Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers
Have you or a family member been injured by a dog or other animal, either by being bitten by a dog or by being attacked or knocked down? Are you seeking to pursue compensation for your medical bills, pain or suffering, lost wages and other costs? If so, the Chicago dog bite attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are ready to fight for your rights. From years of experience, we understand the challenges and costs of personal injury cases from dog bites and other animal-related injuries.
We are prepared to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Chicago has a dog bite problem
We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, and we are here for you, too.
Covered on this page
Dog Bites in Chicago and Illinois
According to a State Farm report, in 2022, Illinois ranked seventh in dog bite incidents, with 729 claims filed and $49 million in claims paid that year. The state also ranked seventh in the postal worker dog attacks in 2021, with Chicago coming in eighth on a list of U.S. cities with the most dog attacks.
- People who live in urban areas are five percent more likely to be bitten by a dog than those who live in rural areas.
- Every year in the U.S., approximately 30,000 people undergo reconstructive surgery due to dog bites.
- Over 5,400 U.S. Postal Service workers reported dog attacks in 2021.
- Nationwide, dog bite claims filed through homeowners’ insurance increased from 17,597 in 2020 to 17,989 in 2021.
A Guide to Home Insurance & Dog Bite Laws in Illinois
In Illinois, the average cost of medical treatment after a dog bite is over $48,000, which is greater than the cost of other personal injury hospital stays.
The average cost per per dog bite claim nationally rose more than 103 percent from 2003 to 2018, partly due to increased judgments and jury awards given to victims. And, the average cost of a home insurance claim for dog related incidents increased 31.7 percent from 2021 to 2022.
Adults in possession of 2 or more dogs in a home are five times more likely to get a dog-related injury than those without dogs living at home.
We Get Results!
There is no damage cap for personal injury in the state of Illinois. It also does not matter whether or not the dog bite comes from a dangerous breed, such as a pit bull or Rottweiler.
$700,000
Pet store employee's nose was bitten by customer's dog while fitting the dog with a harness.
$356,000
UPS driver suffered injuries to his leg and shoulder while being chased by a dog.
$290,000
Woman who was attacked by a dog while checking on a motor vehicle accident victim.
$230,000
Woman bitten in the face by a dog at a neighborhood BBQ.
$185,000
Woman, who, while working as a concierge, was bitten by a resident's dog.
$123,676
Man was attacked while servicing cable equipment, even though the owner claimed he was trespassing.
Covered on this page
The “One Bite” Rule Does Not Exist in Chicago, Illinois
In quite a few states across the United States, there exists a “one bite” rule where the dog owner or guardian is, to a degree, exempt from legal responsibility the first time their dog causes injury as long as they did not have a reason to believe their dog to be dangerous.
However, in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois, the owner is completely liable for any time their dog causes injury. This means that despite the dog’s previous behavior, the owner is liable for their dog in any case of personal injury as long as the victim is “peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be” according to Illinois’s statute.
Owners Are Responsible for Dog Bites
In Chicago, Illinois, the owner is considered to be anyone with the right of property to the dog; this includes someone who is keeping the dog, has the dog under their care or allows the dog to be on their personal premise.
Owner Negligence
If the plaintiff is bringing a case forward of owner negligence, they must give plausible facts that demonstrate the owner’s breached responsibility. The owner may be classified as negligent from being unreasonable or failing to act, such as providing warning.
Emotional Suffering
Physical injury is not the only way to receive fair compensation for damages and loss from a dog bite. According to federal law, emotional pain, as long as it is in tandem with the physical injury, is considered justifiable suffering. Mental suffering alone is not cause for damage recovery across the United States. Nonetheless, when the victim under emotional distress resulting from close proximity to the incident, or a “zone of physical danger,” experiences fear of personal safety and suffers physical injury as a result, they can then recover damages.
However, in Illinois courts specifically, it has been determined that damages can be given to the victim for mental distress even if it does not directly relate to physical injury.
Dog Bite Fatalities and Warning Signs
Covered on this page
Know the warning signs
In some ways, dogs and humans communicate similarly, while other behaviors can have opposite meanings to the two species. For example, both humans and dogs may tend to lower their heads or look away when stressed, upset or anxious. However, other things, like eye contact, can signal friendship or openness to humans but are perceived as aggressive behaviors by dogs. To help prevent dog attacks, remember the following:
- Avoid eye contact. Dogs may see eye contact as a challenge to their power or control.
- Know stress when you see it. Many familiar actions like yawning, shaking, placing the tail between the legs and licking lips are signs of stress.
- Stay calm. Do not run from dogs or past dogs, and do not yell or make loud noises. These are cues to attack.
- Do not bother a dog that is sleeping. Be careful around dogs that are eating or have a toy they may want to protect.
Dogs let you know in their own ways when they are stressed. Here are some additional signs to look for.
How owners can prevent dog bites
In order to decrease the amount of personal injuries related to dog attacks, it is important for owners to become educated about their dog’s breed, especially if their dog has previously acted out. It is also important for any potential victim to be aware of their surroundings, particularly in case of an accidental provocation.
Statute of Limitations
Any dog bite victim, other than a minor or someone who is under a legal disability, of a dog-related injury has two years from the date of the attack to file a claim.
If it has been over two years, the lawsuit cannot be pursued. If the victim intentionally or accidentally provokes the dog, such as kicking the dog or stepping on its tail, the claim may be defensible under Illinois law. Another way for a claim to be barred is if the victim is not lawfully on the owner’s property. If the victim is invited onto the owner’s property as a guest, then it is considered lawfully being on the property. If the victim is trespassing or committing another crime, then it is likely that the damages of a dog-related injury will not be recoverable.
Covered on this page
The Effects of Dog Bite Injuries
Many dog bite victims develop long-term or even permanent damage after an attack.
Dog Bite Infections
One of the most dangerous aspects of a dog bite is the high risk of infection of the wounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 18 percent of dog bites become infected.
Dogs carry bacteria in their mouths. When they bite, it can be pushed deep into the body, making it difficult to clean. Common infections include rabies, tetanus, staph, MRSA, Pasteurella and others. Signs of infection include redness, pain, swelling, fever and warm skin.
Dog Attack Trauma
Many dog bite victims develop long-term or even permanent damage after an attack. Your livelihood, relationships and health can suffer greatly as a result.
Dog bites can cause long-term pain, nerve damage and mobility issues. Permanent scarring and disfigurement are frequent outcomes of many bites. In addition, emotional distress is common and potentially just as troublesome as the physical effects. Anxiety and fear around dogs and even post-traumatic stress disorder develop after being attacked and endure long after. This is especially true when children are attacked.
Frequently Asked Questions
No Fee Unless Your Dog Bite Case is Successful
Any personal injury consultation is free with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg.
The attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg understand that it may be difficult to understand specific state laws surrounding dog-related personal injury. We urge you to reach out to us with any queries or personal concerns.
All dog-related personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis. This means we only require payment if we succeed in getting your damages recovered.
Dog Bite Lawyers Available Throughout Illinois
SEEN ON:
