Certain dogs can be dangerous and attack someone in ways that might lead to severe injuries, infections, and disfigurement. You have the right to sue the owner for your harm.
Illinois takes a tough stance on dog bites. In other states, an owner must be aware that their dog has a propensity towards violence in order to be liable for a dog bite. This state does not impose that requirement. Here, owners are strictly liable for their dogs and have the responsibility to restrain their animals, preventing bites to others. When you have been injured because of a dog bite, you need to call a trusted personal injury attorney. Contact an Aurora dog bite lawyer to learn more.
Strict Liability and Dog Bites
Under 510 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/16, owners are strictly liable for dog bites. That means you do not have to demonstrate the owner was negligent or that they were on notice that their dog could be violent. Instead, all they must demonstrate is that the dog was unprovoked but still attacked, attempted to attack, or injured someone who was peacefully conducting themselves and was legally present in the location.
An owner is liable if their dog bites someone unless that person was a trespasser or was antagonistic towards the dog. Given the assumption that the owner will be liable, it is now on the owner to demonstrate that one of the exceptions applies.
Most dog bites occur in people’s homes and yards. The victims are often friends or family members of the dog’s owners — making it feel awkward to pursue a claim. Hiring an Aurora attorney to handle a dog bite claim can help preserve personal relationships as you are usually involving their insurance company, not the owner directly.
Dangerous Dog Breeds
There is a lot of misinformation about dangerous dogs.
In fact, small dogs are often more aggressive than large dogs. These animals use their teeth and claws to defend themselves against perceived aggression, and little dogs may feel fear from even normal behaviors. They can cause severe damage — including disfigurement — to children, even if they are not as likely to cause serious harm to adults.
Breeds that are more associated with severe injuries include the Bully breeds, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Huskies. Owners of these breeds and people interacting with them should be aware of the potential risk. A dog bite lawyer in Aurora could investigate and determine the factors in play that might affect whether the owner should be held strictly liable or not.
After a Dog Bite
After a dog bites someone, it is essential to seek appropriate medical care. Dog bites can lead to infection, which can be deadly, so it is vital to have a professional clean the wound. Depending on the severity of the wound, the doctors may provide stitches, antibiotics, and other medicines. For severe attacks, medical care can be more extensive. It may include emergency surgery and a series of reconstructive operations.
In addition to seeking medical care, it is crucial to get the dog’s vaccination records from the owners. While it is rare, dogs are potential rabies carriers. If the vaccinations are up-to-date, then a person does not have to worry about contracting rabies. If they are not, then the dog should be quarantined to rule out rabies. With the costs associated with recovery, as well as potential trauma that might follow you after the incident, it is important to get a lawyer to handle your lawsuit for damages.
Talk to an Aurora Dog Bite Attorney
The aftermath of a dog bite can be traumatic. In addition to painful and time-consuming medical treatment, it can lead to a fear of dogs which can have a negative impact on your quality of life. The team at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. wants to help you secure the compensation you need. Contact an Aurora dog bite lawyer to learn more during a free consultation.