It has been estimated that more than 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs on an annual basis and approximately one out of every six bites are serious enough to require medical attention. In Illinois, the party liable for a dog (or other animal) attack may range from the individual owner to an entity owner of the premises where the bite or attack occurs. If you live in the Chicago area, and you have suffered injuries after being bitten or attacked by a dog or another animal, it is important to know your legal rights.

Illinois lawmakers have enacted legislation, known as the Animal Control Act, to hold party's liable for attacks by animals of which they own or control. Specifically, Chapter 510 ILCS 5/16 provides, in part, the following:

ANIMAL CONTROL ACT
§ 510 ILCS 5/16. [Attack or injury by animal; liability of owner]

Sec. 16. If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself in any place where he may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in damages to such person for the full amount of the injury sustained.

Your ability to recover compensation depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack. Lawyers in our firm will assist you in determining your rights under the Animal Control Act, and will vigorously fight for fair compensation for the injuries sustained.

If you or a loved one has been or attacked or injured by an animal or dog, contact us online or call us at 312-422-9500 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.