Dog Bites And Animal Attacks In Addison
Even the most properly trained and well-behaved animals can be unpredictable with strangers or even with close friends and family. In many cases, however, pet owners know when an animal has aggressive tendencies that could potentially harm someone. It is a pet owner’s responsibility to control the animals he or she cares for to protect others from serious dog bites or animal attack injuries.
At Schramm Law Group, LLC, we offer experienced premises liability representation to clients throughout the Chicagoland area and DuPage County. Our practice is dedicated to giving injury victims a voice against at-fault or negligent parties, and their insurance companies.
A Lawyer Aggressively Fighting For The Compensation You Need
Remember that insurance companies are motivated to save money at every turn. Even when your injuries are indisputably tied to an animal attack, the opposing party will do everything possible to limit the amount of compensation you receive.
You need to have a detailed case presented aggressively in settlements or trial to recover what you deserve. We can help you recover dog bite compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Permanent scars or disfigurement
- Serious illnesses or infections
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Wrongful death
Determining Liability When Bitten By A Dog
Dog bite injuries in Illinois are governed by the Animal Control Act (hereafter “Act”). This Act was intended to broaden the common law liability of owners and keepers of animals. The pertinent section of the Act states as follows:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.” 510 ILCS 5/16.
To hold the animal owner liable under the Act, the plaintiff must be able to prove the following:
- An injury was caused by the defendant’s animal
- There was a lack of provocation
- There was peaceable conduct by the person injured, and
- The injured person was where they had a right to be
These requirements simplify the plaintiff’s burden of proof with the intention of holding animal owner’s responsible for injuries his or her animal causes. The purpose of the Act is to encourage strict control over animals by imposing liability on their owners for injuries caused to individuals who are peaceably conducting themselves in a location where they have a right to be. Partipilio v. DiMaria, 211 Ill. App. 3d 813 (1991).
Let’s Talk About Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
To better understand your situation and learn about your options, call 630-394-2191 or contact our office in DuPage County, Illinois, and arrange a free initial consultation. We offer representation in personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.
