke the dog, you have a legal right to compensation for your injuries.
Proving Provocation in Dog Bite Injury Cases
Provocation is a legitimate defense for someone being sued for a dog bite injury. However, it’s worth noting that the provocation defense is often raised by dog owners to avoid liability. In Illinois, provocation has to rise to the level of aggression toward the dog, such as hitting or kicking it. Petting a dog, for example, would not be considered a provocation.
Settling Out of Court in Dog Bite Injury Cases
Because the law is so favorable to injured people, you can often settle your personal injury case out of court.
This is important because often, when a person is bitten by a dog, it’s someone they are familiar with, such as a neighbor, close friend, or family member. In these cases, people may not want to get involved in litigation against someone they know well.
The good news is that insurance companies often offer fair settlements because they don’t want to go to court in a case that they know they’re going to lose. This can provide a victim with the financial compensation they need to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the dog bite injury.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog
Failing to follow the proper procedure after being attacked is one of the most common mistakes in Illinois dog bite cases.
If a dog in Illinois has bitten you, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- First, seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite appears to be minor. Dog bites can be dangerous and lead to infections, so getting medical treatment right away is crucial.
- Second, report the dog bite to the authorities. This can include animal control, the police, or other local agencies. Reporting the bite can help prevent future attacks and provide important evidence for your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Third, contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite injury cases. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Final Thoughts
Dog bite injuries can be traumatic and have long-lasting effects on a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite in Illinois, it’s important to understand your legal rights and to take action to protect them.
The Animal Control Act in Illinois provides strong protections for dog bite victims. A skilled personal injury lawyer at Onward Injury Law can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve in your dog bite injury case.
Contact us today so we can review your dog bite case and work toward getting you the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries.
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