Geneva Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bites can be terrifying events. At Feagans Law Group P.C., we work closely with accident victims who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Illinois dog bite law holds dog owners strictly liable, so they can be responsible for the damages their dog causes without the dog bite victim having to show that the owner was negligent. If you need help pursuing fair compensation, contact our law firm for a free and confidential consultation with a Geneva dog bite attorney. Call us at (630) 940-2093 or contact us online to get started today. 

Illinois Dog Bite Laws

Illinois’ primary dog bite law is a strict liability law, which holds dog owners liable for the full amount of injury their dog causes when it attacks, attempts to attack, or injures anyone who is lawfully on the property and does not provoke the dog. You do not have to show the dog’s owner was negligent or knew their dog had dangerous propensities to recover compensation under this statute. 

The Illinois Animal Control Act identifies situations where dogs are considered dangerous and owners have heightened duties. A dangerous dog is one that is unleashed, unmuzzled, or unattended and behaves in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to feel threatened with serious physical injury or death to a person or other pet. A dog is also considered dangerous if it has bitten someone before without provocation. Owners of dangerous dogs may be required to complete behavioral training for their dog or to supervise or muzzle their dog when on public property. The owner may also be required to register the dog with the local animal control agency, keep it contained in a secure area, and post a dangerous dog warning sign. 

Furthermore, a vicious dog is one that has previously bitten someone without justification and caused a serious physical injury or death or has been found to be a dangerous dog three separate times. Vicious dogs must be kept in an enclosure at all times. 

If a dog bites someone, the dog must be observed under another Illinois law for up to ten days. A licensed veterinarian must examine the dog within 24 hours of the bite. If the dog is not microchipped, it must be during the confinement period at the owner’s expense. If it does not have a rabies shot, it must receive one during the confinement period at the owner’s expense. Failing to comply with these laws is a Class A misdemeanor. 

These dog bite laws can be complicated. Our diligent Geneva personal injury attorney will know how to use them to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

If a dog bites you, you should take steps to protect your health and legal claim, including:

• Apply first aid to the bite.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the dog bite to local animal control authorities.
• Ask the dog owner for veterinary and vaccination records.
• Ask for the dog owner’s information.
• Speak to an experienced dog bite attorney

Contact a Geneva Dog Bite Attorney for Legal Help and Representation 

If a dog bites you, a Geneva dog bite attorney from Feagans Law Group P.C. can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Contact us online or by calling (630) 940-2093 to schedule your free initial consultation.