Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys

Most dogs are friendly, and most people who approach dogs never assume that a dog will attack. But dog bites do happen in Illinois, and when they do, the victims can be left with tragic injuries, ranging from permanent scarring and disfigurement to psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder.

In order for dog bite victims to recover compensation for their injuries, they need to report the bite to the proper authorities promptly, seek medical care, and file a dog bite claim. For legal representation when pursuing a dog bite claim in Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago dog bite attorneys at the The Horwitz Law Group.

Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Illinois

States typically enforce a one-bite, or negligence based system of liability in regards to dog bites, or a strict liability system. Illinois follows the latter, which means that when a person is bitten or otherwise injured by a dog, they do not have to prove the negligence of the animal’s owner. Instead, 510 ILCS 5/16 reads that:

If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person….the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury…

Some key parts of this statute to keep in mind following a dog bite include:

Without provocation – This part of the statute means that in the event that the injured person provoked the dog prior to the dog’s attack, the dog owner may not be liable for the injured person’s damages. The dog’s owner may also not be held liable if the victim was not conducting themselves peaceably at the time of injury, or if the dog bite victim was trespassing.
Owner – While the statute uses the word “owner,” it is important to note that any custodian of a dog, harborer, or keeper may be held liable.

Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Illinois

While you do not need to prove negligence in a Chicago dog bite claim, you do need to be sure to file your claim within the state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for pursuing a dog bite claim is two years from the date of injury. If you wait longer than this, you may not be able to recover compensation at all.

Work with An Experienced Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer

Even though you do not need to prove negligence, you will still need to prove the extent of damages that you have suffered, and you will need to negotiate for a fair settlement amount. At the Horwitz Law Group, we can handle all aspects of your dog bite claim, and will work hard to get you the money you deserve and need for your injuries. We have years’ worth of experience, and know what it takes to deal with insurance companies.

Meet Your
Winning Team

MARK J. HORWITZ

Managing Partner

JARED J. DUGGAN

Managing Attorney

ANGIE GALAVIZ

Legal Assistant

LAURINE SARGENT

Legal Assistant

Case Results

$4,500,000.00

for a young lady who was run over by a private waste hauling company while crossing the street.

$2,100,000.00

for a client injured in a 2005 Metra train derailment case.

$2,300,000.00

for a client whose family was killed by a street sweeper that ran a red light.

$1,400,000.00

for a premises liability accident resulting in below the knee amputation.

$1,200,000.00

for a woman who was hit by a car while crossing the street.

$1,197,000.00

for a client who was injured on the CTA red line train.

$175,000.00

for a client who had lawyers at another law firm trying to settle the accident case for only $60,000.

$100,000.00

for a client who was crushed between two cars nearly severing off her leg.

$100,000.00

for a client whose son was accidentally run over by her husband as he backed out of their driveway.

Tell Us About Your Case

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Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys